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Taoism and Confucianism both exited simultaneously as philosophies of living in dynastic China. Although there has been an increasing popularity in scientometric studies, religion and health (R&H) literature lacks a holistic evaluation investigating articles relevant to Taoism and Confucianism. All publications produced in Taoism and Confucianism literature and indexed in Web of Science (WoS) databases between 1975 and 2018 were included in this study. Database search on health and Taoism literature retrieved 199 documents from WoS databases. Main research areas were Psychology, Religion and Behavioral Sciences (24.121, 21.608 and 20.603, respectively). The USA ranked first with 38 papers followed China, Taiwan and the UK (n = 35, 20 and 6 documents, respectively). Hong Kong Polytechnic University from China was the most contributor institution in health and Taoism literature. A total of 448 documents were published in health and Confucianism literature between 1975 and 2018, and original articles covered 93.08% of all literature. China was leading country with 126 articles followed by the USA, South Korea and Taiwan (n = 97, 35 and 35 items, respectively). The most productive institutions were City University of Hong Kong (China), Karolinska Institute (Sweden) and University of Hong Kong (China). Researchers from developing and least developed countries should be encouraged to carry out novel scientometric studies in R&H literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of injuries associated with the use of electric scooter (e-scooter) has consistently increased since the launch of the first shared e-scooter systems in late 2017. The aim with this review was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of fractures related to e-scooter accidents. Methods: A systematic review of the all published papers was conducted regarding epidemiologic characteristics of traumatic fractures following e-scooter-related injuries. Multiple databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched and relevant clinical studies reporting incidence for traumatic fractures from e-scooter-related injuries were included. All other types of studies and those including patients with non-orthopedic injuries were excluded. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The characteristics of patients were analyzed by the mean and the standard deviation for continuous variables. Results: Eleven published studies (6579 patients) were identified which have been reported from Nov, 2019 to Sep, 2021. Periods of research in each study were different from May, 2017 to July, 2020. In the majority of cases, the mechanism of injury was a fall from the scooter (84.8%), which was followed by e-scooter motor vehicle accident (7.4%) and collision (5.5%). Regarding the fractures, upper limb injuries were the most prevalent (65%) and radial fracture was the most common fracture type of the upper limb (28.2%). Lower limb fractures were recorded in 475 (25.3%) patients, the most common being tibial fractures (8.4%). Conclusions: As e-scooter market continues to considerably rise, the incidence of major orthopedic traumas is also likely to increase. Despite potential selection and reporting biases, our systematic review suggested up-to-date guidelines for the epidemiology of fractures following e-scooter injury. According to the results found in the present study, we believe that it is reasonable to mandate helmet use and the obligation to wear other types of safety equipment such as elbow and knee pads should be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine pathways from child abuse to school adjustment and the roles of self-control and academic stress on the link among North Korean adolescent refugees living in South Korea and native South Korean adolescents. A total of 610 students (adolescents from South Korea = 325 and adolescents from North Korea = 285) living in South Korea, from juniors in middle schools to seniors in high schools, were interviewed in 2017. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to examine differences in the country of origin on the pathways from abuse to school adjustment via self-control and academic stress. North Korean adolescent refugees were less likely to adjust to their school life than South Korean adolescents. Academic stress was found as a significant mediator between self-control and school adjustment in both South Korean and North Korean adolescents. Child abuse was associated with self-control of South Korean adolescents. Childhood abuse from parents can have an overall influence on individual characteristics and school life for adolescents. By paying attention to this process, comprehensive solutions are urgently required not only to intervene in the problem of abusive parenting behaviors but also to block the path of the expanding negative consequences among both groups of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to verify the relationship between parental abuse, ego-resilience, social stigma, career barriers, and depressive symptoms among out-of-school youths. The data of 522 adolescents (mean age = 18.01 years) from the Dropout Youth Panel Survey conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute were used. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that female adolescents reported more depressive symptoms than male adolescents. The family economic status and ego-resilience were negatively related to depressive symptoms. Parental abuse was positively associated with depressive symptoms. In particular, social stigma and career barriers were positively related to depressive symptoms. Notably, social stigma and career barriers explained 17.7% of the variance in depressive symptoms. The results of this study suggest that society needs to reduce the social stigma and career barriers perceived by out-of-school youth. Professional counselors and social workers could help these individuals by providing them information and advice for their careers and reducing perceived social stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Elder abuse continues to be a serious problem that greatly affects the overall health and quality of life of elderly victims. Although abused elders have a substantial risk of re-abuse, very limited knowledge is available about elder re-abuse. This study examines whether differences exist between substantiated initial elder abuse and re-abuse cases in terms of victims', perpetrators', abuse-related, and contextual characteristics. Method: Data were collected from 12 Elder Protective Service (EPS) agencies in South Korea, and EPS caseworkers completed multi-section questionnaires based on case records. Elderly victims' and perpetrators' characteristics, and abuse-related and contextual data were obtained. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 276 substantiated elder abuse cases (90.9% initial abuse, and 9.1% re-abuse cases) were included in this analysis. There are some differences between the initial abuse and re-abuse in the characteristics of victims (income, education), perpetrators (living with the victim, alcohol/substance abuse), and contextual factors (social isolation, relationship with neighbors). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that elderly victims' low-income (OR = 6.42, 95% CI = 1.67–24.74, p <.01) and perpetrators' alcohol/substance abuse problems (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.07- 6.75, p <.05) were associated with a higher likelihood of re-abuse. Conclusions: Victims' low income and perpetrators' alcohol/substance abuse problems should be considered as factors associated with elder re-abuse. This study provides additional knowledge on elder re-abuse and offers implications for practice and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on Matza's (1964/1990) theory of deviance to propose that the father's current abuse of the child moderates the relationship between father's patriarchal beliefs and current perpetration of husband violence in South Korea. Drawing on Matza's concept of neutralizing beliefs, the paper argues that child abuse potentiates patriarchal beliefs, allowing husbands to extend rationalizations for child abuse to rationalizations for wife abuse, resulting in an interaction effect. The paper tests this hypothesized interaction effect using data from a nationally representative sample of 585 South Korean men. The paper then tests a competing alternative hypothesis that any type of violence (including violence outside the family) by the father acts as a moderator. Support is found for the child abuse as moderator hypothesis but not for the competing hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of Clean-DM1 (C-DM1), a polyherbal formulation of Radix Scrophulariae, Radix Astragali, Rhizoma Atractylodis, and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes mice. Methods: The information about active components of C-DM1 extract and molecular mechanism was obtained from network pharmacology analysis. Main compounds of C-DM1 extract by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis were conducted for quality control. For in vivo study, mice were induced diabetes by HFD for 12 weeks. The mice in the normal group (Nor) were maintained with a regular diet and treated with saline by gavage. The HFD model mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, including a HFD diabetic model group, a C-DM1 extract-administered group (C-DM1, 500 mg/kg), and metformin-administered groups (Met, 500 mg/kg), 8 mice in each group. Food intake, body weight (BW), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were recorded weekly for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer, and homeostatic model for assessing insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were detected. The histopathological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) and adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expressions in liver and pancreas tissues were detected by Western blot analysis. Results: HPLC-MS identified dihydroisotanshinone, dihydroisotanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, harpagoside, and atractyloside A in C-DM1 extract. The administration of C-DM1 extract significantly decreased body weight, calorie intake, and the levels of blood glucose and insulin in the diabetic mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The C-DM1 extract administration improved the impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in the diabetic mice and significantly decreased the levels of LDL-C, ALT and AST (P<0.01). The C-DM1 extract inhibited the histopathological changes of fatty liver and hyperplasia of pancreatic islets in the diabetic mice. The C-DM1 extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of IRS, AKT, and AMPK and the expression of PI3K in pancreas and liver tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which was consistent with the analysis results of network pharmacology. Conclusion: C-DM1 extract improved diabetes symptoms in long-term HFD-induced mice by regulation of IRS/PI3K/AKT and AMPK expressions in pancreas and liver tissues, suggesting that C-DM1 formulation may help prevent the progression of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although parental academic socialization may be a product of culture, ethnic/racial minority status may play a significant role, above and beyond the impact of culture, in shaping parental academic socialization and its implications for youth adjustments. This study examined Korean youth living in South Korea (N = 524, Mage = 14.98, SD = 1.45, 50.1% female), China (N = 267, Mage = 15.24, SD = 1.66, 58.9% female), and the U.S. (N = 408, Mage = 14.76, SD = 1.91, 47.3% female) who share the same heritage culture but have different social positions (majority or minority). Korean youth as an ethnic/racial minority in the U.S. or China reported higher parental academic socialization than those in South Korea, supporting a significant role of social positions in how parents practice academic socialization. This study also found that the distinct practices of academic socialization function differently in youth adjustment. Parental commitment to education, parental involvement, and autonomy support were positively associated with youth's school engagement, but achievement-oriented psychological control was associated with more depressive symptoms and antisocial behaviors. These associations did not differ across the three samples. Some nuanced differences also emerged. Parental commitment to education was associated with higher grades in Korean Chinese (but not Korean American) youth, and achievement-oriented psychological control was associated with lower school engagement among Korean Chinese (but not South Korean) youth and higher grades among South Korean (but not Korean American) youth. These findings highlight the role of academic socialization as an adaptive strategy for ethnic/racial minorities to succeed in host societies and the generally universal role of parental academic socialization in youth adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocational identity develops through the complex and dynamic interactions of the subdimensions of identity. A four-wave longitudinal study was conducted to investigate how each subdimension (in-breadth exploration, in-depth exploration, commitment-making, identification with commitment, career flexibility, career self-doubt) of each of the three processes of vocational identity (exploration, commitment, reconsideration) interacts across time during the emerging adulthood. The participants were full-time college students in South Korea—248 at T1, 194 at T2, 159 at T3, and 115 at T4. They rated the Vocational Identity Status Assessment four times at 6-month intervals. The results of the autoregressive cross-lagged path analysis indicated that an increase in in-breadth exploration led to a decrease in career self-doubt, which subsequently led to an increase in the subdimensions of commitment. These findings suggest a specific short-term interaction pattern for the relationship between the subdimensions of vocational identity, known only as a complex interaction. Implications, limitations, and directions for future studies are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We estimated the short-term impact of fragility fractures on community-dwelling women in five countries. Women with fragility fractures reported significantly more difficulties performing activities of daily living and significantly higher levels of lost productivity and caregiver support than those without fractures; results highlight the multi-country indirect burden of fragility fractures. Introduction: To estimate the impact of fragility fractures on activities of daily living (ADL), productivity loss and caregiver support in women with a recent fragility fracture. Methods: This multi-centre cross-sectional study enrolled community-dwelling women aged ≥ 50 years in South Korea, Spain, Germany, Australia and the United States. The fragility fracture cohort consisted of women with an index fragility fracture in the past 12 months; the fracture free cohort consisted of women with no fracture in the 18 months prior to study enrolment. Study participants completed three validated questionnaires: Lawton Instrumental ADL (IADL), Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS) and iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ). Results: In total, 1,253 participants from 41 sites across the five countries were included. Compared with the fracture free cohorts, fragility fracture cohorts had significantly lower function and were more dependent on support (p < 0.05 in all countries for Lawton IADL, and in South Korea, Spain, Australia and the United States for PSMS), significantly higher hours of paid absenteeism (p < 0.05, Spain, Germany, Australia), significantly higher unpaid lost productivity (p < 0.05, South Korea, Spain, Germany), significantly more days of paid help received in the home (p < 0.05 South Korea, Spain and the United States), and significantly more days of unpaid help from family members or friends (p < 0.05, all countries). Conclusion: In this multi-national study, fragility fractures in community-dwelling ≥ 50 years women were associated with several outcomes indicating higher indirect burden and lower quality of life, including more difficulties performing ADL and higher levels of lost productivity and caregiver support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore underlying factors of Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) and examine how the dimensions of the IAS relate to psychiatric symptoms in Korean adolescents. Exploratory factor analysis with a sample of N = 1,722 consisted of 13-15 year old Korean adolescents identified three distinctive factors of IAS and they were labeled 'time management', 'withdrawal behaviors' and 'neglect work'. Then, multiple regression models were applied to assess the association between each factor and eight psychological problems, which were evaluated by Youth Self Report. The overall IAS was significantly associated with Somatic, Immature, Thought, Attention, Delinquent and Aggressive behaviors. However, three factor scores showed different association patterns and indicated multidimensional aspects of problematic Internet use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine the use of nonverbal factors by Korean political orators in three speech contexts: nomination acceptance speeches, presidential election speeches, and presidential inauguration speeches. Through a multi-analytic approach, we explicate the nonverbal cues and patterns that the orators use when they evoke collective audience responses in a Subject-Object-Verb language. We found that: (1) They use characteristic nonverbal cues (e.g., loudness, extension of vowel, upward intonation, and slicing and power grip hand gestures) in delivering predicates of core messages; (2) The speakers accelerated their message emphasis toward the end of the message by using vocal factors; (3) In the more informal and competitive context of election campaign speeches, there was more frequent loudness and rising intonation, whereas in the more formal context of inauguration speeches, there was more frequent falling intonation; (4) Audience-oriented hand gestures were related to the speakers' intention to generate audience responses; (5) Audience responses to happy expressions occurred in a variety of ways immediately after completion of the expressions, whereas responses to sad expressions occurred with staggered applause; (6) Gaze did not play a crucial role in generating responses; (7) While