Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen, Ha Phan Ai Nguyen, Cao Khoa Dang, Minh Tri Phan, Huynh Ho Ngoc Quynh, Van Tuan Le, Chinh Van Dang, Tinh Huu Ho, Van Trong Phan, Thang Van Dinh, Thang Phan, Thi Anh Thu Dang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(1):37-46. Published online December 11, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.327

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The objective of this study was to characterize mental health issues among Vietnamese healthcare workers (HCWs) and to identify related factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 990 HCWs in 2021. Their mental health status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale.
Results
In total, 49.9%, 52.3%, and 29.8% of respondents were found to have depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model revealed that factors associated with increased anxiety scores included depression scores (β, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.51) and stress scores (β, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.52). Factors associated with increased depression scores included being frontline HCWs (β, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.10 to 1.10), stress scores (β, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.56), and anxiety scores (β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.47), while working experience was associated with reduced depression scores (β, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.01). Factors associated with increased stress scores included working experience (β, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.16), personal protective equipment interference with daily activities (β, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.00), depression scores (β, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.59), and anxiety scores (β, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.50), while age was associated with reduced stress scores (β, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.05).
Conclusions
Specific interventions are necessary to enhance and promote the mental health of HCWs so they can successfully cope with the circumstances of the pandemic.; Summary

Key Message
A cross-sectional study of 990 Vietnamese healthcare workers in Vietnam, 2021 revealed significant mental health issues: 49.9 % suffered from depression, 52.3 % from anxiety, and 29.8 % from stress. The study found a correlation between these conditions, with frontline workers being particularly vulnerable to depression. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted mental health interventions for healthcare workers, particularly those new to the field and working on the front lines, in order to better manage pandemic-related stressors.

Associations of Workplace Violence With Cardiovascular Disease Among United States Workers: Findings From a National Survey: Zheyu Hu, Jian Li; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(4):368-376. Published online July 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.032

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
Recent research indicates a potential association between workplace violence and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the working-age population. However, the relevant evidence in the United States is sparse. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the possible relationship between workplace violence and CVD among United States workers.
Methods
We utilized cross-sectional data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey, which included a representative sample of 18 380 workers, to investigate the associations between workplace violence and the prevalence of CVD using logistic regression. Workplace violence was determined based on self-reported threats, bullying, or harassment at work over the past 12 months, supplemented with additional information regarding frequency. CVD included all forms of heart disease and stroke.
Results
A total of 1334 workers reported experiences of workplace violence, and 1336 workers were diagnosed with CVD. After adjustment for covariates, participants who reported any instance of workplace violence had significantly higher odds of having CVD (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 2.30) than those who reported no such violence. Furthermore, the highest odds of CVD (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.63) were observed among those frequently exposed to workplace violence. Even occasional exposure to workplace violence was associated with 74% excess odds of CVD.
Conclusions
Our study indicates an association between workplace violence and CVD in United States workers, exhibiting a dose-response pattern.; Summary

Sleep Quality and Poor Sleep-related Factors Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: Thang Phan, Ha Phan Ai Nguyen, Cao Khoa Dang, Minh Tri Phan, Vu Thanh Nguyen, Van Tuan Le, Binh Thang Tran, Chinh Van Dang, Tinh Huu Ho, Minh Tu Nguyen, Thang Van Dinh, Van Trong Phan, Binh Thai Dang, Huynh Ho Ngoc Quynh, Minh Tran Le, Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(4):319-326. Published online May 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.528

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher.
Results
Participants’ mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95).
Conclusions
The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.

