Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/genetics* ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Text Messaging

PURPOSE: Adverse health effects of smoking could be made worse by worker's tobacco use, and combining tobacco use with occupational hazards could enhance the likelihood of occupational disease and injury. This study was aimed to develop a workplace smoking cessation program based on self-determination theory (SDT) and then to examine the effectiveness of the program. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with nonequivalent control group pretesteposttest design was used. An intervention group (n = 30) received a smoking cessation program using individual counseling and tailored text messaging based on SDT during 12 weeks. Participants in the control group (n = 30) received a smoking cessation leaflet and telephonic follow-up for 3 times. RESULTS: At 6 and 12 weeks, there were significant differences between the two groups on autonomous regulation, perceived competence, nicotine dependence, tobacco abstinence rate, and exhaled carbon monoxide concentration. At 12 weeks, the abstinence rate in the intervention group was 96.7%, whereas that in the control group was 12.9%. CONCLUSION: SDT-based workplace smoking cessation program using individual counseling and tailored text messaging is effective in encouraging autonomous regulation and competence for workers.
Carbon Monoxide ; Counseling ; Follow-Up Studies ; Mental Competency ; Occupational Diseases ; Pilot Projects ; Smoke ; Smoking Cessation ; Smoking ; Text Messaging ; Tobacco ; Tobacco Use ; Tobacco Use Disorder

BACKGROUND/AIMS: School nurses’ knowledge of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate school nurses’ knowledge of IBD and determine whether education could improve this knowledge. METHODS: School nurses were invited to complete self-reported questionnaires on IBD. Then, IBD specialists from tertiary referral hospitals provided a 60-minute lecture with educational brochures on two occasions, with a 3-month interval. Within 6 months after the educational interventions, school nurses were asked to complete the same IBD questionnaire via e-mail. RESULTS: Among 101 school nurses who were invited to participate, 54 nurses (53.5%) who completed two consecutive questionnaires were included in this study (median age, 45 years; range, 25 to 59 years; 100% female); 11.1% and 7.4% of the study participants had no knowledge regarding ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively. They had heard of IBD most frequently from doctors (33.3%), followed by internet sources (25.9%). After 6 months, the number of nurses who could explain IBD to students with over 30% confidence increased from 24 (44.5%) to 42 (77.8%) (p < 0.001). Most nurses (81.5%) reported that the educational intervention was helpful for managing students with abdominal pain or diarrhea. The number of students who received IBD-related welfare services from the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education doubled when compared with the corresponding number during the prior educational year. CONCLUSIONS: There is room for improvement in school nurses’ knowledge of IBD. A systematic educational program on IBD should be implemented for these nurses.
Abdominal Pain ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Crohn Disease ; Daegu ; Diarrhea ; Education* ; Electronic Mail ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Internet ; Pamphlets ; Schools, Nursing ; Specialization ; Tertiary Care Centers

Patient education is important for successful management of atopic dermatitis; however, due to limited time and resources, patient education remains insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the current state of education provided by Korean dermatologists, pediatric allergists, and allergists to patients with atopic dermatitis. A questionnaire survey consisting of items regarding educational programs for patients with atopic dermatitis was conducted via e-mail. In total, 153 participants responded to the questionnaires, and 26.8% indicated that they have had separate educational programs. The workforce involved in the educational program included nurses, residents or fellows, dieticians, pharmacists, and clinical psychologists. Most education protocols addressed the characteristics and natural course of atopic dermatitis and environmental management. Overall, 96.7% of the participants replied that an additional charge is needed for education; moreover, additional assistance from an academic society or association, in the form of medical staff, organized data, and advertisement, is required to develop and provide a well-structured educational program. A standardized education protocol will effectively provide appropriate education for patients with atopic dermatitis. Arrangement of education fees, covered by the National Health Insurance Service, will lead to the establishment of a structured educational program and participation of an additional medical workforce.
Dermatitis, Atopic ; Education ; Electronic Mail ; Fees and Charges ; Humans ; Korea ; Medical Staff ; National Health Programs ; Nutritionists ; Patient Education as Topic ; Pharmacists ; Psychology