there were shared vocal patterns between the speakers, non-vocal factors were related to the individual speaker's behavior. Based on these findings, we discuss contextual and cultural differences in the use of nonverbal cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many adolescents in South Korea experience risk-level depressive symptoms due to stress caused by personal and environmental changes. Prior studies investigated various characteristics of depressive symptoms. However, it is unclear when the mean level of depression changes with the development of children and adolescents and whether it is stable relative to one another over time. Thus, it is necessary to closely understand the continuity and stability of depressive symptoms across developmental stages in children and adolescents. In this study, continuity refers to the consistency in a group's mean level of depressive symptoms over time; however, stability refers to the consistency in the relative placement of the levels of depressive symptoms of individuals within a group over time. To comprehensively understand previous studies, this meta-analysis compiled data from 95 South Korean longitudinal studies (N = 200,338; 49.7% females) published between 2000 and 2021. Data were analyzed using a three-level random effects model with a 1-year interval for each age group to integrate effect sizes, followed by a generalized additive mixed model integrating age as a continuous variable. The results indicate that the mean-level continuity of depressive symptoms was relatively high and the rank-order stability was low for the children in elementary school (including both upper and lower grades). Additionally, as the adolescents aged, the mean-level continuity of depressive symptoms slightly decreased while stability increased. When entering early adulthood, the continuity and stability of depressive symptoms converged without significant change. As a result of moderating effect, the female-only group indicated a high level of continuity and stability than the male-only or mixed group. The findings highlight that South Korean childhood is a period of relatively high continuity and low stability. Moreover, female students' depressive symptoms fluctuate more than those of males, suggesting the need for providing effective and appropriate help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is the preferred continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) anticoagulation strategy for children in the USA. Nafamostat mesilate (NM), a synthetic serine protease, is used widely for CKRT anticoagulation in Japan and Korea. We compared the safety and efficacy of NM to RCA for pediatric CKRT. Methods: Starting June 2019, the most recent 100 medical records of children receiving CKRT with either RCA or NM were reviewed retrospectively, at one children's hospital in Japan (NM) and one in the USA (RCA). The number of hours a single CKRT filter was in use, was the primary outcome. Safety was assessed by bleeding complications for the NM group and citrate toxicity leading to RCA discontinuation or electrolyte imbalance in the RCA group. Results: Eighty patients received NM and 78 patients received RCA. Median filter life was longer for the NM group (NM: 38 [22, 74] vs. RCA: 36 [17, 66] h, p = 0.02). When filter life was censored for discontinuation other than clotting, the 60-h survival rate was higher for RCA (71% vs. 54%). The hazard ratio comparing NM over RCA varied over time (HR 0.7; 0.2–1.5, p = 0.33 at 0 h to HR 5.5; 1.3–23.7, p = 0.334 at 72 h). The lack of difference in filter survival persisted controlling for filter surface area, catheter diameter, and pre-CKRT platelet count. Major bleeding rates did not differ between groups (NM: 5% vs. RCA: 9%). Conclusions: RCA and NM provide satisfactory anticoagulation for CKRT in children with no difference in major bleeding rates. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is cultural variability in how individuals make attributions for their own and others' behaviors, cultural variation in youth's attributions about peer victimization and their relation with internalizing problems has gone unexamined. To address this issue, adolescents from the U.S. (n = 292, 60% female, 79.5% White, Mage = 13.6, SD = 0.65) and Korea (n = 462, 50.2% female, Mage = 13.7, SD = 0.58) reported on their peer victimization, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, self-worth, and rated their attributions to vignettes about peer victimization. Multigroup confirmatory analyses found that Korean and American youth conceptualized characterological self-blame, behavioral self-blame, and externalization of blame similarly. However, Korean youth differentially endorsed each of the three types of attributions, while U.S. adolescents endorsed characterological self-blame and behavioral self-blame at similar levels. Attributions had unique relations with internalizing problems (depression, social anxiety, global self-worth) in each culture. In multigroup SEM analyses, characterological self-blame predicted all internalizing problems for U.S. adolescents, while behavioral self-blame was not uniquely related to internalizing problems. For Korean adolescents, behavioral self-blame significantly predicted all internalizing problems, whereas characterological self-blame predicted global self-worth only. The results suggest that attributions about victimization have different adjustment implications in Korea than in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), image interpretation requires extensive training. High operator variability and limited image quality control of ultrasound images have made the application of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) challenging. This study assessed the effect of integrating computer-extracted measurable features with the convolutional neural network (CNN) on the ultrasound image CAD accuracy of CKD. Ultrasound images from patients who visited Severance Hospital and Gangnam Severance Hospital in South Korea between 2011 and 2018 were used. A Mask regional CNN model was used for organ segmentation and measurable feature extraction. Data on kidney length and kidney-to-liver echogenicity ratio were extracted. The ResNet18 model classified kidney ultrasound images into CKD and non-CKD. Experiments were conducted with and without the input of the measurable feature data. The performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). A total of 909 patients (mean age, 51.4 ± 19.3 years; 414 [49.5%] men and 495 [54.5%] women) were included in the study. The average AUROC from the model trained using ultrasound images achieved a level of 0.81. Image training with the integration of automatically extracted kidney length and echogenicity features revealed an improved average AUROC of 0.88. This value further increased to 0.91 when the clinical information of underlying diabetes was also included in the model trained with CNN and measurable features. The automated step-wise machine learning–aided model segmented, measured, and classified the kidney ultrasound images with high performance. The integration of computer-extracted measurable features into the machine learning model may improve CKD classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Injury causes numerous socioeconomic losses. We aimed to discover the pattern of alcohol-associated injury in South Korea. Subject and methods: This study retrospectively analysed patients who visited emergency departments (EDs) between January 2011 and December 2016, using the emergency department-based injury In-depth surveillance data of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Demographic and injury characteristics, clinical outcome, and injury severity [admission rate, ICU care, mortality, excess mortality ratio-adjusted injury severity score (EMR-ISS)] were analysed. Results: In total, 1,383,740 patients were analysed (alcohol-use group 143,506, non-alcohol-use group 1,240,234). The mean age of the alcohol-use group (40.90 ± 15.02) was 10 years older than the non-alcohol-use group (30.19 ± 24.47). The proportion of males (74.4%) and night-time emergency department visits (59.8%) in the alcohol-use group was higher. Injury mechanism rates for assault (22.6%) and self-harm/suicides (9.9%) were significantly higher in the alcohol-use group. The odds ratios of the alcohol-use group for admission, intensive care, mortality, and EMR-ISS ≥ 25 were 1.305 (1.287–1.324), 2.403 (2.340–2.468), 1.134 (1.066–1.206), and 2.855 (2.810–2.900) respectively. Conclusion: Alcohol-related injuries in South Korea have a higher incidence in males, and night-time ED visits and intentional injury mechanisms are significantly higher than in the group who do not use alcohol. Alcohol-related injuries are associated with a higher trauma severity and death rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian Americans are more likely to be unaware that they have hypertension compared to non-Hispanic white Americans, despite having higher risk of hypertension at lower body-mass indices. Furthermore, immigrants are more likely than their United States (U.S.)