Summary

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A cross‐sectional study of sleep disturbance among middle‐aged cancer patients at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital
Anh Tuan Pham, Mai Tuyet Do, Huong Thi Thanh Tran
Cancer Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Special Article

Well-being Index Scores and Subjective Health Status of Korean Healthcare Workers: Yoonhee Shin, Bohyun Park, Nam-eun Kim, Eun Jeong Choi, Minsu Ock, Sun Ha Jee, Sue K. Park, Hyeong Sik Ahn, Hyesook Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(3):226-233. Published online May 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.114

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective level of health-related quality of life of Korean healthcare workers using various quality-of-life instruments.
Methods
This study included 992 participants, who were doctors and nurses. A survey was conducted between November 28 and December 4, 2019. Data from 954 participants divided into 3 groups (physicians, residents, and nurses) were analyzed. Four measurement tools (29 questions) were used in the survey to evaluate subjective health status and well-being.
Results
In the Mayo Well-being Index, burnout during work (88.5%) and emotional difficulties caused by work (84.0%) were frequently cited by the respondents. Regarding questions on burnout and emotional difficulties, residents and nurses had the highest scores (91.0 and 89.6%, respectively). Emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability, accounted for a high percentage (73.1%) of the total, while 82.2% of respondents reported that their work schedules interfered with their leisure and family time. There was no significant difference among the groups in subjective health status. However, 10.1% of the residents experienced very low quality of life, which was a higher proportion than that of physicians (2.7%) and nurses (5.2%).
Conclusions
The level of well-being that Korean medical workers experienced in relation to work was lower than the results of the United States healthcare workers surveyed using the same tool. This study was unique in that it conducted a subjective quality-of-life survey on Korean healthcare workers.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구의 목적은 다양한 삶의 질 도구를 사용하여 한국 의료종사자들의 건강과 관련된 삶의 질에 대한 주관적인 수준을 평가하는 것이다. 피로와 정서적 어려움, 업무로 인한 일상생활의 방해 등 한국 의료종사자의 일부 삶의 질 점수가 낮았다. 의료 종사자의 소진 경험이 환자의 치료에 부정적인 영향을 미친다는 것을 고려할 때 의료 종사자들의 삶의 질을 향상시키는 정책이 마련되어야하며, 건강과 관련된 직업적 위험요인 연구도 추가적으로 필요하다.

Original Articles

Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the World Health Organization’s “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene”: Evidence From a Vietnamese Central General Hospital: Huy Van Nguyen, Hieu Trung Tran, Long Quynh Khuong, Thanh Van Nguyen, Na Thi Nhi Ho, An Thi Minh Dao, Minh Van Hoang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2020;53(4):236-244. Published online May 7, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.19.319

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” has been lauded as effective in preventing hospital-associated infections, little is known about healthcare workers (HCWs)’ hand hygiene behavior. In this study, we sought to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the concepts in this initiative, as well as associated factors, among Vietnamese HCWs at a general hospital.
Methods
A structured questionnaire was administered to HCWs at a central Vietnamese general hospital in 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HCWs’ knowledge and attitudes towards hand hygiene.
Results
Of 120 respondents, 65.8% and 67.5% demonstrated appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude, respectively, regarding all 5 hand hygiene moments. Logistic regression indicated better knowledge of hand hygiene in workers who were over 30 years old, who were direct HCWs (rather than managers), who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received their clinical information from training. Those who worked in infectious and tropical disease wards, who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received information from training were more likely to have a positive attitude towards hand hygiene than their counterparts.
Conclusions
Although many Vietnamese HCWs displayed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards the WHO hand hygiene guidelines, a key gap remained. Regular education and training programs are needed to increase knowledge and to improve attitudes and practices towards hand hygiene. Furthermore, a combination of multimodal strategies and locally-adapted interventions is needed for sustainable hand hygiene adherence.

Summary

Citations

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Improvement in knowledge and perception about the controlling of COVID-19: best practice of apothecary student
Chynthia Pradiftha Sari, Suci Hanifah, Yulianto Yulianto, Dian Medisa, Zahrotun Nafiah, Muhammad Alfian Lutfi
Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research.2023; 13(2): 6. CrossRef
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Barriers to Health Service Utilization Among Iranian Female Sex Workers: A Qualitative Study: Mehran Asadi-Aliabadi, Jamileh Abolghasemi, Shahnaz Rimaz, Reza Majdzadeh, Fereshteh Rostami-Maskopaee, Effat Merghati-Khoei; J Prev Med Public Health. 2018;51(2):64-70. Published online February 6, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.17.174

