| In Hong Hwang | 22 Articles |
Because there is no specific treatment for the common cold, many previous studies have focused on prevention of the common cold. There were some studies reporting that regular, moderate-intensity exercise increases immunity and prevents the common cold. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of exercise on prevention of the common cold. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL for studies released through June 2013. We manually searched the references. Two authors independently extracted the data. To assess the risk of bias of included literature, Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used. Review Manager ver. 5.2 (RevMan, Cochrane Collaboration) was used for statistical analysis. Four randomized controlled trials were identified. A total of 281 participants, 134 in the exercise group and 147 in the control group, were included. The effect of exercise on the prevention of the common cold had a relative risk (RR) of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 0.95; I2 = 7%). The mean difference of mean illness days between exercise group and control group was -3.50 (95% CI, -6.06 to -0.94; I2 = 93%). In the subgroup analysis, the RR of under 16 weeks exercise was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.58 to 1.08). In this meta-analysis, regular, moderate-intensity exercise may have an effect on the prevention of the common cold. But numbers of included studies and participants were too small and quality of included studies was relatively poor. Subsequent well-designed studies with larger sample size are needed to clarify the association. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Having usual source of care has been associated with improved receipt of preventive services and control of chronic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia). The objective of this study was to examine whether having usual source of care is associated with improved receipt of preventive services and control of chronic diseases. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, KMbase, KoreaMed, RiSS4U, National Assembly Library, and KISS for studies released through May 31st 2011. Two authors independently extracted the data. We manually searched the references and twenty recent related articles on PubMed. To assess the risk of bias RoBANS tool was used. We identified 10 studies. Most having usual source of care were associated with improved receipt of preventive services (cervical cancer screening, clinical breast exam, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, and flu shot) compared with no usual source of care. However, gastric cancer and colon cancer screening were difficult to conclude and blood pressure checkup showed mixed results. Overall there was no association between having usual source of care and smoking behaviors and the effect on chronic disease control was difficult to conclude. Having usual source of care was associated with improved receipt of preventive services and overall the results were consistent. So, the results suggested that having usual source of care may help to receive preventive services. Hereafter, cohort studies are needed to evaluate casual relationships and more studies are needed in various countries and systems. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are widely used in the treatment of tension headache. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of single doses of acetaminophen and NSAIDs using meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trial studies. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, KMbase, KoreaMed, RiCH, National Assembly Library, Riss4u, and DBPIA for studies released through 27th July 2010. Two authors independently extracted the data. To assess the risk of bias, the Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias tool was used. Review Manager 5.0 was used for statistics. We identified 6 studies. The relative benefit of the NSAIDs group compared to the acetaminophen group for participants with at least 50% pain relief was 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99 to 1.39; I2 = 85%). We did subgroup analysis based on allocation concealment versus non-allocation concealment, and low-dose NSAIDs versus high-dose NSAIDs. The relative benefit of the low-dose NSAIDs subgroup to the acetaminophen group was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.91 to 1.06; I2 = 0%). However, the heterogeneity of other subgroup analysis was not settled. The relative risk for using rescue medication of the NSAIDs group compared to the acetaminophen group was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.64 to 1.12; I2 = 47%). The relative risk for adverse events was 1.31(95% CI, 0.96 to 1.80; I2 = 0%). In this meta-analysis, there was no difference between low-dose NSAIDs and acetaminophen in the efficacy of the treatment for tension type headache. The results suggested that high-dose NSAIDs have more effect but also have more adverse events. The balance of benefit and harm needs to be considered when using high-dose NSAIDs for tension headache. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was developed to improve the reporting of observational studies. We aimed to evaluate the quality of reporting in cohort studies and case-control studies among observational studies published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine. We searched for cohort studies and case-control studies published as original articles in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine during the period January 1992 through December 2009. The main outcome measures were the number and proportion of cohort studies and case-control studies that reported each of 22 checklist items of STROBE. We identified a total of 84 articles, of which 46 articles were cohort studies and 38 were case-control studies. Concerning methods, study designs (10%), bias (13%), study size (0%), statistical methods (12-c and 12-e items, 0%; 12-d item, cohort study, 6%) have been poorly reported. Of results, participants (5-6%), descriptive data (14-b item, 5%), and funding (1%) among other information have been poorly reported. The degree of adherence the STROBE recommendations was relatively low in cohort studies and case-control studies published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine. An effort to improve the reporting of observational studies by application and recommendation of the STROBE statement is required. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
In reporting results of case-control studies, odds ratios are useful methods of reporting findings. However, odds ratios are often misinterpreted in the literature and by general readers. We searched all original articles which were published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine from 1980 to May 2011 and identified those that report "odds ratios." Misinterpretation of odds ratios as relative risks has been identified. Estimated risk ratios were calculated when possible and compared with odds ratios. One hundred and twenty-eight articles using odds ratios were identified. Among those, 122 articles were analyzed for the frequency of misinterpretation of odds ratios as relative risks. Twenty-two reports out of these 122 articles misinterpreted odds ratios as relative risks. The percentage of misinterpreting reports decreased over years. Seventy-seven reports were analyzed to compare the estimated risk ratios with odds ratios. In most of these articles, odds ratios were greater than estimated risk ratios, 60% of which had larger than 20% standardized differences. In reports published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine, odds ratios are frequently used. They were misinterpreted in part of the reports, although decreasing trends over years were observed. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Background
A number of observational studies have found that ginseng intake may reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer. However, studies have yielded inconsistent results as to whether consuming ginseng can lower the risk of gastric cancer. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies that assessed the association between ginseng intake and the risk of gastric cancer.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, KMbase, KoreaMed, RiCH, National Assembly Library, Riss4u, and DBPIA for studies released through August 2007. We manually searched the references. Two authors independently extracted the data. To assess the quality of the studies Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Methodology Checklist for case-control studies and cohort studies were used. Review Manager 5.0 (RevMan) was used for statistical analysis.Results: We identified one case-control study and three cohort studies. The risk ratio (RR) for ginseng intake of all studies was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46 to 1.51) and I2 = 91% for heterogeneity. We did subgroup analysis according to different types of study design, nation, and author. The results were consistent only when we did subgroup analysis according to authors. The RR of subgroup by different authors was 1.43 (95% CI, 1.10 to 1.80) and I2 = 0% without showing heterogeneity.Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, the results suggested that there was insufficient evidence to confirm the association between ginseng intake and the risk of gastric cancer. Subsequent more powerful, well-designed, and larger observational epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the association. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Background
Because low quality trials may lead to wrong conclusions, quality assessments are necessary. Thus, this study scrutinizes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine (KAFM) to assess the quantity and the quality. Methods: Upon extracting randomized controlled trials from all the articles published in the Journal of the KAFM from 1980 to 2005, assessments were made on the Jadad scale and the adequacy of allocation concealment. The selections and assessments were performed independently by two researchers, and adjustment of the differences were done by a third-party researcher. In addition, the factors that may affect the quality levels were analyzed. Results: Twenty-three trials were included. In 1980s, there were only 1.09% of the total original articles, but in 2000s, 2.63% were RCTs. The mean total Jadad score increased from 1 point in 1980s to 2.17 in 2000s, and the "good quality" trials also increased from 0% to 33.33%. As for the adequate allocation concealment, however, only two studies were observed in 2000s. The most lacking aspect was the appropriate double-blinding. Also, studies intervened by medicine or funded or examined by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) tended to receive higher quality assessments. Conclusion: Although RCTs consistently increased in quantity and quality, in future studies, researchers should continue to strive towards achieving adequate allocation concealment and appropriate double-blinding. In addition, researchers must become more interested in receiving funds and examination by IRBs. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Background
