1.  Peer Reviewed Title: Clinical and biochemical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome in Korean women. Author: Chae SJ; Kim JJ; Choi YM; Hwang KR; Jee BC Source: Human Reproduction. 2008;23(8):1924-1931. Abstract: BACKGROUND: We investigated the differences in anthropometrical, hormonal and insulin resistance parameters according to the subtype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Korean women. METHODS: We recruited 166 women with PCOS and retrospectively recruited 277 controls. PCOS was diagnosed by irregular menstruation (IM), polycystic ovary (PCO) and hyperandrogenism (HA). Subjects were divided into four subgroups: the IM/HA/PCO group (n = 87, 52.4%), the IM/PCO group (n = 52, 31.3%), the IM/HA group (n = 23, 13.9%) and the HA/PCO group (n = 4, 2.4%). Clinical and biochemical variables were compared among the PCOS subgroups. RESULTS: The IM/HA/PCO and IM/HA groups showed higher body mass index (P < 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (P < 0.001) than the IM/PCO group. The IM/HA group had higher triglyceride levels than the other groups (P < 0.001). Higher fasting insulin (P < 0.001) and postprandial 2 h insulin (P < 0.01) were noted in the IM/HA/PCO group and the IM/HA group, compared with the IM/PCO group. Women with PCOS showed lower sex hormone-binding globulin (P < 0.001) and higher systolic blood pressure (BP) (P = 0.004), diastolic BP (P = 0.001), fasting insulin (P < 0.001), postprandial 2 h insulin (P < 0.001), homeostatic model for insulin resistance (P < 0.001) and clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05) compared with subjects without PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Women with PCOS without HA are common in Korea and are less likely to have metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and elevated BP. PCOS without HA may be a mild phenotype of PCOS. Therefore, women with PCOS in Korea could have a reduced likelihood of having metabolic syndrome compared with women of other ethnicities. Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | OVARIAN EFFECTS | BLOOD PRESSURE | FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE | LUTEINIZING HORMONE | MENSTRUATION DISORDERS | METABOLIC EFFECTS | Studies | Research Methodology | Ovary | Genitalia, Female | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Hemic System | Gonadotropins, Pituitary | Gonadotropins | Hormones | Endocrine System | Diseases Document Number: 327760 |
| 2. Peer Reviewed Title: Cervical cancer associated with pregnancy: Results of a multicenter retrospective Korean study (KGOG-1006). Author: Lee JM; Lee KB; Kim YT; Ryu HS; Kim YT Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008 Jan;198(1):92.e1-92.e6. Abstract: The objective of the study was to analyze the characteristics of cervical cancer associated with pregnancy. Forty patients with cervical cancer associated with pregnancy were retrospectively identified between 1995-2003. Three controls for each case were matched on the basis of age, stage, histology, and date of treatment. Sampling of cervical cytology after the second trimester was the most common cause of delayed diagnosis. Among 12 patients who delayed treatment for fetal maturity, 2 died of disease. There was no difference in overall survival between pregnant and nonpregnant patients with stage Ib tumors. In contrast to nonpregnant patients, the depth of stromal invasion was not correlated with the incidence of lymph vascular space involvement and lymph node metastasis in pregnant patients. Thorough evaluation is warranted before deciding whether to delay treatment until fetal maturity. Pregnancy does not adversely affect the prognosis of early-stage cervical cancer significantly. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | CERVICAL CANCER | PREGNANCY | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | TREATMENT | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Reproduction | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 323464 |
| 3. Title: Health-related quality of life and sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. Author: Oh SJ; Ku JH; Choo MS; Yun JM; Kim DY Source: International Journal of Urology. 2008 Jan;15(1):62-67. Abstract: We evaluated the impact of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and sexual function. A total of 245 women (SUI; n = 123 and OAB; n = 122) from 21 to 79 years old (mean 50.4) were included in the primary analyses. To obtain HRQOL and sexual function assessments, patients were asked to fill in the 'Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS)' and the 'Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36)' questionnaires. Of the eight domains in the SF-36 questionnaire, only 'general health' was significantly different between the groups. Patients with SUI had a better general health than those with OAB (P = 0.016). When comparing the BFLUTS scores in the two groups, the score for 'BFLUTS-filling symptoms' was higher in the OAB group (P =0.002) but that for 'BFLUTS-incontinence symptoms' was higher in the SUI group (P less than 0.001). The score for 'BFLUTS-sex' was higher in the SUI group than in the OAB group but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.096). Of the 169 patients who had a sex life, the SUI group had experienced pain (P = 0.033) and leakage (P = 0.056) more frequently during intercourse than the OAB group. Both SUI and OAB have a detrimental impact on patient HRQOL in Korean women. In addition, our findings suggest that women with SUI had more frequently experienced pain during intercourse and coital incontinence than those with OAB. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | QUESTIONNAIRES | WOMEN | UROGENITAL EFFECTS | QUALITY OF LIFE | SEX BEHAVIOR | Demographic Factors | Population | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Social Welfare | Economic Factors | Behavior Document Number: 323458 |
4.  Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of single parenthood on educational aspiration and student disengagement in Korea. Author: Park H Source: Demographic Research. 2008 May 18;18(13):377-408. Abstract: The recent rapid increase in divorce, along with its distinctive cultural and welfare environments for single-parent families, makes Korea an interesting case for examining effects of single parenthood on children's education. Using data from Korean 9th and 12th graders, I compare the levels of educational aspiration and student disengagement between students with two parents and those with a single parent, distinguishing divorced single fathers, widowed single fathers, divorced single mothers, and widowed single mothers. Logistic regression analyses show that students with a divorced single parent, regardless of gender of the parent, are much less likely to aspire to four-year university education and more likely to be disengaged than their counterparts with two parents. The effects of widowhood disappear once control variables are held constant. Lower household income among single-parent families explains in part the poorer educational outcomes of their children. Parent-child interaction is another important mediating factor for the effect of single fatherhood but not for single motherhood. The relevance of the extended family system and distinctive features of post-divorce living arrangements in Korea is discussed to understand the effects of single parenthood. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CHILDREN | ADOLESCENTS | EDUCATION | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | ONE PARENT FAMILY | DIVORCE | PUBLIC ASSISTANCE | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | KINSHIP NETWORKS | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Nuptiality | Government Financing | Financial Activities | Residence Characteristics | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors Document Number: 326871 |