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
In most countries around the world, sex work is an illegal activity. Female sex workers (FSWs) in Iran hide their identities, and they are known to be a hard-to-reach population. Despite free access to HIV testing, fewer than half of FSWs receive HIV testing. The purpose of this study was to characterize the reasons for which FSWs do not seek testing at drop-in centers (DICs) and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) centers in Iran. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2016. The participants were 24 FSWs who received services at VCT centers and DICs for vulnerable females in the north of Iran and 9 males who were the clients of FSWs. In this study, we made use of purposive sampling and carried out a thematic analysis. Results: We found 4 major and 6 minor themes. The major themes were: fear of being infected (with HIV), stigma, indifference, and knowledge. Conclusions: Despite the significant efforts made by the government of Iran to establish and expand DICs for vulnerable females, the number of FSWs receiving services at these centers has not been very considerable. Consequently, by introducing and implementing training programs for peer groups, it may be possible to take steps toward establishing strategic programs for the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Summary

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Charles Miyingo, Teddy Mpayenda, Ruth Nyole, Joan Ayinembabazi, Mujib Ssepuuya, Eddie Marvin Ssebuwufu, Sean Steven Puleh, Samson Udho, Amir Kabunga
HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care.2023; Volume 15: 105. CrossRef
Sex Workers' Self-conceptualization in Iran: An Empathetic Approach for the Redefinition of Prostitution
Ali Asghar Firouzjaeian, Mansoureh Shifteh, Hadis Feli
Sexuality & Culture.2023; 27(5): 1862. CrossRef
Prevalence and predictor factor of lifetime abortion in female sex workers in Iran: results of the national rapid assessment and response in 2017
Payam Roshanfekr, Leila Moftakhar, Sakineh Narouee, Delaram Ali, Meroe Vameghi, Christopher Fairley
Sexual Health.2023; 20(4): 366. CrossRef
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Lydia Atuhaire, Constance S. Shumba, Peter S. Nyasulu
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Nasim Sadat Hosseini Divkolaye, Javad Khalatbari, Marjan Faramarzi, Fariba Seighali, Shokoufeh Radfar, Ali ArabKhazaeli, Frederick M. Burkle
Sexuality & Culture.2021; 25(1): 1. CrossRef
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Yuxi Lin, Chuanxi Li, Lin Wang, Kedi Jiao, Wei Ma
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BMC Public Health.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
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Javad Yoosefi Lebni, Seyed Fahim Irandoost, Ali Akbar Dehghan, Arash Ziapour, Bahar Khosravi, Nafiul Mehedi
Heliyon.2021; 7(12): e08512. CrossRef
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I Gusti Ngurah Edi Putra, Pande Putu Januraga
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Heliyon.2020; 6(12): e05649. CrossRef
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Putu Erma Pradnyani, Arief Wibowo, Mahmudah
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Mehran Rostami, Aboubakr Neshati-Khorram, Shahab Rezaeian
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Reconstruction of Radiation Dose Received by Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists in Korea: Yeongchull Choi, Jaeyoung Kim, Jung Jeung Lee, Jae Kwan Jun, Won Jin Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2016;49(5):288-300. Published online August 23, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.16.064

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
Diagnostic medical radiation workers in Korea have been officially monitored for their occupational radiation doses since 1996. The purpose of this study was to design models for reconstructing unknown individual radiation doses to which diagnostic radiation technologists were exposed before 1996.
Methods
Radiation dose reconstruction models were developed by using cross-sectional survey data and the personal badge doses of 8167 radiologic technologists. The models included calendar year and age as predictors, and the participants were grouped into six categories according to their sex and facility type. The annual doses between 1971 and 1995 for those who were employed before 1996 were estimated using these models.
Results
The calendar year and age were inversely related to the estimated radiation doses in the models of all six groups. The annual median estimated doses decreased from 9.45 mSv in 1971 to 1.26 mSv in 1995, and the associated dose variation also decreased with time. The estimated median badge doses from 1996 (1.22 mSv) to 2011 (0.30 mSv) were similar to the measured doses (1.68 mSv to 0.21 mSv) for the same years. Similar results were observed for all six groups.
Conclusions
The reconstruction models developed in this study may be useful for estimating historical occupational radiation doses received by medical radiologic technologists in Korea.