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and neuromuscular monitoring in anesthetic management are integral for endotracheal intubation, better visualization of the surgical field, and prevention of residual neuromuscular blockade and pulmonary complications. Sugammadex is a drug that reduces risk of residual neuromuscular blockade, with more rapid recovery compared to anticholinesterase. The purpose of this study was to investigate current usage status of NMBAs and antagonist with neuromuscular monitoring, among anesthesiologists in Korea.METHODS: Anesthesiologists working in Korea were invited to participate in an online survey via email January 2–February 28, 2018. The questionnaire consisted of 45 items, including preferred NMBAs, antagonists, neuromuscular monitoring, and complications related to the use sugammadex. A total of 174 responses were analyzed.RESULTS: Rocuronium was a commonly used NMBA for endotracheal intubation (98%) of hospitals, and maintenance of anesthesia (83.3%) in of hospitals. Sugammadex, pyridostigmine, and neostigmine were used in 89.1%, 87.9%, and 45.4% of hospitals. Neuromuscular monitoring was employed in 79.3% of hospitals; however only 39.7% of hospitals used neuromuscular monitoring before antagonist administration. Usual dosage range of sugammadex was 2.1–4 mg/kg in 35.1% of hospitals, within 2 mg/kg in 34.5% of hospitals, and 1 vial regardless of body weight in 22.4% of hospitals. Sugammadex-related complications were encountered by 14.9% of respondents.CONCLUSIONS: This survey indicates several minor problems associated with the use of antagonists and neuromuscular monitoring. However, most anesthesiologists appear to have appropriate information regarding the usage of NMBAs and sugammadex.
Anesthesia ; Body Weight ; Delayed Emergence from Anesthesia ; Electronic Mail ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; Korea ; Neostigmine ; Neuromuscular Blockade ; Neuromuscular Blocking Agents ; Neuromuscular Monitoring ; Pyridostigmine Bromide ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the demographic characteristics and trauma service structures and processes of hospitals in 15 countries across the Asia Pacific, and to provide baseline data for the integrated trauma database: the Pan-Asian Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS).METHODS: Medical directors and emergency physicians at PATOS-participating hospitals in countries across the Asia Pacific were surveyed through a standardized questionnaire. General information, trauma care system data, and trauma emergency department (ED) outcomes at each hospital were collected by email and analyzed using descriptive statistics.RESULTS: Survey data from 35 hospitals across 15 countries were collected from archived data between June 2014 and July 2015. Designated trauma centers were identified as the highest hospital level for trauma patients in 70% of surveyed countries. Half of the hospitals surveyed had special teams for trauma care, and almost all prepared activation protocol documents for these teams. Most hospitals offered specialized trauma education programs, and 72.7% of hospitals had a hospital-based trauma registry. The total number of trauma patients visiting the ED across 25 of the hospitals was 300,376. The overall survival-to-discharge rate was 97.2%; however, it varied greatly between 85.1% and 99.7%. The difference between survival-to-discharge rates of moderate and severe injury groups was highest in Taiwan (41.8%) and lowest in Thailand (18.6%).CONCLUSION: Trauma care systems and ED outcomes vary widely among surveyed hospitals and countries. This information is useful to build further detailed, systematic platforms for trauma surveillance and evidence-based trauma care policies.
Asia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Education ; Electronic Mail ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Physician Executives ; Taiwan ; Thailand ; Trauma Centers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a daily life-based physical activity enhancement program performed by middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: This study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. Middle-aged women aged 45 to 64 were recruited from two outpatient cardiology departments, and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=28) and a control group (n=30). For the experimental group, after providing one-on-one counseling and education, we provided customized text messages to motivate them in daily life. To monitor the practice of physical activity, they also used an exercise diary and mobile pedometer for 12 weeks. Subjects' physical activities (MET-min/week) were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Their physiological data were obtained by blood tests using a portable analyzer, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0/WIN program. RESULTS: There were significant differences in exercise self-efficacy, health behavior, IPAQ score, body fat, body muscle, and fasting blood sugar between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences in total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSION: Strengthening physical activity in daily life without being limited by cost burden and time and space constraints. Therefore, it is essential to motivate middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease to practice activities that are easily performed in their daily lives.
Adipose Tissue ; Blood Glucose ; Cardiology ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Counseling ; Education ; Fasting ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Motor Activity ; Outpatients ; Patient Education as Topic ; Self Efficacy ; Text Messaging ; Waist-Hip Ratio