| 5. Title: The prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction in young Korean women: An internet-based survey. Author: Song SH; Jeon H; Kim SW; Paick JS; Son H Source: Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2008;:[8] p. Abstract: In Korea, although male sexual problems have been relatively well addressed, few surveys have been conducted on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the general population. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence and identified the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in young Korean women. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of FSD in young Korean women. A total of 47,000 women were initially approached. All received an e-mail requesting that they participate in a Web-based survey. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire requesting detailed medical and sexual histories, which included the questions contained in the Korean version of the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. The prevalence of FSD in young Korean women in the different age groups and risk factors for developing FSD. A total of 504 women of average age 28.5 years (18-52 years) were evaluated during this survey. Setting the cutoff score for FSD using a receiver operating characteristic curve of our data as 25.0 points, 43.1% of women under 40 years old reported FSD. FSD was detected as a desire problem in 44.0% of women, an arousal problem in 49.0%, a lubrication problem in 37.0%, an orgasm problem in 32.0%, a satisfaction problem in 37.0%, and a pain problem in 34.6%. Risk factors for FSD as determined by logistic regression analysis were increasing age, a low frequency of sex, depression, a sexually abused history, and voiding dysfunction. The prevalence of FSD in Korean young women was common and comparable to those reported worldwide. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | INTERNET | WOMEN | SEX BEHAVIOR | SEXUALITY | SEXUAL INTERCOURSE | DECREASED LIBIDO | PREVALENCE | RISK FACTORS | AGE FACTORS | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Information Networks | Communication | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Personality | Psychological Factors | Reproduction | Measurement | Biology | Population Characteristics Document Number: 326081 |
| 6. Title: Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in Korean men: Results of an epidemiological study. Author: Ahn TY; Park JK; Lee SW; Hong JH; Park NC Source: Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2007 Sep;4(5):1269-1276. Abstract: The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and associated risk factors has been described in many countries, but there are still only a few studies from Asia. We investigated the prevalences of ED and premature ejaculation (PE) in Korean men and the impact of general health, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors on these conditions. To assess ED and PE, 1,570 Korean men aged 40-79 years were interviewed with a self-administered questionnaire on sexual function and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5. In addition, blood chemistry was analyzed for each subject. The prevalences of ED and PE were obtained from self-reported ED, IIEF-5 scoring, EF (erectile function) domain scoring, and self-reported intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). The data were analyzed for the presence of risk factors and the relationship of general health, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors with ED. The prevalences of ED among Korean men were 13.4% (self-reported ED) and 32.4% (IIEF-5 score less than or equal to 17), and PE prevalences were 11% (IELT less than or equal to 2-min) and 33.1% (IELT less than or equal to 5-min). ED was more prevalent in the subject groups with older age, lower income, or lower education, and in subjects without a spouse. ED prevalence was positively associated with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, psychological stress, and obesity. Levels of serum hemoglobin (Hb) A1c, triglycerides, testosterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were significantly different between the ED and non-ED groups. The prevalences of ED and PE in Korean men were 13.4% (self-reported ED) and 11% (IELT less than or equal to 2-min), respectively. Risk factors and other socioeconomic and mental health factors were associated with ED prevalence. Biochemical factors such as HbA1c, triglycerides, testosterone, and DHEA-S were significantly related to ED prevalence. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | MEN | GENITAL EFFECTS, FEMALE | IMPOTENCE | PREVALENCE | RISK FACTORS | AGE FACTORS | HEALTH | HORMONES | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Genitalia, Female | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Genital Effects, Male | Genitalia, Male | Measurement | Population Characteristics | Endocrine System Document Number: 313818 |
| 7. Peer Reviewed Title: Surgical repair of anterior wall vaginal defects. Author: Bai SW; Jung HJ; Jeon MJ; Chung DJ; Kim SK Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2007 Aug;98(2):147-150. Abstract: The objective was to compare the clinical efficacy of 3 surgical procedures for central types of anterior vaginal wall defect. A total of 138 patients diagnosed with central types of anterior vaginal wall defect who underwent classic transvaginal repair (n=72), transvaginal repair with polypropylene mesh (n=28), and internal repair (n=38) were followed up for at least 1 year. There were no differences in development of fever, vaginal erosion, detrusor overactivity, and voiding difficulty among the 3 groups, but the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infections was significantly higher in the polypropylene mesh repair group. The difference in preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels and wound infection incidence were significantly higher in the internal repair group. Moreover, the recurrence rate of the anterior vaginal wall defect was significantly higher at 1 year in the internal repair group. Transvaginal surgical repair seems to be more efficacious than internal surgical repair for central types of anterior vaginal wall defects. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | VAGINAL ABNORMALITIES | SURGERY | COMPLICATIONS | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Diseases | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 318809 |