-born counterparts to have undiagnosed hypertension, placing them at greater risk of subsequent morbidity and mortality. This study examines the social determinants of undiagnosed hypertension among Asian American immigrants. Using a study of foreign-born Chinese and Korean Americans between the ages of 50–75 years-old recruited from physicians' clinics in the Baltimore-Washington DC Metropolitan Area (n = 355), we used blood pressure readings measured by trained staff members, self-reported diagnosis by a medical professional, and self-reported hypertension medication use to determine hypertension status—whether patients were non-hypertensive, had diagnosed hypertension, or had undiagnosed hypertension. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined how demographic, socioeconomic, and immigration-related factors were associated with hypertension status. Results indicated that older age, male gender, Korean subgroup, and marital status were associated with having diagnosed hypertension compared to being non-hypertensive. Lack of health insurance was the strongest predictor of having undiagnosed hypertension compared to being non-hypertensive. Acculturation variables had no strong associations with hypertension status. We then explored correlates of health insurance status for Chinese and Korean American immigrants. Those without health insurance were more likely to have lower income and to be not currently employed. Our findings point to the importance of increasing health insurance access for Asian American immigrant groups to ensure that hypertension is not left undiagnosed and untreated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Muscle health plays an important role in maintaining function and independence in the elderly, and some nutrients provide protection against the age-related decline of muscle strength and function. Minerals are important nutrients that may contribute to the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, but they have not been well-studied. This study investigated whether hair mineral concentrations differ between subjects with low muscle mass (LMM) and subjects with normal muscle mass. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting And Participants: A total of 232 adults ≥ 20 years of age who visited the Health Promotion Center of the University Hospital in Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Measurements: The data from 232 subjects were analyzed and divided into LMM and normal groups based on the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) (LMM was defined as ASMI < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and < 5.7 kg/m2 in women). Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device with a body composition analyzer. Results: Overall mean age of participants was 50.4±11.6 years (29.7% women). Subjects with LMM showed significantly lower triglyceride levels, greater high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and lower body mass index (BMI), compared with subjects who had normal muscle mass. No significant differences in hair mineral concentrations were observed between subjects with LMM and subjects with normal muscle mass, with the exception of copper. Hair copper concentrations were significantly greater in subjects with LMM than in subjects with normal muscle mass after adjustment for covariates and factors (65.7±14.2 vs 33.1±4.3 µg/g, P = 0.035). Conclusion: These results suggest that hair mineral status may play a role in the development of LMM. Therefore, further studies with larger numbers of subjects are required to identify the effects of mineral imbalances, their relationships with sarcopenia, and the differences between subjects with LMM and subjects with normal muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep is common among older adults, affecting a wide range of health outcomes. However, little is known about sleep issues among older Korean immigrants, the fastest growing Asian American subgroup in the United States. We aimed to explore multiple factors associated with sleep among this group. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 43 older immigrants living in two large Korean communities in Southern California. Perceived sleep quality was significantly associated with gender, living arrangement, employment status, mental health, and sleep-related beliefs (all p-values < 0.05). Living with someone and being employed for wages were significantly uniquely associated with better sleep quality, accounting for demographic and health-related factors (R2 = 51.8%, adjusted R2 = 38.7%, p = 0.002). These findings suggest a potential role of sociocultural factors on sleep. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to inform a sleep intervention program tailored to the characteristics of older Korean immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States and China are top two receiving countries of Korean immigrants in modern history. Minority families in ethnically-racially diverse societies, such as the US and China, use various ethnic-racial socialization practices (cultural socialization, promotion of mistrust, preparation for bias) to help their children navigate the world, yet research in non-U.S. contexts is scarce. To examine the specificity versus generalizability of ethnic-racial socialization and its implications, this study compared the prevalence of ethnic-racial socialization reported by Korean American (n = 408; Mage = 14.76, SD = 1.91; 48.30% female) and Korean Chinese (n = 267; Mage = 15.24, SD = 1.66; 58.90% female) youth. Moreover, this study examined how various ethnic-racial socialization practices relate to the youth's ethnic-racial identity, and subsequently, depressive symptoms. Although Korean American youth reported more frequent ethnic-racial socialization compared to their Korean Chinese counterparts, cultural socialization (but not preparation for bias nor promotion of mistrust) had a comparable negative indirect association with depressive symptoms via ethnic-racial identity across both groups. Thus, although the rates of parental ethnic-racial socialization are context-specific, parental cultural socialization may be similarly beneficial for Korean ethnic-racial minority youth's identity development, and in turn, psychological outcomes, whether in a Western individualistic society or an Eastern collectivistic society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the association between perceived discrimination and healthcare avoidance and delay (HAD) among transgender adults in South Korea (hereafter Korea). We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 244 Korean transgender adults in 2017. Discrimination within the last 12 months was categorized into four groups based on the reason(s) of discrimination experienced: (1) 'never experienced' discrimination, (2) 'only due to transgender identity,' (3) 'due to reason(s) other than transgender identity,' and (4) 'due to both transgender identity and other reason(s).' Korean transgender adults who experienced discrimination 'only due to transgender identity' and 'due to both transgender identity and other reason(s)' reported 1.91-times (95% CI 1.02–3.55) and 1.96-times (95% CI 1.32–2.92) higher prevalence of past 12-month HAD, respectively, than those who had no such experiences. Our findings suggest that institutional efforts are needed to protect transgender people from discrimination, which can contribute to improved access to healthcare among transgender populations in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated suicidal behavior prevalence and its association with physical and sexual health, and behavior-related factors among female sex workers in South Korea. Using time location sampling, we recruited 1,083 sex workers for an interviewer-administered questionnaire regarding sexual behavior, sociodemographics, and self-rated health (SRH) status. Participants were also tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We used binary logistic regression analysis to define suicide attempt factors. Around 28 % of sex workers in the sample reported that they had attempted suicide in the past year. Suicide attempts were independently associated with drinking alcohol almost every day, not using condom regularly, STD infection experience, and unfavorable SRH status. Higher suicide attempt likelihood was associated with poor sexual and physical health, but there was no significant association with the number of customers per week. We thus need to revive STD screening programs provided by the government and to support mental health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study calculated the sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence rates among female sex workers (FSWs) in South Korea and elucidated the social and behavioral risk factors that affect FSW's infection with STIs. FSWs were recruited using a multistage cluster probability sampling method ( N = 1,073). STI prevalence rates were 9.8 % for Treponema pallidum, 2.6 % for gonorrhea, and 12.5 % for Chlamydia. The risk probability of STI infection was higher for participants with fewer social relationships (OR = 0.99), more suicide attempt experiences (OR = 1.36), lower frequency of condom use (OR = 0.81), lower self-efficacy (OR = 0.78), and more irregular STI examination experiences (OR = 0.69). The STI prevalence rates of FSWs in South Korea were lower than those of FSWs in other Southeast Asian nations. While the direct factors for STI prevalence among this population were related to safe sex, indirect factors such as social support were