Summary

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Radiology.2021; 300(3): 605. CrossRef
Estimation of the historical radiation dose of Korean radiation workers, 1961–1983
Dalnim Lee, Won Jin Lee, Young Woo Jin, Jiyeong Kim, Soojin Park, Sunhoo Park, Songwon Seo
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Radiation Protection Dosimetry.2020; 189(1): 106. CrossRef
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Yeongchull Choi, Eun Shil Cha, Ye Jin Bang, Seulki Ko, Mina Ha, Choonsik Lee, Won Jin Lee
Radiation Protection Dosimetry.2018; 179(2): 142. CrossRef
Projected lifetime cancer risks from occupational radiation exposure among diagnostic medical radiation workers in South Korea
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BMC Cancer.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Assessing the health effects associated with occupational radiation exposure in Korean radiation workers: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Songwon Seo, Wan Young Lim, Dal Nim Lee, Jung Un Kim, Eun Shil Cha, Ye Jin Bang, Won Jin Lee, Sunhoo Park, Young Woo Jin
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Epidemiological Investigation of an Outbreak of Hepatitis A at a Residential Facility for the Disabled, 2011: Hyun-Sul Lim, Kumbal Choi, Saerom Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2013;46(2):62-73. Published online March 28, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.2.62

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Abstract PDF

Objectives

An outbreak of hepatitis A occurred at a residential facility for the disabled in July 10, 2011. This investigation was carried out to develop a response plan, and to find the infection source of the disease.

Methods

A field epidemiologist investigated the symptoms, vaccination histories, living environments, and probable infection sources with 51 residents and 31 teachers and staff members. In July 25, 81 subjects were tested for the hepatitis A virus antibody, and specimens of the initial 3 cases and the last case were genetically tested.

Results

Three cases occurred July 10 to 14, twelve cases August 3 to 9, and the last case on August 29. Among the teachers and staff, no one was IgM positive (on July 25). The base sequences of the initial 3 and of the last case were identical. The vehicle of the outbreak was believed to be a single person. The initial 3 patients were exposed at the same time and they might have disseminated the infection among the patients who developed symptoms in early August, and the last patient might have, in turn, been infected by the early August cases.

Conclusions

The initial source of infection is not clear, but volunteers could freely come into contact with residents, and an infected volunteer might have been the common infection source of the initial patients. Volunteers' washing their hands only after their activity might be the cause of this outbreak. Although there may be other possible causes, it would be reasonable to ask volunteers to wash their hands both before and after their activities.

Summary

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English Abstract

Reliability of Self-Reported Information by Farmers on Pesticide Use.: Yo Han Lee, Eun Shil Cha, Eun Kyeong Moon, Kyoung Ae Kong, Sang Baek Koh, Yun Keun Lee, Won Jin Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2010;43(6):535-542.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2010.43.6.535

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Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Exposure assessment is a major challenge faced by studies that evaluate the association between pesticide exposure and adverse health outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of information that farmers self-report regarding their pesticide use. METHODS: Twenty five items based upon existing questionnaires were designed to focus on pesticide exposure. In 2009 a self-administrated survey was conducted on two occasions four weeks apart among 205 farmers residing in Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces. For a reliability measure, we calculated the percentage agreement, the kappa statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two reports according to the characteristics of the subjects. RESULTS: Agreement for ever-never use of any pesticide was 96.4% (kappa 0.61). For both 'years used' and 'age at the first use' of overall pesticides, high agreement was obtained (ICC: 0.88 and, 0.78, respectively), whereas those of 'days used' and 'hours used' were relatively low (ICC: 0.42 and, 0.66, respectively). The kappa value for the use of personal protective equipment ranged from 0.46 to 0.59, and hygiene activities came out at 0.19 to 0.37. The agreement for individual pesticide use ranged widely and there was relatively low agreement due to the low response rates. The reliability scores did not significantly vary according to gender, age, the education level, the types of crop or the years of farming. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support that carefully designed, self-reported information on ever-never pesticide use among farmers is reliable. However, the reliability of data on individual pesticide exposure may be unstable due to low response rates and needs to be refined.

