Perceptions of Married Women on Childbirth and Sex Preference and Related Factors in Gyeongju, Korea / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of married Korean women regarding marriage and childbirth, and their awareness of childbirth-related issues such as low birth rates, sex preferences and sex imbalances in Korea. METHODS: A total of 453 married women aged 20 or older were randomly selected from four urban districts and five rural districts out of 25 districts in Gyeongju, a consolidated city located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea. The survey was conducted from December 2005 to February 2006. A total of 392 out of 453 questionnaires(86.5% response rate) were collected, and 44 incomplete questionnaires were excluded, leaving 348 completed questionnaires to be used for data analysis. Age was divided into three groups as below 49, 50-69, 70 or older. RESULTS: Women's perceptions of marriage were associated with age(p<0.01). Perceptions about childbirth were also significantly related to age(p<0.01), type of residential area (p<0.01) and education level(p<0.05). Sex preferences were significantly related to age(p<0.05) and occupation(p<0.01). Of the respondents aged 49 or younger, 34.8% indicated that the ideal number of children is two, while 25.5% of respondents aged 50 to 69 and 15.3% of respondents aged 70 and 33.7% of respondents aged 70 or older considered four children to be the ideal number. Perceptions of sex imbalance were significantly related to socioeconomic status(p<0.01) and occupation(p<0.01). The largest number of respondents cited "economic burden" as the main reason for low birth rates. Multiple logistic regressions were performed for all three age groups using male sex preference as the dependent variable under the assumption that respondents can have only a single child. Socioeconomic status (p<0.01) and residential area (p<0.05) were significant variables for those aged 49 or below. Education level(p<0.05) and residential area (p<0.01) were statistically significant variables on preferring son in case of having only one child for respondents aged 50 to 69. We did not detect any significant independent variables in respondents who were 70 or older. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the necessity of developing policies and public education programs to explain the consequences of low birth rates and sex imbalances in Korea. As increasing numbers of women work outside the home, it is important for the government and employers to provide social and working environments where women do not consider marriage and childbirth to be obstacles to social and business activities.

Comparison of chewing ability and quality of life before and after the dental implantation / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Recently the populations of patients receiving implant surgery are greatly increase for maintaining oral health. PURPOSE: This study was conducted for implanted patients to assess the chewing ability patient satisfaction level and changes in quality of life before and after the implant surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current study subjected 109 adult patients, older than 20 years of age, who received implant surgery from December, 2006 to October, 2007 at the 6 dental clinics located at Daegu and Ulsan metropolitan cities. Twice of surveys were conducted for the patients before and after receiving the dental implant surgery. RESULTS: As the motivation of receiving implant surgery, 45.9% of the patients selected the surgery for the chance of "chewing function recovery", and "failure of treatment and complications" was found to be the most worrisome at the time of surgery by recording 38.5%. The satisfaction level before the implant surgery scored 30.37, while the score was increased to 45.01 after the surgery by showing a significant difference before and after receiving the surgery (P < .001). Regard on the surgery, 91.8% of the patients responded as "Satisfy", and 89% of the study subjects responded that they have willingness to recommend the surgery to their families and friends. The chewing ability score measured by using the surveys on edible foods, the score before the surgery was 15.24, while the score was increased to 19.11 after the surgery by showing a significant difference before and after receiving the surgery (P < .001). The quality of life score was also found to be increased to 11.17 after the surgery from 9.99 before the surgery by showing a significant difference (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In a future, the studies on the numbers of implanted loss teeth and the location of tooth loss are necessary, more long-term follow study are needed, and it is thought to be necessary to enlarge the sample size of subjects in conducting the studies.

Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Cognitive Function Change of the Elderly in a Rural Area, Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the cognitive function change related to aging, the incidence of cognitive impairment, and the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and cognitive impairment through a follow-up of the elderly with normal cognitive ability at baseline. METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen subjects aged 65 and over were surveyed in February, 1998 (baseline survey), and their cognitive function was assessed again in 2003 (1st follow-up) and the once again in 2006 (2nd follow-up). Ninety one subjects completed all surveys up through the 2nd follow-up and their cognitive function scores using MMSE-K (Korean Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination) and the distribution of apolipoprotein E allele were analyzed. RESULTS: The cognitive function scores decreased with aging and the difference between baseline and the 2nd follow-up scores of the study increased with the age group. The incidence rate of cognitive impairment through an 8-year follow-up was 38.5% and higher in older age groups. Age was the only significant factor for incidence of cognitive impairment, but there was no significant association between apolipoprotein E genotype and incidence of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The cognition of the elderly decreased with aging and the association of apolipoprotein E genotype with incidence of cognitive impairment was not significant in this study. To confirm the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and incidence of cognitive impairment further studies will be needed.

Factors Related to Early Smoking of High School Students in Daegu City and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the smoking rate and the related factors to early smoking of high school students. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 920 students in 3 high schools in Daegu Metropolitan City and 3 high schools in smaller cities of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province from August to September 2003. RESULTS: Of total respondents, 11.8% had experience of smoking. Of those, 20.2% citied 'curiosity', 9.0% cited 'upon recommendation of friends', and 6.2% cited 'stress management' as the main reason for their smoking. Separately, 53.1% responded 'habitually' and 26.5% responded 'stress management' as the main reason for continuing smoking. Of total former smokers, 68.4% said 'worry about their health' as the main reason for quitting smoking. Of those who failed to quit smoking, 58.7% cited 'weakness of will' as the main reason for their failure. Of total respondents, 10.8% were smoking currently. 'Smoking of family member'(p<0.01) and 'intent to smoke'(p<0.05) were significantly associated to early smoking of the subjects. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, 'higher levels of stress' and 'smoking of family member' were significant related factors to early smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Amid growing number of early smokers, it is imminent to identify the actual state of smoking among young people and the factors influencing their smoking to prevent early smoking and discourage smoking. In addition, education programs need to be developed to assist early smokers in quitting smoking and prevent smoking among youth.

Evaluation of Curriculums of Medical Schools for Fostering Various Basic Qualities of Medical Professionalism / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: Today, the social requirement of medicine emphasizes the importance of medical professionalism. This forces medical educators to introduce new contents and methods into the curriculum. This study aims to offer ideas for developing the curriculum through clarifying priorities on the basic qualities of medical professionalism and evaluating the current curriculums in medical schools in South Korea. METHODS: In April 2005, 46 respondents majoring in basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, and medical humanities/social sciences completed a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 3 categories related to: 1) the basic qualities of medical professionalism/general education courses, 2) the process of developing the qualities of humanities and social sciences in medical education, and 3) the appropriate allocation of credits for each subject to premedical and medical courses. The analysis consisted of frequency, chi-square, and multiple responses using Korean Ed, SPSS 14.0 for Windows. RESULTS: The most important basic quality is basic medical knowledge. The credits for the general education are sufficient but it's contribution is lacking (44.44%). The most lacking element in the general education courses is socio-cultural comprehension (45.65%). The knowledge of humanities and social sciences is very important in developing the basic qualities (56.52%). The important learning experiences related to these is the introspection into human beings (32.16%). Credits for medical humanities classes in premedical and medical course are noticeably insufficient (45.65, 54.35%, respectively). The appropriate program of informal curriculum for fostering the qualities is meeting with various medical specialists (44.44%, 47.83%, respectively). There is almost no difference among the major groups under (p<.05.) CONCLUSION: To assist medical students to be equipped with the basic qualities of medical professionalism, the realm of medical humanities should be made mandatory; and the general education courses need to be reformed, especially in the premedical curriculum. In particular, continuous cooperation between faculties in medicine, liberal arts, and/or social sciences need to exist with the conglomeration of these into fewer medical humanities majors in Korea.

