Associations between remaining teeth and salivary flow, activity of daily living, and cognitive impairment among the elderly in a rural area: A pilot study / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between oral health, activity of daily living, and cognitive impairment among elderly people who live at home in a rural area. METHODS: A total of 183 participants older than 70 years of age were recruited from a public health center in a rural Korean city. Trained examiners conducted questionnaire surveys and at-home oral exams to assess oral health, geriatric function, and cognitive impairment. Oral health was assessed by counting remaining teeth and examining salivary flow. Geriatric function and cognitive impairment were assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS), and an activity of daily living (ADL) questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean age (SD) of the participants was 83.77 (5.99) years and 68.9% of them were women. The participants who had a lower number of remaining teeth were significantly older, had severe cognitive impairment, and poor ADL and MNA results. The participants with severe cognitive impairment were significantly older and had fewer remaining teeth and low salivary flow. Simple linear regression analysis showed an association between remaining teeth and cognitive impairment with a P-value of 0.000, which disappeared after adjusting for sex and age or sex, age, denture use, and salivary flow, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Possible associations between remaining teeth and salivary flow, activity of daily living, and cognitive impairment were discovered among some elderly people living in a rural area.

Health Behavior and Health Condition of the Rural Young-Old and the Rural Old-Old in an Agricultural District / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to garner useful information through a comparative analysis of health behaviors and health states between the young-old and old-old elderly in a rural Korean area. METHODS: We define the young-old elderly as those 65 to 74 years of age, and the old-old as those over 70. The survey was administered in October and November of 2009 at senior citizen centers in Sangju City, Kyongsangbuk-do, South Korea. The number of subjects surveyed approximated the demographics of the aged population of the administrative district of centers of 24 eup, myeon, and dong. RESULTS: Compared with the young-old elderly, the old-old were vulnerable to population sociological characteristics. While there were many cases of contraction of diseases, only a small percentage of old-old elderly were engaged in regular exercise. In addition, the old-old elderly lagged behind the young-old in terms of physical activity, mental and oral health, hearing, and vision. CONCLUSIONS: The vulnerability of the old-old elderly in terms of physical and mental health needs to be acknowledged as various characteristics of the elderly that appears according an age group. A variety of disease prevention and health promotion programs that focus on the health behavior and status of the young-old and old-old elderly need to be developed and put into practice.

The Effects of Pet Dog-Assisted Activities on Self-Esteem, Depression and Cognitive Function among Elderly People / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pet dog-assisted activities on self-esteem, depression and cognitive function of elderly people. METHOD: The experimental group(pet dog-assisted group) consisted of 22 people over 65 years old out of about 90 elderly people registered with a home for the aged and the control group(non-pet dog assisted group) consisted of 22 people over 65 years old out of about 90 elderly people registered with another home for the aged in Daegu. Both groups had similar general characteristics, state of health, conduct on health and self-esteem, depression and cognitive abilities. Nineteen people who participated in the program at least 10 times out of 12, were chosen for the final analysis from the experimental group. For the control group, 20 people who responded to all three tests, which had been conducted before, 1 week after, and four week after the experiment, were analyzed. RESULT: Mean(+/-SD) differences between before and 1 week after the experiment for self-esteem, depression, and cognitive function were 5.84(+/-3.06), -3.26(+/-1.76), 1.47(+/-1.26), respectively. Those between before the experiment and 4 weeks after the experiment was 5.68(+/-3.64), -3.94(+/-2.32), 1.63(+/-0.96), respectively. Those for control group between before and after the experiment were -0.40(+/-1.27), 0.00(+/-0.92), 0.15(+/-0.93), respectively. Those for control group between before and 4 weeks after the experiment were -0.45(+/-2.24), 0.25(+/-1.68), 0.15(+/-0.93), respectively. All the differences between experiment and control group in mean differences between before and 1 week after experiment, between before and 4 weeks after experiment were statistically significant(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the pet-assisted activities can be useful solution for elderly people who have psychological and emotional problems caused by retrogression of physical, mental and social ability.