Over the past decade, considerable evidence has been accumulated showing that social networks infl uence health. However few valid and reliable instruments exist for assessing social networks among elderly population. Therefore, we translated the Lubben social network scales (LSNS) and tested the validity and reliability of Korean version.Methods: Ten items, self-administered questionnaires were translated by multidisciplinary committee members. Also they were reverse translated by bilingual and modifi ed from pretest procedure. Reliability was tested by 4 weeks test-retest reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Validity was tested by factor analysis and construct validity comparison with the Korean version of Duke-UNC and Korean Health Related Quality of Life Scale (KQOLS) were tested for validity testing. Results: Cronbach's alpha was 0.75. Four weeks test-retest Pearson coeffi cient was 0.78 (P < 0.0001). Correlation coeffi cient with the Korean version of Duke-UNC was 0.58 (P < 0.0001). Correlation coeffi cient with social function domain of KQOLS was 0.40 (P < 0.0001). Principal components analysis identified 3 factors. Three contents areas are family and friends networks, interdependent social support and living arrangements. Conclusion: Korean version of LSNS is both valid and reliable instrument, but fi ne refi nements will be needed to adapt for use in practical settings. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Background: Recently, there has been an increase of emerging concerns between dietary fiber and diabetics. Increasing intake of dietary fiber leads to delaying absorption of glucose, and lowering of serum insulin levels. In the past studies, there were inconsistent glycemic control effect of beta-glucan. Our purpose was to assess the glycemic control effect of beta-glucan in adults. Methods: Electronic searches (Cochrane, PubMed, EMBase), hand-searching and review of reference were done. The search term for beta-glucans [mh], "Avena sativa" [mh], "Hordeum" [mh], beta glucan* [tw], oat [tw], barley [tw], with no language restriction were used. All RCT that included available data of beta-glucan or that could impute dose of beta-glucan, at least one relevant outcome of glycemic control, run-in period more than 2 weeks, and intervention period of more than 2 weeks or greater were selected. A fixed-effect model was used to assess the summary effect of studies. Results: A total of 43 articles were identified, 4 studies met our inclusion criteria and then analyzed. In pooled analysis, the effect size of fasting glucose level was 0.13 (95%CI: −1.25 to 1.51), and serum insulin level was −0.95 (95%CI, −2.37 to 0.47). It was impossible to adjust for sex and age owing to the lack of raw data. Conclusion: In this review, the results suggested that there were negative impacts of beta-glucan on fasting glucose and serum insulin level in adults, but we concluded that there was insufficient evidence to confirm about glycemic control effect. More powerful and well-designed RCT were required to confirm about glycemic control effect of beta-glucan. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2008;29:475-483)
Background
The revised Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) were developed to improve the reporting of Randomized Controlled Trials. We studied to survey the extent to which RCTs report items included in the revised CONSORT recommendations. Methods: A descriptive survey of RCTs enrolled in 2005 at KoreaMed, which is a representative database in Korea was done. The main outcome measures were the proportion of RCTs that reported each of 22 checklist items of CONSORT. Results: We identified 125 RCTs from 26 journals. Random sequence implementation (0%), estimated effect size and its precision (0%), sample size determination (8.9%), method of random sequence generation (7.3%), allocation concealment (3.2%), participant flow (4.8%) and any other analysis (7.3%), generalizability of the trial findings (0.8%) were pooly reported. Conclusion: The proportions of following the CONSORT recommendations in Korean medical journals were very low. An effort to improve the reporting of RCTs by application and recommendation of CONSORT statement is required. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2008;29:276-282)
Background
: A rapid growth of socioeconomic status in Korea has triggered health information resolution of unprecedented magnitude among the general population. Despite its obvious benefits, the increase in the amount of information could also result in many potentially harmful effects on both consumers and professionals who do not use it appropriately. Methods : This study was performed to evaluate health information in the television news from June 2003 through January 2004. We evaluated the quality and the accuracy of health information provided in the night news. We reviewed the health information for quality using the evidence-based medicine tools which evaluate the accuracy required to understand the text. Results : A total of 85 types of information were identified. Among them, 34 (40.0%) contained inaccurate or misleading statement based on evidence-based medicine. These included confusing surrogate outcome with an end outcome (15.3%), extrapolating nonhuman results to human (8.2%), exaggerating results in conclusion (12.9%), incorrect words (7.1%), indefinite study methods (2.4%) In broadcasting stations A, B and C, the rate of error were 55.6%, 38.2% and 42.4%, respectively. The rate of error were higher in information of Korean source compared to those of international sources (65.8% and 27.3%). Conclusion : Many inaccurate medical information exist in the television news.