| 8. Title: Predictive factors for organic central precocious puberty and utility of simplified gonadotropin-releasing hormone tests. Author: Choi JH; Shin YL; Yoo HW Source: Pediatrics International. 2007 Dec;49(6):806-810. Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine whether the clinical presentation of patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) permits differentiation between idiopathic and organic forms, and to examine whether luteinizing hormone (LH) determination in single blood sample after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration is sufficient to diagnose CPP. Potential clinical and laboratory predictors for the presence of central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities were assessed. Sensitivities and specificities of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min were compared after GnRH stimulation. In 45 girls with signs of breast development, 26 were diagnosed as having CPP. The age of onset in patients with organic CPP was 4.75 plus or minus 2.01 years (range 1.2 - 7.1 years, median 5.0 years), whereas the age in patients with idiopathic CPP was 7.09 plus or minus 0.87 years (range 5.0 - 7.9 years, median 7.0 years). This parameter is the only one showing statistical significance. In addition, the specimen at 30 min after GnRH stimulation yielded highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of CPP. The earlier the onset of disease, the higher the possibility of presence of CNS lesion. According to the mean GnRH-stimulated LH levels and sensitivity at each time, a single blood sample obtained for LH determined after GnRH administration at 30 min can be used to diagnose CPP. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CHILD, FEMALE | PUBERTY | HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE INDEXES | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | GONADOTROPINS, PITUITARY | CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS | TESTING | Research Methodology | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Gonadotropins | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Central Nervous System | Measurement Document Number: 314015 |
| 9. Title: Predictors of sexual intercourse among Korean adolescents. Author: Ryu E; Kim K; Kwon H Source: Journal of School Health. 2007 Nov;77(9):615-622. Abstract: The proportion of adolescents experiencing unwanted pregnancy and abortion caused by the premature initiation of sexual intercourse is increasing at an alarming rate in Korea. This study aimed at developing a theoretical model for identifying individual and environmental risk factors affecting the initiation of sexual intercourse by adolescents. A descriptive survey was used to identify the predictors of sexual intercourse among Korean adolescents. Data were collected from students attending 10 senior high schools in 2 cities and 3 provinces in Korea. A total of 1012 students were chosen by convenience sampling, with 50 of them being excluded due to their failing to respond properly. Logistic regression analysis of the data showed that gender, socialization traits, and disinhibition were the statistically significant individual factors, and that parental living arrangement, career track, school record, having a boy-/girlfriend, and sexual permissiveness with a boy-/girlfriend were the statistically significant environmental factors associated with sexual intercourse by adolescents. The theoretical model developed on the basis of the above findings should be useful in the development of effective counseling and preventive intervention programs provided to adolescents by school and community nurses. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | SAMPLING STUDIES | ADOLESCENTS | SEXUAL INTERCOURSE | RISK FACTORS | THEORETICAL MODELS | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Biology Document Number: 321661 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Age at menarche and its influencing factors in North Korean female refugees. Author: Ku SY; Kang JW; Kim H; Kim YD; Jee BC Source: Human Reproduction. 2006;21(3):833-836. Abstract: Age at menarche is known to be regulated by genetic and environmental factors. To date, no menarcheal data are available on North Korean women. In this cross-sectional survey, we investigated age at menarche and its possible influencing factors in North Korean refugees. Four hundred and eleven North Korean refugees were surveyed at a North Korean female refugee camp using a structured questionnaire within 3 months of immigration. Menarcheal age was requested and the data obtained were analysed with respect to age at interview, region of residence in North Korea, education, food preference and sleep duration. Mean age at menarche was 16.0 ± 2.1 years (mean ± SD). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the menarcheal age among the different food preference groups (P = 0.0236). Sleep duration was found to be significantly and negatively correlated with age at menarche (R = -0.23, P < 0.0001). However, generalized linear model (GLM) analysis revealed that region of residence at menarche (P = 0.0209) and sleep duration (P = 0.0007) were significant determinants. Food preference played a role as an effect modifier in the relationship between the region of residence at menarche and age at menarche. Age at menarche seemed to be delayed in North Korean refugees. GLM analysis showed that sleep duration and region of residence at menarche were significant influencing factors of age at menarche in this study population. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | REFUGEES | WOMEN | MENARCHE | AGE FACTORS | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | Research Methodology | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Menstruation | Reproduction | Population Characteristics | Nutrition | Health | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 299352 |