Relationship Between Serum Concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticides and Metabolic Syndrome Among Non-Diabetic Adults / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate if organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among non-diabetes. METHODS: Among subjects who participated in a community-based health survey, 50 non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome and 50 normal controls were selected. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Eight OCPs were selected. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders except for body mass index (BMI), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) and heptachlor epoxide were positively associated with metabolic syndrome. Odds ratios across tertiles of beta-HCH and heptachlor epoxide were 1.0, 3.2 and 4.4, and 1.0, 4.0 and 6.0, respectively (p for trend = 0.01 and or =100 mg/dL)) were separately analyzed, all components were positively, but not significantly, associated with heptachlor epoxide. As the serum concentration of heptachlor epoxide increased, HOMA-IR increased significantly in subjects with metabolic syndrome even after adjusting for BMI (p value <0.05 and <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, this study suggests that the background exposure to some OCPs may be associated with metabolic syndrome.

The Effect of Intensive Oral Hygiene Care on Gingivitis and Periodontal Destruction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral hygiene care by oral professionals on periodontal health in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic participants were recruited at a university hospital and matched at a 1:1 ratio by age and gender, and randomly allocated into intervention (40 people) and control groups (35 people). Tooth brushing instruction, oral health education, and supra-gingival scaling were implemented in all patients at baseline. This program was repeatedly conducted in intervention patients every month for 6 months, and twice at baseline and the sixth month in the control. Oral health was measured by decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), plaque index, calculus index, bleeding index, patient hygiene performance (PHP) index, tooth mobility, Russel's periodontal index, and community periodontal index (CPI). Diabetes-related factors, oral and general health behaviors, and sociodemographic factors were interviewed as other confounding factors. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used with SPSS for Windows 14.0. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the two groups in average of periodontal health (calculus index, bleeding index, Russel's periodontal index, CPI, and tooth mobility), diabetes-related factors (fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c), and in distribution of sociodemographic factors and health behaviors. In intervention group, plaque index, dental calculus index, bleeding index, and PHP index were reduced fairly and steadily from the baseline. There were significant differences in plaque index, dental calculus index, bleeding index, PHP index, and Russel's periodontal index between the two groups at sixth month after adjusted for baseline status. CONCLUSION: Intensive oral hygiene care can persistently improve oral inflammation status and could slow periodontal deterioration.

Smoking Status and the Related Factors in the Rural Elderly / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine smoking status and the relates factors in the rural elderly. METHODS: This study was conducted with 2,421 elderly people(male 1,273 and female 1,148) residing in the selected 25 villages, and face-to-face interviews with the subjects were made from January 1 through March 30, 2002. RESULTS: The average age of the male subjects was 72.7 and that of the female subjects 72.8. The investigation of smoking states showed that for male subjects, smokers accounted for 49.4%, nonsmokers 26.9%, and abstainers from smoking 23.7% and that for female subjects, smokers accounted for 18.3%, nonsmokers 75.4%, and abstainers from smoking 6.3%. The level of 'low ADL' was significantly higher in abstainers. In men, smoking rate had higher in alone, non-job, queerstreet, 'high ADL'. In women, smoking rate had higher in younger age, queerstreet, unhealthy, 'high ADL'. CONCLUSIONS: The smoking rate of the elderly was relatively high, especially at abstainers. The smoking status of elderly was correlated with age, family type, job, economic status by self-assessment, Self-recognition of health status, ADL level.

Associations of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver with the Metabolic Syndrome and Serum Carotenoids / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the associations of non alcoholic fatty liver with metabolic syndrome and the serum carotenoids. METHODS: This study was conducted in a general hospital in South Korea from November, 2004 to August, 2005. The study subjects were 350 sampled persons who were aged from 40 years and older (males: 180, females: 170). They were grouped into the normal, mild and severe groups according to fat accumulation in their livers, as determined by ultrasonography. We analyzed the association between non alcoholic fatty liver and metabolic syndrome by multiple logistic regression analysis and we analyzed the association between non alcoholic fatty liver and the serum carotenoids by a general linear model(ANCOVA). RESULTS: After adjustment for the effect of potential covariates, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was associated with fat accumulation in the liver (p trend <0.001). If the odds ratio of normal group is 1.00, then that of the mild group is 2.80 (95% C.I=1.17-6.71) and that of the severe group is 7.29 (95% C.I=2.76-19.30). The prevalence of metabolic alterations fitting the criteria of metabolic syndrome, according to the class of fat accumulation in the liver, was significantly increased, except for criteria of high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and low HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol level (p trend <0.001). The level of serum beta-carotene was decreased according to the class of fat accumulation in the liver (p trend=0.036), but the levels of serum alpha-carotene, lycopene, bata-cryptoxanthin and lutein were not decreased. CONCLSIONS: This study shows that non alcoholic fatty liver was associated with metabolic syndrome and with the serum beta-carotene level.