Summary

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Evaluation of two-year recall of self-reported pesticide exposure among Ugandan smallholder farmers
William Mueller, Aggrey Atuhaire, Ruth Mubeezi, Iris van den Brenk, Hans Kromhout, Ioannis Basinas, Kate Jones, Andrew Povey, Martie van Tongeren, Anne-Helen Harding, Karen S. Galea, Samuel Fuhrimann
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.2022; 240: 113911. CrossRef
Recall of exposure in UK farmers and pesticide applicators: trends with follow-up time
William Mueller, Kate Jones, Hani Mohamed, Neil Bennett, Anne-Helen Harding, Gillian Frost, Andrew Povey, Ioannis Basinas, Hans Kromhout, Martie van Tongeren, Samuel Fuhrimann, Karen S Galea
Annals of Work Exposures and Health.2022; 66(6): 754. CrossRef
Increased risk of atherosclerosis associated with pesticide exposure in rural areas in Korea
Sungjin Park, Jung Ran Choi, Sung-Kyung Kim, Solam Lee, Kyungsuk Lee, Jang-Young Kim, Sung-Soo Oh, Sang-Baek Koh, Paula Boaventura
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Exposure to pesticides and the prevalence of diabetes in a rural population in Korea
Sungjin Park, Sung-Kyung Kim, Jae-Yeop Kim, Kyungsuk Lee, Jung Ran Choi, Sei-Jin Chang, Choon Hee Chung, Kyu-Sang Park, Sung-Soo Oh, Sang-Baek Koh
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Reliability of self‐reported questionnaire on occupational radiation practices among diagnostic radiologic technologists
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American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2017; 60(4): 377. CrossRef
Comparison of Questionnaire Items Used to Evaluate the Level of Occupational and Environmental Exposure in Questionnaires for Epidemiological Studies
Jiyeon Lim, Hyung-Suk Yoon, Mansuk Park, Young Seoub Hong, Jong-Koo Lee, Se-Eun Oh, Daehee Kang, Kyoung-Mu Lee
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2016; 42(2): 71. CrossRef
Symptom Prevalence and Work-related Risk Factors of Acute Pesticide Poisoning among Korean Farmers in Gyeong-gi Province
Hyang Seok Lee, Ji Hoon Lee, Soo Yong Roh, Ho Gil Kim, Kyung Jun Lee, Sun Ju Nam-gung, Soon Chan Kwon, Soo Jin Lee
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2015; 40(4): 228. CrossRef
A Pilot Study for Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms and Information on Pesticide Use among Farmers
Hyun-Joong Kim, Eun-Shil Cha, Eun-Kyeong Moon, You-Sun Ko, Jae-Young Kim, Mi-Hye Jeong, Won-Jin Lee
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2011; 37(1): 22. CrossRef
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Original Articles

Cohort Study for the Effect of Chronic Noise Exposure on Blood Pressure among Male Workers.: Ji Ho Lee, Tae Joon Cha, Jang Rak Kim, Weechang Kang, Seung Rim Yaang, Choong Ryeol Lee, Cheol In Yoo; Korean J Prev Med. 2002;35(3):205-213.

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE
Whether exposure to chronic noise induces an increase in blood pressure, or the development of hypertension, has not been established. A cohort study was performed to identify the effects of chronic noise exposure on blood pressure. METHODS: 530 males working at a metal manufacturing factory in Busan, Korea were enrolled for the study. They were monitored for 9 consecutive years, from 1991 to 1999, with an annual health check-up. The subjects were divided into 4 groups, which were determines by noise level categories(NLC) according to noise intensity ; NLC-I: office workers, exposed to noise a level below 60dB(A); NLC-II: field technical supporters or supervisors, frequently exposed to workplace noise, wearing no hearing protection device; NLC-III: workers, exposed to workplace noise below 85 dB(A), wearing ear plugs or muffs; NLC-IV: workers, exposed to workplace noise over 85 dB(A), wearing both ear plugs and muffs. RESULTS: After controlling possible confoundens, such as baseline age, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, family history of hypertension, systolic(SBP) or diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and changes in BMI (body mass index), the pooled mean for the systolic blood pressures, over the duration of the study period, were 3.8mmHg, 2.0mmHg and 1.7mmHg higher in NLC-IV, NLC-III NLC-II groups, respectively, than in the NLC-I group. There were no significant differences in the diastolic blood pressures between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that chronic noise exposure increases systolic blood pressure independently, among male workers.; Summary

Understanding the Occurrence of Lung Cancer in Foundry Workers through Health Insurance Data .: Yeon Soon Ahn, Jae Seok Song, Seong Kyu Kang, Ho Keun Chung; Korean J Prev Med. 2000;33(3):299-305.