| 11. Title: Protective effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in frozen-thawed granulosa cells is mediated by inhibition of apoptosis. Author: Shin SY; Lee JY; Lee EY; Choi JY; Yoon BK Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2006 Apr 1;125(2):233-238. Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the involvement of apoptosis in the freeze-thaw process and to investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the frozen-thawed granulosa cells. Isolated rat granulosa cells were cultured, frozen-thawed, and were cultured for 24 h. Cell viabilities (by Trypan blue exclusion test) and apoptotic patterns (by Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) Double-Staining) were determined at each step. Apoptotic cell death was confirmed by following DNA degradation and caspase-3 activity. After freeze-thaw process and 24 h of culture, reductions in the cellular viabilities and increases in the number of cells containing degraded DNA were lower in the VEGF pretreated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the VEGF pretreated group, increases in the proportions of late apoptotic cells [Annexin-V (+)/PI (+)] were significantly lower and caspase-3 expression was prevented immediate after thawing (p < 0.05). Furthermore, increases in the proportions of early apoptotic cells [Annexin-V (+)/PI (-)] and reductions in the proportions of viable cells [Annexin-V (-)/PI (-)] were significantly lower in the VEGF pretreated group after culture for 24 h (p < 0.05). Of the different doses of VEGF pretreated, 50 ng/ml was found to be most effective with respect to protecting frozen-thawed granulosa cells from cryoinjury. Granulosa cell damage induced by cryopreservation is mediated, at least in part, by an apoptotic process. Our preliminary results suggest that VEGF treatment before freeze-thaw process reduces rat ovarian granulosa cell damage by inhibiting apoptosis. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | LABORATORY ANIMALS | HISTOLOGY | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | GROWTH | LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | Research Methodology | Biology | Technology | Economic Factors | Child Development | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 298550 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Ethnic Korean women's perceptions about birth control. Author: Wiebe ER; Henderson A; Choi J; Trouton K Source: Contraception. 2006;73:623-627. Abstract: We see many Korean women in our clinics and we have found them to have negative attitudes to hormonal contraception. We need to understand their perceptions and experiences with contraception in order to improve the effectiveness of our contraceptive counseling. This was a qualitative descriptive study, conducted in an urban family practice office. The participants were a convenience sample of 40 ethnic Korean women. Data were collected in semistructured interviews by one interviewer who is fluent in English and Korean. Transcribed interviews were analyzed to identify salient themes. There was a deep distrust of hormonal methods of contraception and belief that hormones caused permanent harm. Unlike the findings in our other studies of Asian women, these women were satisfied with their usual methods of combining condoms, rhythm and withdrawal. They described good communication with their partners (which is necessary for the effective use of their chosen approaches). When counseling Korean women about contraception, it is important to discuss the cultural bias against hormonal contraception involving beliefs that hormones cause permanent harm. It is also important to recognize the very successful use of condoms, rhythm and withdrawal by these couples. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CANADA | KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | WOMEN | IMMIGRANTS | ETHNIC GROUPS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD ACCEPTABILITY | ATTITUDES | KNOWLEDGE SOURCES | Developed Countries | North America, Northern | Americas | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Methods | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Communication Document Number: 300861 |
| 13. Title: Decreased bone mineral density and fractures in low-income Korean women. Author: Yang K; McElmurry BJ; Park CG Source: Health Care for Women International. 2006 Mar;27(3):254-267. Abstract: Low-income Korean community women were assessed for factors relating to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in order to determine appropriate health promotion programs. Factors associated with decreased BMD were menopause (OR = 3.30, p < 0.01), menarchal age (OR = 2.01, p < 0.05), thyroxin (T4; OR = 11.32, p < 0.05), age (OR = 2.19, p < 0.1), marital status (OR = 0.56, p < .01), oral contraceptive use (OR = 2.18, p < .01), and tubal ligation (OR = 3.30, p < 0.1). The risk factors for fractures were earlier menarchal age (OR = 13.15, p < 0.05), urban residency (OR = 0.75, p < 0.05), and T4 abnormality (OR = 64.29, p < 0.1). The beneficial factor for decreased incidence of fractures was physical activity (OR = 40.94, p < 0.05). The strategy recommended for fracture risk reduction programs is focused on the prevention of both decreased BMD and fractures. Continuous physical activity should be encouraged as well as reduction of risk factors including associated risk behaviors. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | WOMEN | LOW INCOME POPULATION | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | MENOPAUSE | SKELETAL EFFECTS | RISK FACTORS | Demographic Factors | Population | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Health | Reproduction | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 298280 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Comparison of the efficacy of Burch colposuspension, pubovaginal sling, and tension-free vaginal tape for stress urinary incontinence. Author: Bai SW; Sohn WH; Chung DJ; Park JH; Kim SK Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2005;91:246-251. Abstract: Objective: To compare the cure rate and confirm the clinical efficacy of the 3 most frequently performed surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Between January 2001 and May 2003, 92 women with SUI were randomly assigned to undergo the Burch colposuspension (n = 33), pubovaginal sling (n = 28), or tension-free vaginal tape (n = 31) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Patient characteristics, urodynamic study results, cure rates at 3, 6, and 12 months, and complication rates were compared using the X/2 test. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the cure rates initially, but after 12 months the cure rate of the pubovaginal sling procedure was found to be significantly higher than those of the tension-free vaginal tape or Burch colposuspension procedures. Conclusion: The cure rate of the pubovaginal sling procedure was significantly higher after 1 year, but no difference in efficacy was observed between the 2 other procedures. A randomized prospective study of a larger population should be conducted. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | UROGENITAL SYSTEM | UROGENITAL EFFECTS | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 292117 |