The Health Status and Nutrient Intakes of Elderly Female in Daegu Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was designed to evaluate health and nutritional status of elderly females according to their family type. The participants were 157 elderly women (41 living alone, 45 living with a spouse, and 71 living with family). Among them, the subjects answered that their health rated as good condition, the elderly living with a spouse had significantly higher proportions than those living alone and living with family. Serum cholesterol and fasting blood glucose of the respondents living with a spouse were lower than those of the respondents living alone or with family. A dietary assessment with a 24-hour recall method represented that the elderly living alone had lower nutrient intakes, especially the intake of Ca. Most of women living alone or with family were consuming less than 75% of the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). For the females living with a spouse, the number of nutrients consumed below 75% of the Korean RDA were significantly lower than that for those living alone and the elderly living with family. As a result of the above analysis, the health and nutritional statement of old women with a spouse was better than that of the old living alone or with family.

Effect of Home-visit Nutrition Education for the Elderly with High Fasting Blood Glucose Levels / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of home-visiting nutrition education for the elderly with high fasting glucose level in an urban community. The study subjects were 40 elderly people, whose information on general characteristics, anthropometric measurement, biochemical indices, nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitude, dietary habit, food intake and nutrient intake were obtained at baseline. The education group received 6 weekly visits of home-visiting nutrition education from 15 March to 25 April 2004. In the baseline-survey, the education group and non-education group showed no differences in their general characteristics, health-related characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical indices, nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitudes, dietary habits, and food and nutrient intake levels. The difference of mean change of nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitude and dietary habit after home-visiting nutrition education had been studied. The nutrition knowledge score increased by 1.4 in the education group; however, those in the non-education group which increased by 0.4, thus, the differences of mean change were statistically significant (p<0.05). The nutrition attitude score increased by 1.2 in the education group; however, those in the non-education group decreased by 0.4, thus, the differences of mean change were statistically significant (p<0.01). The dietary habit score increased by 1.7 in the education group; however, those in the non-education group decreased by 2.8, thus, the differences of mean change were statistically significant (p<0.01). The difference of mean change of anthropometric indices and biochemical indices in education group and the non-education group was not significant. Looking over the zcereals and their products, vegetables, seaweeds, meats and their products, and fish than the non-education group. The MAR increased by 0.06 in the education group; however, that in the non-education group increased by 0.01, thus, the differences of mean change were statistically significant (p<0.05). The differences of mean change of fasting blood glucose and biochemical indices after home-visiting nutrition education were studied. Fasting blood glucose decreased by 7.6 mg/dL in the education group; however, in the non-education group which increased by 0.4 mg/dL, the difference of mean change was not significant (p=0.051). The above findings suggest that home visiting nutrition education increases the nutrition knowledge and nutrition attitude, as well as, it is effective to change dietary habits. If the education period is extended, not fasting blood glucose improvement was insignificant, but fasting blood glucose improvement ability could be found by changing dietary habits.

Perception of the Elementary School Dietitians and Students on Nutrition Education to Set up the Roles of Nutrition Teacher : Centered on Daegu City and Gyeongbuk Province

The purpose of this study was getting information to set up the new roles focused on nutrition education for school dietitians as nutrition teachers. One hundred thirty nine school dietitians and 1169 elementary school children residing in Daegu city and Gyeongbuk province were surveyed for this study. Sixty eight percent of the school dietitians perceived 1st-3rd year of the elementary school is the most proper time to start nutrition education, and 59.0% of them wanted to practice nutrition education as a discretion teaching time. The largest proportion(79.1%) of the school dietitians expected that nutrition education is helpful to get good dietary habit. School dietitians responded that major contents that should be included in the nutrition education was balanced diet, diet and habit, managing healthy weight, dining etiquette, food safety and problems of environmental contamination. Fairly large proportion of the students(64.4%) responded nutrition education is urgently needed. The contents of the nutrition education students wanted most were cooking and healthy diet. Forty six percent of the students perceived school dietitians are responsible for nutrition education and they wanted to have nutrition education as a part of special activity class. The most preferred frequency of nutrition education was 1 hour/week and 46.2% of the students responded they wanted to participate cooking camp.