Drinking and Its Relationship with Smoking among University Students / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the drinking behaviors and the relationship between drinking and smoking behaviors among some Korean university students. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in May, 2006. A total of 1,163 students(715 male and 448 female) completed questionnaires, who were randomly selected in a university in Gyeongsangbuk-Do, Korea. RESULTS: The overall drinking and smoking rates for male subjects were 88.7% and 37.2%, and those for females were 83.5% and 2.2%, respectively. Among the male drinkers 39.9% smoked, while 16.0% of the male non-drinkers were smokers. As male drinkers drink more often, heavier amount per drinking episode, even on a binge, their smoking rate was high. The subjects reported there was positive reinforcement between drinking and smoking behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The drinking rate of students was relatively high, especially for male students drinking behavior was strongly correlated with smoking behavior. Health promotion programs should be targeted at university students considering drinking and smoking behaviors simultaneously.

Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Cancer Patient in Korea / 農村醫學 地域保健

No abstract available.

Health Behaviors of Nurses at a University Hospital according to Type of Work / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to examine the health behaviors of nurses and provide basic information on health promotion for nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was completed by 340 nurses working at a university hospital in Daegu, Korea from March 6 to March 30, 2006. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, working environment, health behaviors, self-assessed health status, and the practice of health promotion activities according to the work group(shift group vs. non-shift group). RESULTS: There were significant differences in 'regular diet', 'drinking', 'ordinary health management', 'regular exercise', 'leisure activities', 'rest', and 'feeling of fatigue' between the two groups. The score for the practice of health promotion activities of the non-shift group was 121.9, which was higher than the 115.4 for the shift group. By field of practice of health promotion activities, there were significant differences in 'self-realization' and 'nutrition' between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The shift group did not appear to have enough time to take care of their health. It is therefore important to provide a working environment in which nurses are encouraged to increase their interest and efforts to maintain healthy behaviors. In addition, programs for education and training should be developed to help nurses adopt healthy life styles and enhance their self-esteem.

Change of Cognitive Function and Associated Factors among the Rural Elderly: A 5-Year Follow-up Study / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This prospective population-based cohort study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors of cognitive impairment and the degree of cognitive function change through a 5-year follow-up. METHODS: The baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in 1998 and 2003, respectively. Among 176 subjects who had normal cognitive function in the baseline study, 136 were followed up for 5 years. The cognitive function was investigated using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Stata. RESULTS: Of the 136 subjects analyzed, 25 (18.4%) were cognitively impaired. Old age and low social support in the baseline survey were risk factors for cognitive impairment after 5 years. In the generalized estimating equation for 128 subjects except severe cognitive impairment about the contributing factors of cognitive function change, the interval of 5 years decreased MMSE-K score by 1.02 and the cognitive function was adversely affected with increasing age, decreasing education and decreasing social support. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study population was small, it was considered that the study results can be used to develop a community-based prevention system for cognitive impairment.

The Operating Status of Medical Education Management Units in Korea / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the operating status of existing medical education management units in medical colleges and to define the roles of these units to provide basic information to medical schools contemplating to establish similar management units. METHODS: A structured questionnaire survey was conducted via mail. The survey 41 medical colleges across the nation and was done during September 2003 and March 2005. The assessment instrument included six items assessing the organizational structure, composition, major activities, self-satisfaction with performance, administration and financial aspects and the need for further development in the medical education unit for medical colleges with a medical education management unit. There were only two items assessing demand for establishment of a medical education management unit, prerequisite conditions for establishment, the expected role of such a system for medical colleges without a medical education management unit. RESULTS: Of 41 medical colleges, 18 had a medical education management unit as of September 2003 and 32 as of March 2005. The major activities of these 18 management units included curriculum development(26.7%), faculty development(26.7%), support for PBL(16.0%) and OSCE(12.0%). Recently, these units have become involved in enhancing clinical clerkship as well as improving teaching skills. To have a medical education-related unit run smoothly, at least two tenured faculty members majoring in education and medical education were needed. And a compensation systems was required for those professors working in the unit as a second post but without pay. CONCLUSION: This study underscored the importance of professional faculty members, and administrative and financial supports in having a medical education management unit meet its objectives. The role of the dean of medical college seems crucial in deciding how the unit is operated.