| 15. Title: Korean women living in the United States as student wives. Author: Cho KC; Lee J; Jezewski MA Source: Health Care for Women International. 2005 Nov-Dec;26(10):897-915. Abstract: Korean students’ wives who travel with their husbands to the United States while they pursue academic degrees often experience the extremes of assimilation into the host culture. The purpose of this study is to address the following questions: (a) What are the processes used by Korean women to adapt to life in the United States, and (b) what are the barriers they encounter, as wives of students and mothers of their children, in adapting to this new life? Fourteen Korean wives were interviewed. All interviews were completed in Korean and transcribed verbatim. The study reveals eight phases to the basic social process of adjusting to life in the United States: preconfronting, confronting, discovering, undergoing crisis, seeking, reorienting, reflecting, and reconfronting. These were observed to be dynamic and recurrent ongoing phases that are likely to repeat themselves. The study findings provide health care practitioners with a better understanding of Korean wives’ adjustment to life in the United States and suggest the development of culturally appropriate interventions. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | KOREA | SUMMARY REPORT | ASIANS | STUDENTS | WOMEN | SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Ethnic Groups | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Social Behavior | Behavior Document Number: 292160 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Unconventional approaches to mortality estimation. Author: Hill K; Choi Y; Timaeus IM Source: Demographic Research. 2005 Nov 17;13(12):281-300. Abstract: Most developing countries do not have complete registration of deaths on which to base mortality estimates. Four broad categories of unconventional methods have been developed to provide mortality estimates in such settings. The first consists of approaches for evaluation adjustment of incompletely recorded deaths by comparison with recorded age distributions. The second consists of alternative data collection methodologies collecting information about deaths by age. The third consists of approaches based on asking respondents about the survival or otherwise of close relatives. The fourth estimates mortality from changes in age distributions, interpreting cohort attrition as mortality. Methods in the first two categories offer the greatest potential for contributing information on developing country mortality to the Human Mortality Database. Methods in the first category are illustrated here by application to data from the Republic of Korea for the second half of the 20th century. In populations with good age reporting and little net migration, these methods work well and offer the opportunity to include developing country data in the HMD. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | POPULATION | DEATH RECORDS | MORTALITY | DATA COLLECTION | AGE REPORTING | Research Methodology | Vital Statistics | Population Statistics | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Data Reporting Document Number: 292610 |
| 17. Title: The prevalence of wasting, but not stunting, has improved in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Author: Hoffman DJ; Lee SK Source: Journal of Nutrition. 2005;135:452-456. Abstract: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the nutritionally vulnerable countries of the world. The objectives of this paper were to determine the current prevalence of undernutrition among children using data from the latest national survey and to compare the findings with those from the previous national survey in 1997. In 2002 with cooperation from UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP), the government of the DPRK conducted a survey of 6000 households with children < 7 y old using multiple-stage sampling methods. Data were collected for sociodemographic variables, use of WFP food aid, and anthropometric measures of the youngest child in the household. The prevalence of stunting (height for age Z-score less than -2.0) in all children was 39.4% (40.2 and 38.5% for boys and girls, respectively). The prevalence of wasting (weight for height Z-score less than -2.0) was 8.2% in all children (9.1 and 7.3% for boys and girls, respectively). Although the prevalence of wasting has decreased from 1997 (16.5%) to 2002 (8.2%), the prevalence of stunting has not changed between those years, 38.2 vs. 39.4%. Thus, we conclude that acute undernutrition is decreasing in the DPRK, but chronic undernutrition that results in stunting is still highly prevalent. Continued surveillance of nutritional status of children in the DPRK is warranted given the continued state of undernutrition in that country. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | NUTRITION INDEXES | CHILD | MALNUTRITION | BODY WEIGHT | VITAMINS AND MINERALS | Measurement | Research Methodology | Nutrition | Health | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 281368 |
| 18. Peer Reviewed Title: Impact of economic crisis on cause-specific mortality in South Korea. Author: Khang YH; Lynch JW; Kaplan GA Source: International Journal of Epidemiology. 2005;34:1291-1301. Abstract: Economic changes can be powerful determinants of health. In the late 1990s, South Korea experienced a steep economic decline. This study examines whether the massive economic changes affected trends in all-cause and cause-specific mortality in South Korea. Mid-year population estimates of 5 year age groups (denominators) and death certificate data (numerators) from the National Statistical Office of Korea were used to compute cause-specific age-standardized mortality rates before and after the economic crisis. All-cause mortality continued to decrease in both sexes and all age groups during the crisis. Cerebrovascular accidents, stomach cancer, and liver disease contributed most to this decline. A remarkable decrease in transport accident mortality rates was also observed. The most salient increase in mortality was suicidal death. Mortality from homicide, pneumonia, and alcohol dependence increased during the economic crisis, but these accounted for a small proportion of total mortality. Short-term mortality effects of the South Korean economic crisis were relatively small. It appears that any short-term effects of the economic decline were overwhelmed by the momentum of large declines in causes of death such as stroke, stomach cancer, and liver disease, which are probably related to exposures with much longer aetiological periods. However, this study focused on rather immediate mortality effects and follow-up studies are needed to elucidate any longer-term health effects of the South Korean economic crisis. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | POPULATION | MORTALITY DETERMINANTS | CAUSES OF DEATH | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | ECONOMIC RECESSION | SUICIDE | ACCIDENTAL DEATHS | Studies | Research Methodology | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Economic Factors | Economic Conditions | Macroeconomic Factors Document Number: 294117 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Effect of time of initiation and dose of prenatal iron and folic acid supplementation on iron and folate nutriture of Korean women during pregnancy. Author: Lee JI; Lee JA; Lim HS Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005 Oct;82(4):843-849. Abstract: In Korea, it is customary to prescribe iron and folic acid supplements to pregnant women after the 20th wk of gestation; however, little evidence exists to support this practice. The objective was to determine the effects of time of initiation and dose of prenatal iron and folic acid supplementation on the iron and folate nutriture of Korean women during pregnancy. A total of 131 pregnant women were placed into 1 of 5 experimental groups, either the control group or 1 of 4 supplemented groups. The supplemented groups varied by time of initiation, which was either during the first trimester or at week 20 of gestation, and by dose of iron and folic acid supplements provided, which consisted of either 30 mg Fe plus 175 µg folic acid or 60 mg Fe plus 350 µg folic acid. All supplemented groups continued supplementation until delivery. Improvements in iron and folate nutriture were highly dependent on when the supplement program was initiated, but both supplement doses were equally effective. In contrast, the influence of folic acid supplementation on maternal folate status was not as pronounced as was the influence of iron supplementation on iron status. In pregnant Korean women, initiating iron and folic acid supplementation earlier during pregnancy may prevent the deterioration of iron and folate nutriture more than does increasing supplement doses in later stages of pregnancy. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL TRIALS | PREGNANT WOMEN | ANTENATAL CARE | PARITY | LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | FOLIC ACID | HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL | VITAMINS AND MINERALS | Clinical Research | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Maternal Health Services | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Examinations and Diagnoses | Physiology | Biology | Hemic System Document Number: 291131 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: Marginal involvement after large loop excision of transformation zone in patients with cervical cancerous lesion. Author: Lee SE; Kim JW; Kang SB Source: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2005 Apr;89(1):53-54. Abstract: When patients exhibited involvement of the margin after LLETZ, some authors insisted that an involved margin after conization usually indicates the presence of residual disease and warrants further management such as immediate second LLETZ or even hysterectomy. However, there were some opinions that expectant management is reasonable for patients with CIN III and positive margins after cold-knife conization is reasonable with careful follow-up. The purpose of this study was to analyze retrospectively the methods of management utilized in cases of margin involvement after LLETZ in patients with CIN III and microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix (MSC). A retrospective analysis was performed on all clinicopathologic records for the 2341 patients who underwent outpatient LLETZ for the cervical lesions diagnosed as CIN I—III or MSC by punch biopsy. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | CERVICAL CANCER | TREATMENT | MANAGEMENT | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Organization and Administration Document Number: 282807 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: Korean women rush to donate eggs after research pioneer resigns. Author: Parry J Source: BMJ. British Medical Journal. 2005 Dec 3;331(7528):1291. Abstract: The resignation of the pioneering Korean stem cell researcher Hwang Woo-suk as chairman of the recently formed World Stem Cell Hub will not stop the progress of stem cell research in Korea, he said this week. Professor Hwang of Seoul National University resigned from his chairmanship on 24 November when he admitted that the eggs used in his laboratory’s research came from two junior researchers in his team and from paid donors. “I will resign from any official advisory board to the government, but I will keep doing stem cell research. The [work of the] Global Stem Cell Hub will continue by my stem cell researchers and others, and we will do stem cell research by keeping within strict ethical guidelines,” he said. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | CRITIQUE | WOMEN | HUMAN VOLUNTEERS | OVUM | RESEARCH ACTIVITIES | Demographic Factors | Population | Clinical Research | Research Methodology | Germ Cells | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 292697 |
| 22. Title: The evolution of the community health nurse practitioner in Korea. Author: Cho HS; Kashka MS Source: Public Health Nursing. 2004 May;21(3):287-294. Abstract: Community health nursing in Korea has undergone dramatic changes since 1980. These changes arose through the efforts of Mo Im Kim, an internationally known leader in Korean nursing, and colleagues who successfully worked to establish a national community health nurse practitioner program. This article will review these changes with the aim of describing the evolutionary process that culminated in a community health care system that is meeting the needs of Korean citizens who live in rural and isolated areas. The authors believe that the evolution of the community health nurse practitioner in Korea provides a paradigm that can serve as a model for other countries. Health care in Korea is organized differently than that in the United States. However, the plan, process, and political activism can be used for community and public health nursing change in the United States. The information contained in this article is based upon interviews with Mo Im Kim and 20 of her colleagues and associates. Interviewees were selected using a ‘‘snowball’’ sampling technique. Additional data were derived from various professional and personal documents of these individuals. The first author conducted the interviews in both Korea and in the United States. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | HISTORICAL REVIEW | NURSES AND NURSING | COMMUNITY WORKERS | COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | FUNDS | POLITICAL FACTORS | PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT | IMPLEMENTATION | PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY | Health Personnel | Health | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 193287 |