Background
: Waist circumference and BMI have been known as an independent predictor for cardiovascular diseases. But some people with a normal BMI or normal waist circumference may have cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the simplicity and the usefulness of waist/height ratio as an index of obesity and to investigate the waist/height ratio as a predictor for metabolic risks in individuals with normal weight and/or normal waist circumference. Methods : The subjects were 1,157 individuals (635 men, 522 women). The morbidity index for metabolic risk factors was calculated by the sum of the risk factors scores (one point per item, if present). We set the criteria of obesity as BMI≥25 kg/m2, waist circumference of ≥90 cm in males and ≥80 cm in females, waist/hip ratio of ≥0.9 in males and ≥0.8 in females, and waist/height ratio of ≥50 cm/cm*100. Results : There was a significant correlation among waist/ height ratio, waist/hip ratio, BMI, and waist circumference (P=0.000). The odds ratios for morbidity index (≥3) in normal BMI, waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio subjects with waist/height over 50 were significantly higher with 4.60, 3.83, and 2.79, respectively, and also higher in normal BMI with normal waist circumference subjects with 3.90 (P=0.000). Conclusion : Waist/height ratio may be used a simple and practical index of obesity. Especially, it may be useful in subjects with normal BMI or normal waist circumference when predicting their metabolic risks.
Background
: The Metabolic Syndrome is highly associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive systemic marker of inflammation, is considered to show an association with risk of coronary heart disease. This study was done to assess the association of circulating levels of CRP with different components of the Metabolic Syndrome. Methods : Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and CRP were measured in 1,203 men and women who have visited the Health Promotion Center in Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital. The relationship of CRP and variables of the metabolic syndrome using t-test and regression analysis as assessed. Results : CRP was associated with BMI (P＜0.001), waist circumference (P＜0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (P= 0.004), HDL cholesterol (P=0.015), and TG (P＜0.0001). Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome had a significantly higher CRP concentration (0.89 mg/L) than individuals without the metabolic syndrome (0.33 mg/L, P＜0.0001). Conclusion : CRP seems to be related to variables of the metabolic syndrome. The data suggest that a variety of features of the metabolic syndrome are associated with systemic inflammation.
Background
: According to previous studies, it was suggested that coffee consumption ,may protect liver toxicity caused by alcohol drinking. Our study is design to analyze association between coffee consumption and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT) in alcohol drinking male adults. Methods : From 1996 May to 1995 July, data were collected from alcohol drinking male adults who visited a university hospitals for health check-up. Among them, subjects who had disease could affect liver function test were excluded. Sociodemographic data, alcohol drinking amount, smoking status, coffee drinking amount data were collected by questionnaire and subject’s weight and height were measured. Results : We excluded 12 male adults because they had a disease which may cause liver dysfunction. In analysis of variance, coffee consumption and BMI were significantly associated with serum GGT(p=0.023). Alcohol drinking and cigarettes smoking were not significantly associated with GGT. In multiple regression analysis, coffee consumption was inversely related to serum GGT levels independently (p=0.002). Cigarettes smoking was also independently and positively associated with serum GGT levels(p=0.040). Conclusion : Coffee consumption may lower serum GGT levels in alcohol drinking male. It may suggest that coffee consumption protect liver toxicity caused by alcohol drinking and It must be validated in large sized prospective study involving non-alcohol drinker.
Background
: Stress has long been recognized as a risk factor to various disorders including peptic ulcer disease. Life events are universal which everybody experiences. This study was done to find out whether stressful life events have a role in the development and exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease(PUD) and non-ulcer dyspepsia(NUD) comparing Lee's life stress scale between patients with gastroscopically proven PUD and NUD and those of control. Methods : On hundred twenty two patients with PUD were studied at our institution from February 1, 1997 to June 30, 1997. Patients who experienced abdominal discomfort and found to have normal or chronic superficial gastritis by gastroscopic exam during the same period were selected for NUD group. Controls were selected from asymptomatic individuals who underwent upper gastrointestinal series procedure for a health screening. Stressful life events investigated were total, positive, and negative stresses measured by Lee's life stress scale(98 items), marital status, level of education, income, occupation, religion, history of cigarette smoking, and the amount of alcoholic consumption and were compared between the three groups. The data were analyzed by one was ANOVA and chi-square test. Results : No statistically significant difference was found in total, positive, and negative stress scores between PUD group and NUD group, although they were significantly higher in PUD and NUD groups than those of the control group(p<0.05). Also statistically significant difference in income and occupa-tion, tests and school, problems associated children and familial conflict were found between PUD group and the control group)p<0.05), as weel as between NUD group and the control group(p<0.05). Conclusion : Stressful life events were associated with development of PUD and NUD.