Agreement among the Survey Instruments used to Measure Cognitive Functions in the Elderly / 영남의대학술지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the level of agreement among survey instruments used to study dementia and to determine the prevalence rate of suspected dementia using different instruments. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total 171 subjects older than 65 in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, were surveyed from February to October 2003. The age, sex and educational level were examined through interview surveys, and cognitive function was evaluated using three survey instruments including MMSE-K, S-SDQ, and KDSQ. RESULTS: The cognitive function scores obtained with the MMSE-K showed significant difference according to age. For sex and educational level significant differences were observed with all three survey instruments. The kappa index, the level of agreement between the questionnaires, was 0.302 between MMSE-K and S-SDQ, 0.401 between MMSE-K and KDSQ, and 0.762 between KDSQ and S-SDQ. The prevalence rate of suspected dementia based on the criteria suggested by MMSE-K, S-SDQ, and KDSQ was 27.5%, 15.2%, and 17.0% respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that caution is needed when comparing the measured cognitive function scores and analyzing the prevalence of dementia; this is because the prevalence of dementia and cognitive functions vary according to the questionnaires used.

Helicobacter pylori Reinfection Rate and Its Related Factors after Successful Eradication: 4-year Follow-up in a Korean Rural Community / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recurrence of peptic ulcer after successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with reinfection. The aim of this study was to measure the rate and related factors of H. pylori reinfection through a 4-year follow-up excluding recrudescence. METHODS: Triple therapy was administered to H. pylori-positive 204 people in April 1998 in Gyeongju, Korea. The urea breath test was performed in April 1999. Eighty-seven subjects were regarded as negative for H. pylori, and they were followed up for 4 years to analyze the trends of reinfection rate and its related factors. Sixty-seven subjects completed the 4-year follow-up. During the follow-up period the urea breath test and questionnaire surveys were performed in April 2000, October 2001, and April 2003. RESULTS: The cumulative reinfection rate was 16.4% for 4 years, and the yearly reinfection rate was 4.1%. The reinfection rate of subjects having postprandial fullness and epigastric bloating was significantly high (p<0.05), and that of the subjects with high dyspepsia symptom scores (4 or 5) was also significantly higher than those with low dyspepsia symptom scores (3 or below)(p=0.016). According to the multiple logistic regression analysis to predict the factors related with H. pylori reinfection, the dyspepsia symptom score was the only significant variable with the odds ratio of 1.688. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative reinfection rate for 4 years was 16.4% in a Korean rural community. The dyspepsia symptom score can be used to predict H. pylori reinfection in community population.

Blood Pb, Urine Cd and Health Assessment of Residents in the Vicinity of Abandoned Mines in Gyeongsangbuk-do / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this health assessment is to evaluate the health risks that may result from exposure to abandoned mine tailings in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The tailings are remnants from an earlier flotation mill and mining operation that was in business from the early 1930's until 1970. METHODS: The soil, stream water, and drinking water in and around three abandoned mine areas, Soochul, Gumjang, Darock, and three control areas located in Gyeongsangbuk-do were analyzed for level of Cd, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg. Potential chronic health effects were evaluated by interview and medical examination. RESULTS: Some soil and stream samples exceeded the Korean standard for soil contamination in farmland and the Korean standard of water contamination in streams respectively. Blood lead (5.37 microgram/dl) and urine cadmium (2.79 microgram/g Cr) levels of the residents in the vicinity of the abandoned mine sites were significantly higher than of the residents in the control areas (blood lead, 4.34 microgram/dl; urine cadmium, 1.62 microgram/g Cr). There were no significant differences between the mining and control areas in terms of blood pressure, Hb, BUN, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, fasting blood sugar, and the prevalence of potential chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the assessment suggested that the three abandoned mine sites do not pose an apparent health risk to nearby residents. Nevertheless, the elevated blood lead and urine cadmium levels in the residents of the abandoned mine site suggested that it might be an important source of heavy metals contamination. Therefore, a nationwide evaluation program is needed to assess the potential health risks of residents living in the vicinity of abandoned mine sites.