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Abstract PDF: CONCLUSIONS: To investigate the difference in the occurrence of lung cancer between foundry workers and non-foundry workers by comparing the number of workers diagnosed with lung cancer through health insurance data. METHODS: The study population was comprised of 28,884 workers who had undergone at least one general or special medical examination between January 1995 and December 1997 at the occupational health center. All of the subjects had health insurance during this period. We combined the medical examination data with the health insurance data to compare the number of foundry workers diagnosed with lung cancer and the number of non-foundry workers diagnosed with lung cancer. RESULTS: Seven workers were diagnosed with lung cancer among the 1,591 foundry workers, compared to twelve workers among the 27,293 non-foundry workers (odds ratio: 10.04, 95% confidence interval: 3.95-25.55). The seven foundry workers diagnosed with lung cancer were all exposed to dust, and six out these seven workers were engaged in finishing or shake-out processes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the information for this study was obtained from health insurance data, which has limitations such as accuracy and completeness, the number of foundry workers diagnosed with lung cancer was significantly higher than that of non-foundry workers. Therefore, a well-designed cohort study should be followed to confirm the higher lung cancer rates in foundry workers.; Summary

The effect of smoking and drinking habit on the health status of lead workers.: Choong Koo Lee, Yong Bae Kim, Gap Soo Lee, Kyu Yoon Hwang, Hwa Sung Kim, Sung Soo Lee, Kyu Dong Ahn, Byung Kook Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 1998;31(4):708-718.

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Abstract PDF: To investigate the effect of smoking and drinking habit on the health status in lead using industries, 2,785 male workers in lead using industries (7 storage battery industries, 7 secondary smelting and related industries, and 4 primary metal and other manufacturing industries) were selected for this study. This study was carried out as a part of periodic health examination. Selected study variables were zinc protoporphyrin in whole blood (ZPP), SGOT and SGPT for laboratory test. Questionnaire for lead related symptoms and smoking and drinking habit was provided to all the workers and filled up by themselves and reconfirmed by physician. The results obtained were as follows; 1. The overall smoking and drinking rate of study population were 69.8% and 73.6%, respectively. While the smoking and drinking rate of storage battery workers were 68.8% and 72.3%, those of secondary smelting industries and other industries were 66.0% and 66.4% and 74.6 and 80.3% respectively. 2. While the mean values of blood ZPP of lead exposed workers were significantly higher than other group, those of SGOT of storage battery workers were significant higher than other worker. But there were no differences of mean values of other variables. 3. Smoking habit did not affect on the mean value of blood ZPP of workers in special health examination group, but there were significant differences of blood ZPP and SGOT between drinker and non-drinker. 4. Symptom prevalence of lead exposure were higher in drinking and smoking group than non-drinking and non-smoking group. 5. In multiple regression analysis of the total lead related symptoms, blood ZPP, SGOT, and SGPT as dependent variable, respectively, and age, work duration, blood ZPP, pack year and amount of alcohol drinking as independent variables, work duration, pack year, amount of alcohol drinking, age contributed to total symptoms; and age, work duration, pack year contributed to blood ZPP; and age, amount of alcohol drinking, work duration contributed to SGOT; and pack year contributed to SGPT.; Summary

Chromosome Aberrations and Sister Chromatid Exchanges of Hospital Workers Exposed to Radiation.: Ae Ri Cha, Mi Sun Kim, In Kyung Hwang, Su Ill Lee, Byung Mann Cho, Don Kyoun Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 1998;31(4):616-627.