Background
: Sulfonylurea is recommended to be taken before meal. But since premeal administration is against Korean's usual medication habit, it can be the cause of poor compliance. Such recommendation is based on the results of a few clinical trials about appropriate medication time. But most of the clinical studies had a limitation : observe only acute effects of medication, subjects were only healthy volunteer. So the chronic effect of sulfonylurea of each kind must be validated. Methods : From 1996 May to 1996 July, data were collected from diabetic patients who visited an university hospitals for managing diabetes and used a intermediate-acting sulfonylurea. The subjects were randomized to two groups of premeal group and postmeal group, by chart number and were asked to take the previous medicine according to assignment. After 1 month medication, mixed meal tolerance test was done with 300Kcal carbohydrate, 400±50Kcal diet. The subjects were switched to the other group and 2nd mixed meal tolerance test was done 1 month later. The Area under curves was calculated in pre-and post-prandial glucose curve and was compared by paired t-test. Results : During the study period, total 16 diabetic patients were enrolled. There was no significant statistical difference between pre-prandial group and post prandial group in AUC. Conclusion : Intermediate-acting sulfonylurea can be administered at any time in relation to meal.
Background
: Body image distortion is found in eating disorder and obesity and there are some evidence that a few chronic diseases are associated with body image distortion. Diabetes Mellitus patient may have body image distortion because diabetes mellitus is well accompanied with weight loss. Some researches reported that there was some association between insulindependent diabetes mellitus with body image distortion, but there were no research between non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and body image distortion. Methods : From 1996 March to 1995 April, data were collected from 51 diabetes mellitus patients who visited one university hospital for management(patients group), and 51 sex, age, body mass index matched people who visited two university hospitals for medical examination. Body image was assessed by asking subjects' perceived actual body somatotype. Results : Body image distortion between diabetic patient and normal person was not significantly different. When body image in diabetic patient was stratified with sex, age, BMI, weight change at beginning of diabetes mellitus, maximum body weight change, BMI and maximum body weight change were significantly associated with body image distortion. Conclusion : Body image distortion in diabetic patients and normal person was not significantly different and the meaning was not clear.
Background
: The point of partient care is shifting from biological aspects to general functional aspects. Functional status s useful in individual partient care and ressearch. Many methods of measuring functional status have been developed and used in clinical practice but few are feasible at busy outpatient care settings. WONCA/COOP Charts is proved to be valid and reliable tools of measuring functional status in many countries. So we tested the validity and reliability of Korean version of COOP/WONCA Chart. Methods : The COOP/WONCA Charts was translated by Korean bilingual family physicia and it's contents was reviewed by editing professional ad lay persons; and finally re-translated to English by Korean-English translator. Reliabilty is tested by test-retest methods in one hour and two weeks after the first test. Construct validity is confirmed by multitrait-multimethod method in comparison with English DUKE Health Profile. Statistical analysis was done with SAS/PC 6.04 by Spearman correlation. Results : The correlation coefficient of the 1 hour retest is in the range of 0.6138(daily activity dimension) to 0.8972(physicial fitness dimension), but correlation coefficient of 2 week is in the range of 0.1136(change in health) to 0.5424(daily activities), which is lower than 1hour retest correla-tion coefficient in all dimension.In terms of construct validity, convergent validity is satisfactory in 'social activities', 'overall health', 'pain' dimensions, but not satifactory in 'physical fitness', 'feelings', 'daily activities', but disctiminant validity is satisfactiry in 'social activitis', 'overall health, 'daily activities', 'pain' dimensions, but partially satisfactory in 'feelings' dimension, and unsatisfactry in 'physicial fitness' dimension. Conclusion : The first Korean version of COOP/WONCA Charts is some limitation of reliability and validity especially 'physical fitness' dimension. More meticulous translation and further validity and reliablity testing will be necessary.