also significant. Because this affects the self-efficacy of isolated individuals among sex workers, preventive interventions in STIs among FSWs must be expanded to the promotion of social support and mental health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the labor market goes global, immigrant workers are becoming important around the world. However, little research has focused on the characteristics of their sex behaviors. This study examines foreign employees in Korea in order to investigate their understanding of HIV and sexual risk behaviors. The sample ( N = 547) was formed from migrant workers in the industrial complex in Ansan district, which depends highly on foreigners as its labor source. Logistic regression, analysis revealed that 36.0% of the respondents were engaged in more than one sexual risk behavior. Those who knew someone infected with HIV (OR = 2.583) and Thai respondents (OR = 3.007) showed high sexual risk behaviors, while married (OR = 0.182) and Korean Chinese (OR = 0.280) workers showed low sexual risk behaviors. Those who had a wealth of knowledge about HIV took a less discriminatory position against the person who had infected them, but this had no statistical effects over the sexual risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the development of the Clinical Information Integration System (CIIS) for the National Biobank of Korea (NBK). Topics covered include the aims and mission of the NBK project, details relating to the design and implementation of the Clinical Information Integration System (CIIS), and details relating to the deployment of the biobank information system and clinical information integration system.

Deviant behavior of adolescents in the online world has emerged as a serious social issue in South Korea. Given the urgent need to address new forms of risks related to technological advancement such as the Internet, this study examined the mechanisms of online deviant behavior among adolescents guided by general strain theory. Two waves of the nationally representative Korean Children and Youth Panel Study (N = 2184; Mage = 13.6 years) were used. The study examines whether the association between parental maltreatment (7th grade) and online deviant behavior (8th grade) is mediated by depression (8th grade), and further whether the mediating effect of depression (8th grade) on online deviant behavior (8th grade) is moderated by mobile phone dependency (8th grade). Depression mediated the relationship between parental maltreatment and online deviant behavior in the following year. A significant indirect and negative effect of parental maltreatment on online deviant behavior through depression was observed when levels of mobile phone dependency were low and moderate but not when mobile phone dependency was high. The findings demonstrated that adolescent's depression and mobile phone dependency represent a key mechanism in determining the association between parental maltreatment and online deviant behavior. However, these findings may not be applicable for youth with the highest levels of mobile phone dependency. Highlights: Adopted general strain theory to examine the mechanism of online deviant behavior. Depression mediated the parental maltreatment and online deviant behavior relationship. Mobile phone dependency partially moderated the indirect effect of depression on online deviant behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children whose parents have mental disorders are more likely to be vulnerable and exposed to an environment where they may not be cared for by parents or guardians in Korea. Particularly, young children often develop mental disorders or maladaptive behaviors. This study aimed to implement a structured program to enhance the resilience of school-aged children whose parents have mental disorders and to analyze its effectiveness through a single-group pretest–posttest experimental design. The Korean Child Personality Inventory for Self-Report self-resilience and clinical scales were used, and daily behavioral observation logs showed decreases in psychosis scores among all children, anxiety scores among girls, and somatization and physical development among boys. Self-efficacy, social competency, and acceptance toward families increased. Therefore, the improvement of resilience and clinical symptoms was confirmed through this program, suggesting it should be expanded and developed in local community healthcare sites to help support children with mentally ill parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acculturative stress is speculated to be a sociocultural factor contributing to pain since cultural beliefs and practices can influence the way patients perceive and respond to pain. However, the relationship between acculturative stress and pain catastrophizing remains poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the relationship between acculturative stress and pain catastrophizing in Korean Americans. We collected survey data from Korean American in Texas (N = 374). Acculturative stress was measured with the Acculturative Stress Scale, and pain catastrophizing was measured with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Participants' mean age was 46.89 years, and 63% were women. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that higher acculturative stress may contribute to higher pain catastrophizing (regression coefficient = 1.02, P = 0.04). These findings advance our understanding of sociocultural factors associated with pain in Korean Americans; additional research with a larger sample is warranted for cross-validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how parenting stress can affect depressive symptoms in parents, between parents, and, ultimately, their children's internalizing and externalizing problems. First, we examined the relationship between parenting stress and depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers. Second, we examined the mutual influence of fathers' and mothers' parenting stress and depressive symptoms on the marital couple. Last, we examined the effect of the mutual influence of parenting stress and depressive symptoms on the child's internalizing and externalizing problems. To this end, we analyzed the data of 1,358 participants in Years 5–7 (2012–2014) from the Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC), employing the actor-partner independence model and structural equation modeling. The results indicated that parenting stress was associated with depressive symptoms in both parents, which then exerted an effect on their children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Furthermore, parents' depressive symptoms mediated a positive relationship between parenting stress and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Our findings demonstrate the importance of the mutual influence of both parents' stress and depressive symptoms on children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Highlights: Children in early childhood were extremely susceptible to the internal characteristics of their parents. One parent's parenting stress was associated with his/her own depressive symptoms as well as the depressive symptoms of his/her spouse. The mutual relationship of stress and depressive symptoms in both parents was associated with the child's internalizing and externalizing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment has a critical impact on the lives of children. Maladaptive parenting may interrupt the process of establishing healthy peer relationships as the quality of parent-child bonds determines positive or negative child outcomes. Although maladaptive parenting is known as a risk factor for predicting bullying perpetration and victimization, there has been little consideration of its developmental influences. We aimed to investigate the association between trajectories of parental maltreatment and peer bullying experiences from childhood to adolescence in Korea. Four waves of the nationally-representative Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey were used to assess parental abuse and neglect from grades four to seven (N = 2179; age range from 10–11 to 13–14). Latent class growth analysis identified trajectories of maltreatment, and logistic regression highlighted the relationship between derived trajectories and bullying engagement. Three latent groups of maltreatment trajectories were found and were named as low (59.26%), high neglect (30.02%), and high abuse (10.72%). Results from the logistic regression indicated that the high abuse trajectory was more strongly associated with higher rates of both bullying perpetration and victimization than the low trajectory. This study has implications for identifying long-term influences of abusive parenting in contrast to neglectful parenting over the course of childhood for engagement in adolescent bullying behavior. Findings may provide insights for prevention, intervention, and school bullying policies regarding developmental trajectories of maladaptive parenting. Highlights: Child maltreatment over four years was classified into three unique trajectories Higher likelihood of bullying engagement was found in the high abuse trajectory Parental maltreatment in childhood was related to bullying engagement of adolescents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether chewing