Antropometric and Health Status of the Elderly Women Attending a Health Promotion Program in an Urban Community / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the health status of elderly women who attended in a Health Promotion Program of the Seo-gu Health Center in Daegu. The study subjects were 158 elderly women (over 65 years) in an urban community. The subjects were investigated by means of individual interviews using a questionnaire, Blood tests for analyzing their biochemical status were carried out. The average age of the study subjects was 70.9 +/- 2.3 years. Of the subject group 79.1% ranged in age from 65 to 74 year and 20.9% were over 75 years. With respect to health related factors, 23.4% of subjects drank alcoholic beverages and 15.2% of sujects currently smoker. The prevalence with chronic diseases was 51.9%, and 26.6% of the subjects were healthy. The diseases most frequently reported as having been or being treated were arthritis (38.1%), hypertension (21.4%), and diabetes (17.9%). The average height of subjects was below the standard established in the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances, while the average weight was close to the standard. The means of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 130.2 mmHg and 71.9 mmHg, respectively. The mean serum albumin level was 4.5 mg/dl, and the value of hemoglobin and hematocrit was 12.5 mg/dl and 0.7%, respectively. The mean serum cholesterol level was 207.1 mg/dl and the mean triglyceride level was 187.7 mg/dl. The serum lipid levels were higher then in those reported in research. The serum cholesterol levels of 71.5%of subjects were within the normal range. The GOT and GTP levels were within the moderate range. In conclusion, the health status of the elderly who attended the Health Promotion Program in the Seo-gu Health Center were very average. However, it was necessary to prepare a health management program to deal with the serum lipids so as to establish and maintain good health. When we carry out the health promotion program in a community, individual program of adequate to health status should be developed more.

Dietary Behavior and Nutritional Status of the Elderly Women Attending at the Health Promotion Program in an Urban Community / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of the elderly women, who attended the Health Promotion Program of the Seogu Health Center in Daegu. The study subjects were 158 elderly women in an urban community. The general characteristics, dietary behavior (nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitudes and dietary habits), food and nutrient intake were surveyed by an individual interview. The average age of the study subjects was 70.9 +/- 2.3 years of the subject group 79.1% ranged in age from 65 to 74 years and 20.9% were over 75 years. Their average score for nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitudes and dietary habits was 7.3 (total mark of 10), 7.2 (total mark of 10) and 9.1 (total mark of 22) respectively. Specifically, the level of the dietary habits of the study subjects was very low. In relation to food group intake of the study subjects according to age, their food intake was low. The total, plant, and animal food intake were 1078.9 g, 954.4 g (88.5%), and 244.4 g (11.5%), respectively. The mean daily energy intake and nutrient intake according to percentage of the Korean RDA were higher in the from 65 to 74 year group than in those people over 75 years. The average calories and the mean percentage of nutrient intake, except for vitamin C and phosphorus, were below 75% of the Korean RDA. It seems that the nutrient intake was very low. The mean nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) was 0.59. Nutritional status of age over 75 years old was significantly lower than that of 65 - 74 years old group (Mar = 0.60 VS 0.54, p < 0.05). The correlation coefficients between their dietary behavior (nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitudes, dietary habit) and their mean nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) showed significant linear relations. In conclusion, if nutritional education is to affect the dietary behavior of elderly women, it should be included in a program to promote their nutrition and health status.

Physical Characteristics and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living of the Elderly(85+) in Kyungpook Sung-Ju Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics and instrumental activities of daily living(IADL) of the elderly (85+). The subjects were three-hundred elderly people over the age of 85, living in Kyungpook Sung-Ju area who have no problems in daily living. The survey on anthropometric measures and IADL were carried out by individual measurement and interviews using measuring devices and questionnaires. The subject group of the study was composed of 27% males and 73% females, the average age being 87 years old. Notable physical features of the subjects include considerably short statues and small physiques compared to the average Korean elder. The mean Body Mass Index(BMI) was 20.9. The average percentage of body fat in male and female was 21.7% and 29.5% respectively, and the average waist/hip ratio(WHR) was 0.9 and 0.85 respectively. The percentage of the subjects who were able to perform all the IADL was 51% in males and 25% in females. The male subjects were more capable than the females in all the IADL except for preparing meals. BMI showed positive correlations withy weight(r=699), WHR(r=0.157), body fat percentage(r=0.57), lean body mass(r=0368) and total body water(r=0.368). WHR also had positive correlation with weight(r=0.184), BMI(r=0.157), lean body mass(r=0.149) and total body water (r=0.148). Body fat percentage had a positive correlation with weight(r=0.147) and BMI(r=0.265) and total body water(r=0.265). In summary, the elderly(85+) in the Sung-Ju area had considerably smaller physiques than the average Korean elderly and showed a normal range of BMI in average. The IADL of the elderly(85+) appeared to have a positive correlation with lean body mass and total body water and a negative correlation with body fat percentage.