Background
: The medical research is important to physicians. It is difficult for family physicians to set up research subject because family practice disciplines are wide. I thought that citation analysis of The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine was important to search for the family practice disciplines. Methods : The citation analysis of the research articles, published in The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine over the 11 years, from November 1980(the first number of journal) through December 1991. Results : A total of 5,316 citation count of references was found over the 11 year period publication of The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family medicine from 245 different journal source. The average number of the citations per research article is 21.7. The average number of domestic citations per research article is 7.4. The average number of foreign citations per research article is 14.4. The average number of monograph and textbook citations per research article is 4.7. The average number of journal citations per research article is 16.8. The average number of rest citations per research article is 0.1. The most frequent cited journal was The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine(321). The average of The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine per research article is 1.3. The next frequently cited journals were as follows. The Journal of Family Practice(297), The journal of the American Medical Association(152), The Koreaan Journal of Internal Medicine(140), The New England Journal of Medicine(121), Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association(114), The Lancet(84), British Medical Journal(81), Jurnal Korean Medical Association(80), Journal of Korean Pediatric Association(73), Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology(62). The cumulative proportion of all citation from the most 10 frequently cited journal were 27%. Conclusion : The results from citation analysis of The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family medicine as follows : Domestic citations are more frequently cited than foregin citations, Journal citations are more cited than monograph and textbook citations. The most frequently cited reference journal is The Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine. But the proportion of the average number of the Journal of the Korean Academy of Family medicine per reserch article(1.3) to the average number of cited journal per reserch article(16.8) is low. When we can classify the major disciplines in family medicine. They can be classified into Family practice, General multidisplinary, Internal medicine, Neuropsychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Medical education, Epidemiology, Public health and preventive medicine. The disciplines in family medicine has not been determined yet. The major disciplines in family medicine are in process of research so that the disciplines in family medicine can develope by active research in fresh disciplines.
Background
: With the increased use of computers in medical fields, we can consider introducing computer-mediated communication into the area of patient care such as medical counseling and education. But little was known about what problems can be counseled, what is the main direction of counseling, and what difficulties are met during the computer mediated counseling. So we conducted this study. Methods : Medical counseling using a method of questioning / answering through a computer mediated communication system was carried out from May 1991, to October 1991. And we analyzed the contents of questions and answers. Results : Health problems of musculoskeletal system, skin and ear / nose / throat system were most common questions. Many questioners wanted to know treatment principles, prognosis, and preventive methods for health problems, which were previously diagnosed. Conclusion : The contents of counseling were slightly different from the contents of counseling at doctor's office or counseling through telephone call. So we can use computer mediated communication system for the purpose of supplementing the other of medical counseling.
In order to elucidate the relationship between low visual acuity and environmental factors including the video display terminal usage among school children, we measured the visual acuity of the 557 elementary school children and analysed the data from questionnaire about life pattern pertaining to video display terminal usage. The results were as follows;
1. There was a tendency of gradual increase of low visual acuity with grade(p<0.01). 2. The low visual acuity in female was higher than that in male. (p<0.01). 3. It is statistically significant that low visual acuity was related with glasses wearing of parents(p<0.05). 4. It is statistically significant that the time of watching TV, computer operation and duration of computer education were related with low visual acuity respectively(p<0.05). From the above results, we have got a conclusion that low visual acuity was related not only with hereditary factors, but also with environmental factors including the video display terminal usage. So it is conceived that the instructions for proper usage of video display terminal are required for prevention of low visual acuity among school children. And further studies on causal relation between low visual acuity and video display terminal usage are required.
Hyperlipidemia has long been associated with cardiovascular disorders by increased incidence of artherosclerosis. So it remains one of the chief risk factors accociated with coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accidents.
In Korea, there is a increased tendency of hyperlipidemia because of increased ingestion of animal fat, which may account for increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. It was revealed that the low prevalence of artherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease among Eskimos in Greenland despite a diet as high in fat and cholesterol as that of the Danes or American resulted from different composition of fat consumed, which contained much higher proportion of omege-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fish diet. The omega-3 fatty acids have lowering effect of serum lipid level. Among the 44 hypercholesterolemic patients who visited Family Practice Center, the randomly selected 26 patients took 650mg omega-3 fatty acid daily and their serum lipid levels were compared with those of the control group. In the case group. omega-3 fatty acids led to decrease in plasma cholesterol (8.2per cent), triglyceride (18.2 per cent), and low density lipoprotein (9.8 per cent). There was no side effect. In the control group. it had much less effect. We conclude that omega-3 fatty acids have lipid lowering effect in hyperlipidemic patients, especially with hypertriglyceridemia.
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