PURPOSE: Despite its clinical benefits, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is less widely implemented for gastric cancer surgery. This nationwide survey investigated the current status of the implementation of ERAS in perioperative care for gastric cancer surgery in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This survey enrolled 89 gastric surgeons from 52 institutions in South Korea. The questionnaire consisted of 24 questions about the implementation of the ERAS protocols in the management of gastric cancer surgery. The survey was carried out using an electronic form sent via email. RESULTS: Of the 89 gastric surgeons, 58 (65.2%) answered that they have knowledge of the concept and details of ERAS, 45 (50.6%) of whom were currently applying ERAS for their patients. Of the ERAS protocols, preoperative education (91.0%), avoidance of preoperative fasting (68.5%), maintenance of intraoperative normothermia (79.8%), thromboprophylaxis (96.5%), early active ambulation (64.4%), and early removal of urinary catheter (68.5%) were relatively well adopted in perioperative care. However, other practices, such as avoidance of preoperative bowel preparation (41.6%), provision of preoperative carbohydrate-rich drink (10.1%), avoidance of routine abdominal drainage (31.4%), epidural anesthesia (15.9%), single-dose prophylactic antibiotics (19.3%), postoperative high oxygen therapy (36.8%), early postoperative diet (14.6%), restricted intravenous fluid administration (53.9%), and application of discharge criteria (57.3%) were not very well adopted for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative management of gastric cancer surgery is largely heterogeneous among gastric surgeons in South Korea. Standard perioperative care based on scientific evidence needs to be established to improve the quality of surgical care and patient outcomes.
Anesthesia, Epidural ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Diet ; Drainage ; Education ; Electronic Mail ; Fasting ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Korea ; Oxygen ; Perioperative Care ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Surgeons ; Urinary Catheters ; Walking

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to develop a mobile app-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) for implementation of Korean clinical imaging guidelines (K-CIGs) and to assess future developments therein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: K-CIGs were implemented in the form of a web-based application (http://cdss.or.kr/). The app containing K-CIGs consists of 53 information databases, including 10 medical subspecialties and 119 guidelines, developed by the Korean Society of Radiology (KSR) between 2015 and 2017. An email survey consisting of 18 questions on the implementation of K-CIGs and the mobile app-based CDSS was distributed to 43 members of the guideline working group (expert members of the KSR and Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology) and 23 members of the consultant group (clinical experts belonging to related medical societies) to gauge opinion on the future developmental direction of K-CIGs. RESULTS: The web-based mobile app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Detailed information on the grade of recommendation, evidence level, and radiation dose for each imaging modality in the K-CIGs can be accessed via the home page and side menus. In total, 32 of the 66 experts contacted completed the survey (response rate, 45%). Twenty-four of the 32 respondents were from the working group and eight were from the consulting group. Most (93.8%) of the respondents agreed on the need for ongoing development and implementation of K-CIGs. CONCLUSION: This study describes the mobile app-based CDSS designed for implementation of K-CIGs in Korea. The results will allow physicians to have easy access to the K-CIGs and encourage appropriate use of imaging modalities.
Consultants ; Decision Support Systems, Clinical ; Electronic Mail ; Humans ; Korea ; Mobile Applications ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: Although the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) can be affected by social changes, this association has not been well evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of ED through a 10-year-interval web-based survey using the previous database of same group of panels, with same methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We sent e-mails and surveyed the panels registered in the Internet survey agency. RESULTS: In total, 900 participants were recruited in 2016. The age-adjusted overall prevalences of self-reported ED (self-ED) and International Index of Erectile Function-5-assessed ED (IIEF-5-ED; score ≤21) in the 2016 study were 3.2% and 44.8%, respectively, which were lower than the prevalences of 8.1% (p=0.036) and 51.4% (p=0.323), respectively, in the 2006 study. The risk factors of IIEF-5-ED in their 20s and 30s in 2016 were psycho-social factors such as depression, low frequency of conversation about sex with sexual partner. The risk factors of IIEF-5-ED in their 40s to 60s in 2016 were organic factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, and self-reported premature ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the age-adjusted overall prevalence of self-ED has decreased during a decade, there was no difference in the age-adjusted overall prevalence of IIEF-5-ED. Psycho-social support may be important for young men with ED and overall healthcare can be helpful for elderly men with ED.
Aged ; Delivery of Health Care ; Depression ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Electronic Mail ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Internet ; Male ; Premature Ejaculation ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sexual Partners ; Sexuality ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Social Change