Characteristics of Eating Behaviors of the Long-lived Elderly People in Kyungpook Sung-Ju / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to find out the common characteristics of eating behaviors of the long-lived elderly in order to offer the basic data for establishing dietary guidelines for a long and healthy life for the general population. The subjects were three-hundred elderly people over age 85 living in Kyungpook Sung-ju who have no problems in daily living. The general characteristics, nutrition knowledge and attitudes, meal patterns, and food preferences of the subjects were surveyed by individual intervies. The levels of the nutrition knowledge of the subjects were very low(average score ; 4.3) and the correlation coefficient between their nutrition knowledge and attitude score was also low(r=0.323, p=0.000). Most of the subjects(93%) had a regular meal pattern consuming three meals a day. The major staple food was rice mixed with other grains(75%) and the number of side dishes was mostly under four(99%). A majority(73%) had no habit of overeating and 51% of the subjects were taking snacks besides regular meals. Thirty one percent of the subjects had drinking habits and 80% of the drinking subjects had over 40 years of drinking history. The most common frequencies for intakes of various food groups were ; more than once a day(95%) for vegetables ; 2~3 times a week(74%) for green and orange color vegetables ; 2~3 times a week(72%) for fruits ; once a day(70%) for fish, eggs and legumes ; 2~3 times a week(49%) for milk ; 2~3 times a week(72%) for fruits ; once a day(70%) for fish, eggs and legumes ; 2-3 times a week(49%) for milk ; 2-3 times a week(85%) for seaweeds and 2-3 times a week(81%) for foods cooked with oil. The most preferred foods by the subjects were white rice(staple foods), soybean paste soup(soups), beef and eggs(meats and eggs), yellow croaker and hair tail(fish and shellfish), yoghurt(milk and milk products), all vegetables except carrot(vegetables), and watermelon(fruits). The popular food preparation methods included mixing with seasonings and the most preferred taste was sweet. The results showed that the eating pattern of long-lived elderly was characterized by regularity, simplicity, and no overeating.

The Relationship between Chewing Ability and Nutritional Intake Status in the Elderly of Rural Community / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study aims to examine the relationship between chewing ability and nutritional intake status in the rural elderly. The subjects were 150 rural-dwelling elderly persons(68 males and 82 females) aged 65 years and over in Sungju-Gun, Kyunfsangpookdo. The respondents were interviewed using the questionnaires and measurments taken from a 24-hour recall method from February to April in 1998. Fifty-nine subjects(39.3%) were classified with normal chewing ability and sixty-four subjects(42.7%) could carry out all of the 10 ADL items by themselves. In addition, the group who were able to chew had more teeth and significantly higher ADL scores than the other group(p<0.01), whereas DMF value was significantly lower(p<0.001). The subjects with normal chewing ability also had higher of intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, salt, potassium, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin than in the unable group(p<0.05). As far as daily food intakes were concerned, considerable differences were revealed in the levels of grain and products and vegetables consumed depending on chewing ability(p<0.001). The results of the stepwise and vegetables consumed depending on chewing ability daily living activities and health self-assessment(p<0.05) were the most significant factors for energy intake status.