difficulty is associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and related functional difficulties by body mass index. Design: A population-based cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants: A nationwide sample of 54,004 individuals aged ≥65 years from the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey. Measurements: SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties were measured using the cognitive decline module of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Chewing difficulty was assessed based on a self-report questionnaire from an oral health-related behaviors interview survey. BMI was calculated from objective values by measuring height and weight through a physical meter. Results: Among the 54,004 individuals, the prevalence of SCD in underweight, overweight, and obesity group was 33.6% (n = 806), 30.3% (n = 9,691), and 28.7% (n=5,632) respectively. Chewing difficulty was associated with SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties. This association was more pronounced in underweight (BMI: <18.5 kg/m2) people [underweight: (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–1.92); normal weight: OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.22; obese: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.27]. Similar trends were demonstrated for SCD-related functional difficulties (underweight: OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.17–2.01; normal weight: OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.15–1.63; obese: OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.22–1.86). Conclusions: Chewing difficulty was associated with SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties in older people. Our results suggest that underweight status may play roles in the associations between chewing difficulty and SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worker health centers and health zones provide occupational healthcare services to workers in underserved areas of industrial health. Health zones cannot counsel workers on occupational disease prevention; worker health center personnel have to provide such services through in-person visits. Video teleconsultation can increase the accessibility of high-quality services to workers who visit health zones and improve professional personnel's efficiency. This study aimed to develop a system and an infrastructure that could facilitate video teleconsultation services between worker health centers and health zones, and analyze the services' operation status. A video teleconsultation process based on the role of local and remote institutions was designed. Based on the designed services, a web system supporting teleconsultation and an integrated gateway guaranteeing the interface with medical equipment in the web environment was developed. After analyzing the working environment, an infrastructure consisting of networks, video equipment, medical equipment, and servers necessary for teleconsultation was designed. Statistical results from the developed system and a satisfaction survey conducted by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency were used to analyze the video teleconsultation services' operation status. A system, gateway, and hardware infrastructure within 21 worker health centers and 21 health zones has been operating this service since January 1, 2018. Over two years, the total number of teleconsultation service users was 4979, and the total number of questionnaire respondents was 1270. The total number of service activities was 6388 and total satisfaction was rated as 4.58 (± 0.59) out of 5. In this study, video teleconsultation services were evaluated as being very satisfactory. In particular, service accessibility and local medical personnel service were rated highly, demonstrating that the developed system and infrastructure were well designed according to the goals of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral and bone disorder suggests that fragile bone and vascular disorder might be connected closely in CKD patients. In this study, fracture event was significantly associated with myocardial infarction (MI) in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis (HD), especially for vertebral fractures. Introduction: CKD-mineral and bone disorder is characterized by biochemical abnormalities, bone disorders, and vascular calcification. We aimed to verify the association between fracture and MI in CKD patients. Methods: Records for incident CKD stage 3 to 5 patients and patients who initiated HD between July 2014 and June 2018 were retrieved from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service Database. Fractures were defined using diagnostic codes and were classified into vertebral, femoral, and other site fractures. MI was defined using a combination of MI diagnostic codes and related procedure codes. Multiple logistic regressions and 1:1 propensity score matching analysis were conducted. Results: A total of 38,935 patients (HD, 11,379; pre-dialysis CKD, 27,556) were included in this study. A total of 5,057 (13.0%) patients experienced fracture, and 1,431 (3.7%) patients had MI. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that fracture was significantly associated with MI in the HD group (odds ratio (OR) 1.34, P = 0.024), but not in the pre-dialysis CKD group (OR 1.04, P = 0.701). After propensity score matching for age, gender, and diabetes mellitus between patients with and without fracture, fracture still significantly correlated with MI in HD patients (OR 1.47, P = 0.034) but not in patients with pre-dialysis CKD (OR 1.04, P = 0.751). Subgroup analysis by fracture site found that vertebral fracture was associated with MI in HD patients (OR 2.11, P = 0.024), but femoral or other site fractures were not. Conclusion: In HD patients, fracture was significantly associated with MI, especially for vertebral fractures patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sarcopenia is an involuntary loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance associated with aging. Sarcopenia contributes to adverse health outcomes. Milk contains essential amino acids important for maintaining muscle. We investigated the relationships among milk consumption frequency (MCF), muscle mass, and strength in Korean adults. Methods: We analyzed the data from 16,173 adults in the 2008–2011 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 13,537 adults in the 2014–2016 KNHANES, and 8254 adults in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). MCF was divided into two groups: (1) MCF less than once per day (MCF < 1 group) and (2) MCF greater than or equal to once per day (MCF ≥ 1 group). Low skeletal muscle mass index (LSMI) was defined using the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health sarcopenia project criteria for low muscle mass. Muscle strength was measured using the hand-grip strength test. Results: The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for LSMI in the MCF < 1 group was 1.250 (1.013–1.543) after adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the MCF ≥ 1 group (2008–2011 KNHANES). The adjusted mean for hand-grip strength was higher in the MCF ≥ 1 group (2014–2016 KNHANES). After a mean follow-up of 9 years, fat-free mass/body mass index was higher in the MCF ≥ 1 group than the MCF < 1 group (KoGES). Conclusion: We found that MCF ≥ 1 was significantly associated with higher skeletal muscle index and muscle strength than lower MCF. Milk consumption could help prevent sarcopenia in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Specific food consumption, besides food allergy, may aggravate atopic dermatitis (AD). However, previous reports on the association between AD and food intake in adolescents are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between AD and specific food consumption frequency in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey 2017 was performed. The frequency of food consumption in the recent-diagnosed AD group (AD diagnosed within 12 months) compared to those in the previous-diagnosed AD (AD diagnosed more than 12 months ago) or control group were investigated. Results: A total of 53,373 participants were eligible for this study. The weighted prevalence of the recent-diagnosed AD and the previous-diagnosed AD was 7.39% and 18.00%, respectively. When compared with subjects with the previous-diagnosed AD, those with the recent-diagnosed AD were significantly more likely to frequently consume fast foods (odds ratio OR 1.405; 95% CI 1.150–1.717), energy drinks (OR 1.457; 95% CI 1.175–1.807), or convenience food (OR 1.304; 95% CI 1.138–1.495). Patients of the recent-diagnosed AD were significantly more likely to frequently consume fast foods (OR 1.374; 95% CI 1.155–1.634) than the control group. The differences in the frequency of specific food consumption among groups were more pronounced in high school students than in middle school students. Conclusions: Frequent intake of fast foods, energy drinks, and convenience food was related to the recent-diagnosed AD in adolescents. Prospective cohort and interventional studies are needed to identify causal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetes mellitus has been suspected to increase mortality in acute pyelonephritis (APN) patients and the goal of this study is to verify this suspicion with a large