Demands for Health Education through Internet in Middle and High School Students / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: It is important to provide health education to students to ensure a healthy life. Using the internet for health education may be a way to overcome the practical barriers to health education such as time and content. This study was conducted to investigate the demands for health education using the internet. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six hundreds and twenty-four and male female students in middle and high schools, who lived on Gyeongju-si and Seongju-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, were interviewed by means of structured questionnaires, from March 5 to March 28, 2003. RESULTS: More than 90% of the subjects had their own computers, and nearly 38% of those possessing their own computers had accessed internet sites related to health and medicine. Middle school students and in particular, female students were more desirous for health education through e-mail. Regarding content, the three major topics which the respondents wanted to learn about were healthy lifestyles, growth and development, and disease prevention. In terms of the interval for providing educational materials, over half of the students wanted information once a week. Most of the students wanted to have the quantity of the material be one page. In addition, there were numerous additional topics requested by the students such as sleep and health, contraception and family planning, safety education, cancer prevention, emotional instability of juveniles, the utilization of medical care facilities, stress management, etc. CONCLUSION: The students had a desire for health education through the use of e-mail, and methods and materials should be developed for appropriate health education using the internet.

Characteristics of Dermatoglyphics in Patients with Mental Retardation / 체질인류학회지

To study whether it is helped or not to medical diagnosis for children with normal and abnormal chromosomes from mental retardations, author performed and analyzed patterns of fingerprints, palmar prints creases on 99 mentally retarded children with normal chromosome and 16 mentally retarded children with Down syndrome and compared with healthy control group. In patterns of fingerprint, high frequency of ulnar loop showed significantly on fifth finger in mentally retarded children, while dominant whorl showed on first and fourth fingers in control group. High frequency of finger ridge count was appeared in Down syndrome, mentally retarded with normal chromosome (MRNC) and control group in order. Total ridge count TRC) was significantly decreased in Down syndrome, MRNC compared with control group. Total triradius count was significantly decreased in Down syndrome, however, no discrimination between control group and MRNC was found. a -b ridge count was not different among the groups. atd angle was wider in Down syndrome than in control group and MRNC. Interdigital pattern was high on ulnar loop of I3 in Down syndrome, in contrast, on ulnar loop of I4 in control group. In conclusion, detailed analysis of dermatoglyphics is able to contribute to study medical diagnosis on children with mentally retarded through above data.

A prospective study of Helicobacter pylori reinfection rate and related factors in Gyeongju-si residents / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in developing countries may result in high reinfection rate after eradication therapy, but there were few studies on H. pylori reinfection, especially in community population. The aim of this study was to investigate the one -year reinfection rate of H. pylori after successful eradication therapy and the factors related to the reinfection of H. pylori in community population. METHODS: 86 persons who had been confirmed as H. pylori-negative by 13C-urea breath test were included. They were ones of 181 persons treated by eradication regimen one year ago because of H. pylori-positive in serologic H. pylori antibody test and rapid urease test. The reinfection rate of H. pylori and the factors related to the reinfection of H. pylori were investigated after one-year follow-up. The subjects were confirmed as H. pylori reinfection by repetitive 13C-urea breath test and asked to answer the questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, dyspepsia symptoms, health-related behaviors and family history. RESULTS: The one-year reinfection rate was 18.6% in this study. The one-year reinfection rate of the subjects who aged above 50 years was 23.4% (p < 0.05). The symptom score (total 5) was positively related to H. pylori reinfection (p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the subjective symptom score was the significant factor in predicting H. pylori positivity by 13C-urea breath test (OR=4.5, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: During 1 year period after successful H. pylori eradication, the reinfection rate of H. pylori was 18.6%. The subjective symptom score survey by questionnaire may be useful predictor of H. pylori reinfection in community setting.