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Abstract PDF: In order to evaluate the cytogenetic hazard among hospital workers potentially exposed to low dose of radiation, the analysis of chromosome aberrations(CA) and sister chromatid exchanges(SCE) in lymphocytes were performed in 79 hospital workers and 79 non-exposed workers. The mean frequency of chromosomal exchange and deletion(respectively, 0.20X10-2/cell and 0.39X10(-2)/cell) in the exposed group were significantly higher than those(0.07X10(-2)/cell and 0.23X10-2/cell) in control group. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges was 5.04/cell in the control vs. 6.57/cell in the exposed group. There were also significant differences in the mean frequencies of CA and SCE adjusted for age, sex, smoking, drinking between two groups. There were no evidence of significant increase of CA and SCE according to the department or duration of employment. But the frequency of cells having chromosome aberration was significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group related to duration of employment. There was no dose-effect relationship between the cumulative doses and the frequency of CA and SCE. But in the case of last 1 yr cumulative dose, there were evidence of significant dose-dependant increase of chromosome type CA and percentage of cells with aberration. The result suggest that there is cytogenetic hazard in risk group like hospital workers handling low dose radiation. And the analysis CA and SCE are useful biological indicators for the exposure of low dose level of radiation.; Summary

The relationship between the utilization of health center and exposed amount to solvent by using cumulative exposure index.: Ju Won Park, Soon Young Lee, Jae Yeon Jang, Kyung Jong Lee, Ho Grun Jeong; Korean J Prev Med. 1998;31(3):404-413.

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Abstract PDF: This study was conducted in order to clarify the factors affecting the number of utilization to health center for the shipyard workers who have been work in exposed environment to solvent. At first the tendencies of the number of utilization to health center in accordance with cumulative exposure(CE), lifetime weighted average exposure(LWAE), one's place of duty, work contents, states of using safety apparatus, the degree of the knowledge on handling solvents, exposure year. 1) The increase in the cumulative exposure(CE) was significantly higher in the number of utilization to health center. The group with longer exposure year showed significantly higher number of utilization to health center(p<0.01). Considering the work contents such as power blasting, spray, mixing and touch-up, the group of touch-up showed higher number of utilization to health center and this difference was statistically significant(p<0.001). Those who were not using the safety apparatus, showed higher number of utilization to health center, which was statistically significant(p<0.05). The degree of the knowledge on handling the solvent had no relation with using health center. 2) The results conducted from this study by multiple regression analysis in clarifying the factors affecting the number of utilization to health center, CE, exposure year and using safety apparatus was significant factor in utilization of health center.; Summary

Effect of Therapeutic Exercises on Shoulder Dysfunction in VDT-related female Office Workers.: Soon Seok Choi, Kui Won Jeong, Sang Hwa Urm, Soo Jin Jeong, Jong Tae Lee, Jin Ho Chun, Chae Un Lee, Ki Taek Pae; Korean J Prev Med. 1998;31(2):228-239.

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Abstract PDF: Visual display terminal(VDT) is popular in majority of office in modern countries. Musculoskeletal pain due to repetitive work with VDT is a serious industrial accident at present. In recent studies, shoulder pain in VDT users is the most common problem in Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of exercises on shoulder dysfunction in VDT-related female office workers. Of the l19 patients with shoulder dysfunction, 32 patients entered into the study. 16 patients(Group I) were not prescribed exercises, other 16 patients (Group II) performed throughout the specific shoulder exercises such as pendular exercises(forward, backward and circumduction) and sidelying external rotation exercises with weights. After 3 months of exercises, the two groups were compared in term of the pain rating scale, disability questionnaire score and range of motion score. The results were summarized as follows ; l. The pain rating scale in Group I before and after 3 months were not differenced significantly(p value=0.784) and in Group II, the scale before and after exercises were differenced significantly(p value=0.0005). 2. The disability, questionnaire scores in Group I before and after 3 months were not differenced significantly(p value=0.437) and in Group II, the scores before and after exercises were differenced significantly(p value=0.0002). 3. The ROM scores of the affected shoulder in Group I before and after 3 months were not differenced significantly(p value=0.876) and in Group II, the scores before and after exercises were differenced significantly(p value=0.0017). In conclusion, that the specific shoulder exercises on shoulder dysfunction in VDT-related female office workers are encouraged.; Summary

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