data set based on almost the entire population of South Korea. Methods: A nationwide cohort study was conducted using a South Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service claim database. We collected demographic and clinical information including comorbidities of patients with APN as the primary discharge diagnosis during 2010–2014. Then we compared the in-hospital mortality and recurrence of APN across the diabetes and non-diabetes groups. Results: Among 845,656 APN patients, 12.4% had diabetes mellitus. The median age was 65 in the diabetes group, which was much higher than 47 in the non-diabetes group; the female proportion was 91–92% in both groups. The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the diabetes group (2.6/1000 events in the diabetes group vs. 0.3/1000 in the non-diabetes group, P < 0.001). When covariates (age, sex, and the modified Charlson comorbidity index) were controlled with panel logistic regression, diabetes was still associated with a higher in-hospital mortality in APN patients (OR 2.66, 95% CI 2.19–3.23). The increasing effect of diabetes on in-hospital mortality of APN patients varied greatly with age: the effect was large for age 15–49 (OR 15.06, 95% CI 5.27–43.05), slightly smaller for age 50–64 (OR 12.17, 95% CI 5.71–25.92), and much smaller for age ≥ 65 (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.72–1.92). Conclusions: Our data indicate that the mortality of APN is higher in the patients with diabetes and this effect becomes stronger for young patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Maternal attachment to promote role development in mothers of preterm infants is critical for babies' optimal growth and development. However, few models specify how neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and their environments work to foster postpartum attachment (PPA) after preterm birth. We investigated relationships of quality of family-centered care and NICU environmental stressors with maternal PPA, to determine whether these are mediated by mothers' psycho-emotional response and whether pathways to PPA are moderated by developmental immaturity (gestation, birthweight). Methods: A cross-sectional study using structural equation modeling was conducted on 294 mothers of premature infants with experience in NICUs in over 49 tertiary hospitals in 12 cities or provinces of South Korea. Data were collected using Korean versions of instruments including the Quality of Family-centered Care, Parental Stressor Scale: NICU, and Maternal Postpartum Attachment Scale. Results: Maternal self-representation was a key predictor of PPA (β =.68), accounting for 42.2% of variance. Multi-group analysis indicated that NICU environmental stressor sensitivity (β =.26) and maternal self-representation (β =.67) were predictive of PPA in mothers of moderately preterm and low birthweight (32–36 weeks' gestation, 1500–2499 g birthweight) infants. Quality of family-centered developmental care (β =.11) and NICU environmental stressor sensitivity (β = −.16) had significant indirect effects on PPA through psycho-emotional responses. Conclusions for Practice: Healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of family-centered interventions focusing on psychosocial support and family participation in baby care, based on their environmental role in promoting PPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) by Mahayana Buddhists with vegetarian diets is quantitatively evaluated. The Buddhists in seven Mahayana-dominated countries or regions, i.e., China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, are studied. Assessments of the vegetarian population among these Mahayana-dominated countries or regions are performed. Correlation formulas based on data from a national survey are developed to quantify the GHGEs of various dietary groups by using the meat consumption as the only required input. To demonstrate its reliability, the prediction from the formulas developed is first compared with the results of a food production-and-consumption study using a different approach. Then, the formulas are used to assess the GHGE reduction due to Mahayana Buddhists with vegetarian diets. The assessment indicates that Mahayana Buddhists with vegetarian diets account for the equivalent GHGE reduction of 48.83 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is a huge amount and is equal to 11.3 or 8.9% of the GHGEs from France or the UK in 2012, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study provides a longitudinal examination of the relationship between bullying victimization and adolescent physical health. Relying on data from a large sample of adolescents from South Korean schools (Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey), a series of ordinary least squares regression models were estimated for adverse physical health outcomes. The results suggest that bullying victimization and perpetration is a significant risk factor for various forms of adverse physical health outcomes including asthma, rhinitis, and obesity. Specifically, being the victim of verbal bullying was associated with greater exposure to adverse health problems, including asthma, rhinitis, and obesity. We also found that being bullied physically was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity but those effects dissipated in fully controlled models. Lastly, we did observe that verbal bullying perpetration was associated with more asthma over time. Study limitations and implications for bullying prevention are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study primarily uses Berry's theoretical model to examine national identity, acculturation (to South Korea), ethnic identity, and enculturation (to country-of-origin), and how they are linked to immigrant adolescents' aggression and depression in South Korea. Data were collected from 120 immigrant youths (i.e., those born in South Korea and those born in their country-of-origin) in eight middle schools. Analyses include multivariate regression and cluster analyses. Findings indicate that South Korean identity (m = 48, F = 77.0, p <.001), acculturation to South Korean culture (m = 44.9, F = 52.3, p <.01), and mother's Korean proficiency (m = 3.6, F = 10.9, p <.001) were higher among Korea-born adolescents. Enculturation (m = 35.5, F = 13.7, p <.001) and depression (m = 36.4, F = 15.3, p <.001) were higher among foreign-born adolescents. Aggression (r = −.26, p <.01) and depression (r = −.46, p <.01) were lower among native-born Korean adolescents. South Korean identity (B = −.27, p =.02) and acculturation (B = −.28, p =.01) were negatively associated with aggression. South Korean identity (B = −.22, p =.04), acculturation (B = −.21, p =.03), and ethnic identity (B = −.17, p =.02) were negatively associated with depression. Integration youth (M = 12.7) and assimilation youth (M = 11.5) reported lower aggression than marginalization youth (M = 15.8, F = 5.48, p <.01). Assimilation type had better outcomes than separation and marginalization types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Delta-5-desaturase (fatty acid desaturase-1, FADS1) and delta-6 desaturase (fatty acid desaturase-2, FADS2), rate-limiting enzymes in the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, may be associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated how FADS1 rs174547 and FADS2 rs2845573 variants modify the prevalence of MetS and whether the risk is modulated by interactions with dietary fat. Methods: Genetic, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary data were collected from the Ansan/Ansung (8842 adults) and City–Rural (5512 adults) cohorts in Korea. The association between FADS1 rs174547(C/T) and FADS2 rs2845573(C/T) variants and MetS was analyzed, as was the interaction of genotypes and fatty acid intake and the risk of MetS after adjusting for MetS-related confounders. Results: Carriers of FADS1 rs174547 and FADS2 rs2845573 minor alleles had lower serum HDL-cholesterol and glucose levels and higher triglyceride levels than those with major alleles. Ansan/Ansung cohort individuals with FADS1 minor alleles or haplotypes of FADS1 and FADS2 minor alleles had increased risk of MetS, including lower serum HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels and blood pressure after adjusting for MetS-related confounders. The City–Rural cohort showed similar results. Total fat intake showed interactions with FADS1 and haplotype variants on MetS risk: MetS frequency was reduced in people consuming moderate fat diets as compared to low fat diets in FADS1 and haplotype of FADS1 and FADS2 major alleles. Conclusion: Korean carriers of the FADS1 rs174547 and FADS2 rs2845573 minor alleles have a greater susceptibility to MetS and moderate fat intake protected against the risk of MetS in carriers of the FADS1 major alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of young North Korean refugees (NKRs) entering South Korea to escape famine and poverty and improve their quality of life is drastically increasing. The aims of this study were to identify and compare health promoting lifestyle behaviors (HPLBs) of young NKRs, compared to South Koreans, and to investigate influencing factors related to HPLBs in young NKRs. Data were obtained from 150 NKRs residing in South Korea and 161 South Koreans. Respondents provided their psychological status (depression, stress, and life satisfaction) and HPLBs. The NKRs reported lower interpersonal relations scores and higher spiritual growth scores compared to the control group. Attendance in religious services, stress, and life satisfaction were significantly associated with HPLBs in young NKRs. Health education and/or promotion programs focusing interpersonal relations and spiritual growth may be beneficial. In addition, regular psychological health screening is proposed as part of health-checkup programs, potentially improving adjustment to South Korean society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Korean defectors (NKD) have many health problems related to insufficient nutrition, trauma from escaping, and being exposed to infectious diseases, but little research exists on their cancer screening. A total of 638 NKD participated in this cross-sectional survey. South Korean natives (SKN) who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V were selected using age matching to each NKD. Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The cervical cancer screening rate of NKD was significantly lower than for SKN (42 and 70 %, respectively; P < .001). The adjusted proportions of cervical cancer screening for NKD in all age groups under 60 years (P < .01) and having education beyond high school (P < .001) were significantly lower than that of SKN. NKD who had education under a high school level were more likely to have cervical cancer screening compared to NKD with education beyond a high school level (OR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.12-2.93). NKD were less likely to receive appropriate cervical cancer screening compared to SKN, especially those aged 30-39 years or married. Tailored interventions for NKD are needed to improve cervical cancer screening compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Doping in sports compromises fair play and endangers health. To deter doping among elite athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) oversees testing of several hundred thousand athletic blood and urine samples annually, of which 1-2% test positive. Measures using the Athlete Biological Passport suggest a higher mean prevalence of about 14% positive tests. Biological testing, however, likely fails to detect many cutting-edge doping techniques, and thus the true prevalence of doping remains unknown. Methods: We surveyed 2167 athletes at two sporting events: the 13th International Association of Athletics Federations Word Championships in Athletics (WCA) in Daegu, South Korea in August 2011 and the 12th Quadrennial Pan-Arab Games (PAG) in Doha, Qatar in December 2011. To estimate the prevalence of doping, we utilized a 'randomized response technique,' which guarantees anonymity for individuals when answering a sensitive question. We also administered a control question at PAG assessing past-year use of supplements. Results: The estimated prevalence of past-year doping was 43.6% (95% confidence interval 39.4-47.9) at WCA and 57.1% (52.4-61.8) at PAG. The estimated prevalence of past-year supplement use at PAG was 70.1% (65.6-74.7%). Sensitivity analyses, assessing the robustness of these estimates under numerous hypothetical scenarios of intentional or unintentional noncompliance by respondents, suggested that we were unlikely to have overestimated the true prevalence of doping. Conclusions: Doping appears remarkably widespread among elite athletes, and remains largely unchecked despite current biological testing. The survey technique presented here will allow future investigators to generate continued reference estimates of the prevalence of doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare mothers' and fathers' ratings of their young children's problems and prosocial behaviors using the Korean version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Furthermore, the present study examined whether parental depressive symptoms were linked to agreement between mothers' and fathers' ratings of their young children's behavior. The sample consisted of 302 parents whose 5-year-old children attended childcare centers in Korea. The parents completed the Korean version of the SDQ and the Center for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression short form. The results revealed that both the mothers' and fathers' reports moderately correlated for both boys and girls, with greater correlations for externalizing problems than for internalizing problems. Whereas there were no significant differences between mothers' and fathers' reports of their children's problems, mothers reported significantly more prosocial behaviors than fathers did, regardless of the child's gender. Polynomial regression showed that mothers' reports were more strongly associated with fathers' report of their children's prosocial behavior when mothers reported lower levels of depressive symptoms. The findings provide empirical evidence that mothers and fathers reported more similarities than differences in assessing child problems. Further analyses suggest considering maternal depressive symptoms when interpreting interparental agreement on their children's prosocial behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body dissatisfaction is widely acknowledged to exert considerable impact on abnormal eating behavior. Previous studies that reported the mediating role of body dissatisfaction between psychological variables and abnormal eating behavior mostly used western samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect association of psychological factors (i.e., self-esteem and depression) on abnormal eating behavior on a Korean sample. In addition, we examined a possible mediating effect of body dissatisfaction in this relationship. A sample of 502 Korean female college students enrolled in a private university participated in this cross-sectional study. Results indicated that self-esteem and depression did not have direct impacts on abnormal eating behavior. However, they did have indirect effects through the mediating factor, body dissatisfaction. Our findings suggest that students who have low self-esteem and high depression are likely to have higher levels of body dissatisfaction, and this, in turn, tends to be associated with greater abnormal eating behavior. Identification of this path has clinical implications in the development of programs to prevent abnormal eating behaviors among young female college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the relative contribution of style of peer attachment (secure, anxious, avoidant) and quality of attachment to parents on behavior problems in Korean adolescents. In addition, we examined the role of paternal and maternal attachment separately as a potential moderator in the relationship between style of peer attachment and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Middle school students (245 males, 209 females) completed the Korean version of the Adolescent Friendship Attachment Scale, Inventory of Parental and Peer Attachment-Revised, and Youth Self-Report. Attachment to peers and parents as predictors of behavior problems were tested via hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Results revealed that anxious peer attachment remained the strongest predictor of behavior problems among adolescents (internalizing behavior problems β = .18, p < .01; externalizing behavior problems β = .21, p < .001), indicating the relative importance of peer relationship compared to attachment to parents. Paternal attachment significantly moderated the relationship between avoidant peer attachment and externalizing behavior problems ( β = .15, p < .05), even when the main effect of avoidant peer attachment on externalizing behavior problems was not significant. Results highlight the role of both attachments to peers and parents on adolescents' psychological adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study applies individual trait and opportunity perspectives at the individual-level factors associated with peer victimization among South Korean youth. The theoretical analysis integrates individual-level perspectives with community-level perspective. Data are derived from the Korean Youth Panel Survey, which provided information for a sample of 2844 adolescents, aged 11. Findings revealed significant effects of low self-control and risky lifestyles (delinquent peer associations and juvenile delinquency) on peer victimization. The results lend support for the application of self-control theory as well as lifestyles and routine activities theory to understand peer victimization of adolescents in South Korea. However, there was no independent effect of neighborhood collective efficacy on peer victimization, nor did neighborhood collective efficacy attenuate or condition the individual-level effects on peer victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the sexual knowledge, sexual attitude, and life satisfaction among older adults in Korea. Topics include the major negative health outcomes related to sexual activity among Korean older adults such as sexually transmitted infections (STI), sexual violence and prostitution, the role of sexual education in improving sexual knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality, and the demographic characteristics of Korean older adults such as age, gender and educational level.