Prevalence and Related Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis in Rural Woman / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis through proper diagnosis in a rural community and to elucidate the relevant factors of this health problem in order to develop educational methods for the prevention of female knee osteoarthritis as well to provide basic data for prospective research. METHODS: Over a period of three months starting from August, 2000, 432 women over the age of 40 and living in a rural area were selected by a multistage cluster sampling method in order to investigate the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and the related factors. The study utilized interviews and radiological examination. The criteria of knee osteoarthritis used was the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for osteoarthritis of the knee(1995). RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among the subjects was 55.0%, and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio(OR) of knee osteoarthritis among subjects 50-59 years of age and subjects older than 60 years of age as compared to subjects 40-49 years of age were 2.43(95% CI: 1.30-4.70) and 4.40(95% CI: 2.47-7.83), respectively. The OR of knee osteoarthritis among factory workers or farmers as compared to others was 1.79(95% CI: 1.03-3.12). The OR of knee osteoarthritis among subjects who had a family history and subjects who had knee injury or surgical history against those subjects had neither were 2.56(95% CI: 1.42-4.63) and 4.70(95% CI:1.45-15.19), respectively. The OR of knee osteoarthritis among smokers against non smokers was 0.47(95% CI: 0.22-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Related factors of knee osteoarthritis included age, occupation, family history, smoking, knee injury and history of surgery. In order to prevent knee osteoarthritis in high risked rural woman, education concerning self-care methods and safety guideline must be provided at the work place by the public and private health sectors. Additionally, these women should be continually encouraged to exercise, including jogging and swimming regularly.

The Principle and Practice of PBL / 한국의학교육

No abstract available.

Specialty Preference of the Premedical School Students in Taegu City / 한국의학교육

This study was conducted to examine the specialty preference of premedical students and evaluate it's associated factors. The self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted covering 208 premedical students(127 national university students and 81 private university students) and the respondents were 164(response rate 78.8%). Among 164 students, 33(20.1%) didn't decide the specialty yet. The students preferred psychiatry most at 12.2%, and pediatrics, internal medicine and neurosurgery in order. Male students preferred general surgery, thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmology and ENT, on the other hand, female students preferred psychiatry, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Most important factor which influenced on the selection of specialty was student's character and others are acquisition of high quality medical technology, opportunities of service to the public and chances for getting a job, in order.

Community-based Helicobacter pylori Screening and its Effects on Eradication in Patients with Dyspepsia / 예방의학회지

CONCLUSIONS: To investigate the positive rate of Helicobacter pylori in patients with dyspepsia; medical compliance and related factors; the eradication rate a year after screening and related factors; the relationship between the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and the improvement of symptoms; and the estimated cost of three alternative approaches to treat Helicobacter pylori in the community. METHODS: A total of 510 subjects with dyspeptic symptoms were selected and given the serological test in March 1998. The subjects were all adults over 30 years of age residing in Kyongju city. RESULTS: Of the 510 selected subjects, 375 (73.5%) subjects proved positive for Helicobacter pylori on serological testing. Of these 304 (81.1%) who consented to an endoscopic examination, underwent a Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test. Of these 304 subjects, 204 (67.1%), who had positive CLO test results, were given the triple therapy - tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. To determine the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori, 181 (88.7%) out of the 204 subjects who were given the triple therapy completed a follow-up urea breath test one year later. Of these, the Helicobacter pylori of 87(48.1%) subjects was eradicated. Among the 122 subjects who were medication compliant, the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate was 57.4% (70 subjects), while the eradication rates was only 28.8% (17subjects) in the non-compliant group. The Helicobacter pylori eradication was significantly related to compliance (p<0.01), but not to other characteristics and habits. The symptom improvement rate tended to be higher 62.1%), in the Helicobacter pylori eradicated group than in the non-eradicated group (59.6%). CONCLUSIONS: When the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative treatment were considered in the light of cost, antibiotic tolerance and the number of patients to be treated, alternative II was favorable in terms of cost. Alternative III was favorable in terms of the number of patients to be treated, antibiotic tolerance and early detection of gastric cancer. Further long-term research analyzing the cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness of each treatment will be needed as supporting material in creating new policies.