| 23. Title: Family relationships and adolescent psychosocial outcomes: converging findings from Eastern and Western cultures. Author: Dmitrieva J; Chen C; Greenberger E; Gil-Rivas V Source: Journal of Research on Adolescence. 2004;14(4):425-447. Abstract: This study investigated the role of parent-adolescent relationships in mediating the association between the family-related negative life events and adolescent depressive symptoms and problems behaviors among 1,696 eleventh graders from the United States (n = 201), China (n = 502), Korea (n = 497), and Czech Republic (n = 496). Results indicated that perceived parental involvement and parent-adolescent conflict mediated the link between family-related life events and adolescent depressed mood. The path from family-related life events to adolescent problem behaviors was mediated by perceived parental involvement, parent-adolescent conflict, and perceived parental sanctions of adolescent misconduct. With the exception of minor cross-cultural differences in the magnitude of associations among variables, this study revealed considerable similarity in the association of family factors with adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptomatology. The findings contribute to the growing literature on culture-general developmental processes. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | CHINA | KOREA | CZECH REPUBLIC | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | ADOLESCENTS | PARENTS | PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS | PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS | CULTURE | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Child Rearing | Behavior Document Number: 299476 |
| 24. Title: Estimation of the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome in Korea: using the capture-recapture method. Author: Ha M; Yoon SJ; Lee HY; Goh UY; Kim CH Source: Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 2004;18(2):138-142. Abstract: This study was undertaken to estimate the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) for 2 years from 1997 to 1998 in Korea. The information on SIDS was obtained from three independent sources, the Korean Medical Insurance Corporation data, data from different medical facilities (Korean surveillance on SIDS) and mortality data from the Korean National Statistical Office. A log linear model with no interactions among the 3 sources was used with the selection criteria of both the Akaike Information Criterion and the Bayesian Information Criterion. The 95% confidence intervals of the estimated number of SIDS deaths were calculated using the goodness-of-fit-method. The estimated number of deaths who were not found in any of the sources was 535, and the estimated total number of SIDS deaths was 759. The 95% confidence interval for estimated total number of patients ranged from 642 to 1522. The estimated rate of SIDS cases was 0.56 per 1000 live births per annum, which is similar to the incidence in the USA or Japan. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | INFANT | EPIDEMIOLOGY | INFANT MORTALITY | SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME | INCIDENCE | AGE DISTRIBUTION | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Public Health | Health | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Measurement Document Number: 191403 |
| 25. Title: Lessons from Korea's pharmaceutical policy reform: the separation of medical institutions and pharmacies for outpatient care. Author: Kim HJ; Chung W; Lee SG Source: Health Policy. 2004 Jun;68(3):267-275. Abstract: In Korea, until recently, both physicians and pharmacists were allowed to prescribe and dispense drugs for outpatient care. Along with other deep-rooted structural problems, this worked against the quality and efficiency of the health care system. To rectify this problem, the Korean government launched a drug policy reform in July 2000. However, the drug policy reform was more drastic than initially intended—driven by political factors, the reform ended up bringing about complete separation of medical institutions and pharmacies. Also, unlike in many other countries, Korea did not take a gradual approach, but instead, it implemented the reform all at once and nation-wide. As a result, the reform has faced criticism and protests, thereby generating unprecedented social turmoil and even strikes by physicians. Still, it is not clear what benefits Korea gained from this reform, when we look at the price which has had to be paid, including greater inconvenience, worsened access to medical care, increased drug spending, increased market share for multinational drug producers, and a greater deficit in the budget of the Korea’s national health insurance system. Based on Korea’s costly experience, we attempt to draw some policy implications for the future development of a better health care system. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | DRUGS | HEALTH POLICY | LEGISLATION | SEPARATION | PHYSICIANS | PHARMACISTS | POLITICAL FACTORS | PRESCRIPTIONS | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | BEHAVIOR | Treatment | Policy | Marriage | Nuptiality | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Distributional Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Program Evaluation Document Number: 192462 |
| 26. Title: Migration and HIV: vulnerability assessment among foreign migrants in South Korea (a study conducted among Bangladeshi, Han Chinese, Korean Chinese and Mongolian migrants in Seoul, Gyunggi-Inchon region and Daegu-Gyungbuk region). Author: Kim HS Source: Seoul, Korea, Republic of, Korea UNAIDS Information Support Center, 2004 Jun. 68 p. Abstract: With rapid and steady economic growth since the mid 1980s, the South Korean work force is increasingly avoiding the so-called 3D (difficult, dirty, and dangerous) jobs, causing an imbalance in the supply and demand of labor. This situation has attracted a great number of migrant workers to the Republic of Korea (here after referred to as Korea) since the late 1980s. As of November 2003 there were 284,199 migrant workers in Korea. Of those, 184,199 are legal migrant workers registered with the Ministry of Justice. Registered migrants include legal trainees who have been allowed to work continuously since July 2003. They are employed mainly in medium and small-sized enterprises, usually in manufacturing industries. The remaining 100,000 workers are migrants who have terminated their contracts, and who are therefore expected to leave Korea. Some of these migrants have left their jobs thereby breaking their work contracts, without their employer’s consent, in order to make more money in the informal sector. Among the total documented migrant workers, an estimated 174,669 are Chinese, 8,816 Bangladeshi, and 8,000 Mongolian. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | QUESTIONNAIRES | MIGRANT WORKERS | SEX WORKERS | HIV INFECTIONS | MIGRATION | HIV PREVENTION | HIV TESTING | SEX BEHAVIOR | SEX EDUCATION | Health | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Education Document Number: 300777 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: Association between human alpha2-Heremans Schmidt glycoprotein (AHSG) polymorphism and endometriosis in Korean women. Author: Kim JG; Kim H; Ku SY; Kim SH; Choi YM Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2004 Dec;82(6):1497-1500. Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the a 2-Heremans Schmidt glycoprotein (AHSG) gene polymorphism and endometriosis. Design: Case- control study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea. Patient(s): Seventy-nine women with endometriosis and 105 women without endometriosis. Intervention(s): Determination of AHSG gene polymorphism. Main Outcome measure(s): Prevalence of AHSG genotypes o alleles. Result(s): The allele frequencies of AHSG 1 and AHSG 2 were found to be 0.69 and 0.31, respectively. The proportion of noncarriers of the AHSG 2 allele was significantly higher in women with endometriosis than in women without (55.7% vs. 39.0%). Women not carrying the AHSG 2 allele were found to have twice the risk of endometriosis than those carrying at least one copy of this allele. No significant difference was noted in the distribution of the AHSG genotypes between early stage endometriosis and late stage endometriosis. Conclusion(s): Endometriosis is associated with the AHSG gene polymorphism in Korean women. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | ENDOMETRIOSIS | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | LAPAROSCOPY | BODY WEIGHT | BODY HEIGHT | GENETICS | Studies | Research Methodology | Data Analysis | Diseases | Health | Endoscopy | Physical Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 279566 |
| 28. Title: A comparative study of knowledge about and attitudes toward the combined oral contraceptives among Korean and Japanese university students. Author: Lim HJ; Lee MS; Cho YH; Kazumi U Source: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. 2004 Oct;13(10):741-747. Abstract: Purpose To compare university students' knowledge about and attitudes toward the combined oral contraceptives (COC) in two countries with different pharmaceutical systems (Japan and Korea), and to explore the reasons limiting the use of the COC in these populations. Methods University students in Korea and Japan completed a questionnaire containing a total of 55 questions about the students' demographics (8 questions), knowledge about the COC (15 questions), attitudes toward the COC (24 questions) and the reasons for limited use of the COC among the population (8 questions). Results Male students' attitudes toward the COC were significantly more positive than those of female students in Korea, but not in Japan. Knowledge about and attitudes toward the COC did not differ significantly between the two countries. The age at which students desired to use the COC was significantly correlated with age in both countries. There were significant correlations between knowledge about and attitude towards the COC in both countries and between age and attitude towards the COC in Japan. In both countries, the most commonly cited reasons for limited use of the COC were concern about adverse side effects. Conclusions These results confirm the need to develop appropriate sex education programs in Korea and Japan. Cultural differences and differences in the pharmaceutical and medical systems between the two countries should be considered when designing sex education programs for young people in Korea and Japan. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | JAPAN | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | STUDENTS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | KNOWLEDGE | ATTITUDES | SEX FACTORS | SIDE EFFECTS | AGE FACTORS | SEX EDUCATION | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Education | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Sociocultural Factors | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 299129 |
| 29. Title: Evaluation of Korean newborns with the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Author: Shin Y; Bozzette M; Kenner C; Kim TI Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing. 2004;33:589-596. Abstract: The objectives were to determine the unique responses of a group of Korean full-term newborns and to describe the pattern of behavior observed in the first few days of life. A descriptive study describing the behavioral patterns of Korean newborns using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Fifty newborns aged 1 to 3 days in a nursery of a large tertiary hospital in Daegu, Korea. Overall scores were at moderate levels in six clusters. These were (a) Response Decrement, (b) Social Interactive, (c) Motor System, (d) State Organization, (e) State Regulation, and (f) Autonomic System. Newborns showed good overall tone and activity level and low amount of irritable behavior. Although reflex responses were generally normal, Korean newborns showed particularly weak responses in standing and walking reflexes. Maternal variables such as employment and previous pregnancy history were related to the scores on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. The results of the study indicate that Korean newborns showed a moderate level of autonomic stability and motor control and overall good state organization. These findings also provide some evidence that the mother’s health status and lifestyle during the pregnancy may affect newborn behavior after birth. (author's) Language: English Keywords: KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | MOTHERS | INFANT | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | INFANT HEALTH | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Biology | Child Health | Health Document Number: 275511 |
| 30. Title: Understanding the demographic dividend. Author: Futures Group International. POLICY Project Source: [Washington, D.C.], Futures Group International, POLICY Project, 2003 Oct. 7 p. Abstract: A fresh reason for attending to fertility dynamics has emerged—the “demographic dividend.” As fertility rates fall during the demographic transition, if countries act wisely before and during the transition, a special window opens up for faster economic growth and human development. Simply stated, the demographic dividend occurs when a falling birth rate changes the age distribution, so that fewer investments are needed to meet the needs of the youngest age groups and resources are released for investment in economic development and family welfare. That is, a falling birth rate makes for a smaller population at young, dependent ages and for relatively more people in the adult age groups—who comprise the productive labor force. It improves the ratio of productive workers to child dependents in the population. That makes for faster economic growth and fewer burdens on families. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | KOREA | FERTILITY RATE | DEMOGRAPHIC IMPACT | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | LABOR FORCE | SAVINGS | HUMAN CAPITAL | POLICE | MATERNAL-CHILD HEALTH SERVICES | HEALTH FACILITIES | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors | Geographic Factors | Human Resources | Macroeconomic Factors | Corrections Officers | Government | Political Factors | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 190704 |
 |
||
 |
Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project 111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy |  |