The Relationship between Change in Obesity Indices and Change in Serum Lipids in Adult Male Workers / 예방의학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between change in obesity indices and change in serum lipids in adult male workers. Two-hundred-eight adult male workers of an industry in Taegu city were followed-up from 1991 to 1995. Height, weight, circumferences of hip and waist, blood pressure were measured and serum lipids were analysed. Data on life style were obtained using self-administered questionnaires. Mean differences of anthropometric measurements between 1991 and 1995 were as follows; 1.63kg in weight, 3.61cm in waist circumferences, 4.23cm in hip circumferences, 0.52kg/m2 in BMI and -0.021 in WHR. Those of lipids were as follows; 15.09mg/dl in total cholesterol, 20.43mg/dl in triglyceride, 9.40mg/dl in HDL-cholesterol, 2.87 in MI-index(p<0.01) and 350mg/dl in LDL-cholesterol. The changed value of BMI and Katsura index were strongly correlated with that of total cholesterol(r=0.174, p<0.05), the changed value of BMI correlated with that of triglyceride(r=0.374, p<0.01) and the changed value of weight correlated with that of MI index(r=-0.173, p<0.05). The changed value of WHR was significantly correlated with that of total cholesterol(r=0.162, p<0.05), however, was not significantly correlated with HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and MI index. The changed value of weight, BMI and Katsura index were correlated with that of triglyceride(r=0.262, p<0.01; r=0.267, p<0.01; r=0.258, p<0.01) and the changed value of MI index(r=-0.143, p<0.05; r=-0.158; r=-0.144, p<0.01), adjusting the pattern of change in life style. The changed values of HDL-cholesterol and MI index between 1991 and 1995 in low WHR group were significantly higher than those in high WHR group(p<0.05, p<0.01), adjusting the baseline value of them. Similar pattern was observed when considering Katsura index. When stratifying by BMI value of 1991, in low BMI group, the changed value of HDL-cholesterol and MI index showed the same pattern as above, however the of triglyceride was statistically higher in obese group than in non obese group(p<0.05). In conclusion BMI might be a better indicator to predict serum lipids change than other obesity indices.

Reliability and validity of the cognitive impairment diagnosing instrument (CIDI) in the elderly

The reliability and validity of the Cognitive Impairment Diagnosing Instrument (CIDI) were studied in 67 nursing home elderly subjects and 251 elderly psychiatric patients. Its possible highest score is 77 and covers 10 subscales: short-term memory, long-term memory, concentration/calculation, abstract thinking, judgement, memory registration, higher cortical functions, orientation in time, orientation in place and object naming. Test-retest correlations were between 0.827 and 0.990 for the subscale scores and 0.984 for the total score. Inter-tester kappas for each item ranged from 0.200 to 1.000 with a mean of 0.698. Concordance rates were between 50.0 and 100.0% with a mean of 87.2%. Cronbach's alphas for the items of the individual subscales ranged from 0.702 to 0.915. Inter-subscale and subscale-total correlations ranged from 0.503 to 0.820 with a mean of 0.684 and from 0.721 to 0.883, respectively. Cronbach's alpha of the subscales was 0.934. Sensitivity and specificity were 93.3% and 93.8% at the cut-off point of 57.0/57.5 for dementia. Subscale and total scores were significantly different between the demented and non-demented. The total CIDI score was significantly correlated with scores of the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Relationship of Body Fat Distribution and Serum Lipids in Men / 한국역학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of body fatness indicators and serum lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, myocardial infarction(MI) index) to find anthropometric indicators of body fat distribution that are strongly associated with serum lipids. 347 adult male workers of an industry in Kyungpook province were selected and data on the general characteristics were obtained using questionnaire from June 26 to June 29, 1991. Serum lipids were tested with 5 ml fasting blood and height, weight, circumferences of waist, hip and mid-thigh, five subcutaneous fat thickeness(biceps, triceps, supscapular, suprailiac, thigh) were mea sured using Ultrasound type A TATT. Waist circumference, waist/hip circumference ratio and subcutaneous fat thickness of suprailiac area are significantly increased with increasing age, but thigh circumference is significantly decreased (P< 0.05). These results suggest that central obesity is closely related to age and waist circumference may be the best indicator of body fatness or body fat distribution in men. In younger age group(below 40 year old), the result of canonical correlations analysis suggests that circumferences(0.501) was slightly closely related to serum lipids than subcutaneous fat thickness(0.493), however, in older age group (above 40 year old), subcutaneous fat thickness(0.528) were more strongly associated with serum lipids than circumferences(0.419). Weighted canonical analyses suggest that biceps and suprailiac areas in younger age group and sub scapular area in older age group are stronger indicators of serum lipids among .subcutaneous fatness measurements. Of the circumferences, waist is the most strongest indicator of serum lipids in both age groups. Therefore, it is recommended that circumference of waist and subcutaneous fat thickness of subscapular area should be measured to estimate the degree of central obesity for preventing cardiovascular disease in men.

Illness associated with contamination of drinking water supplies with phenol

An accidental spill of phenol (100%) into the Nakdong river with subsequent contamination of the tap water for about two million consumers in Teagu city of Korea occurred in March 1991. A historical cohort study of 6,913 individuals was undertaken to determine association with illness. Population subjects were divided into two groups of exposed and unexposed. Exposed subjects were reported to have significantly more phenol associated symptoms than those in a nearby unexposed area (39.6% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.01). Especially, in the related symptoms, highly significant differences were noted in the number of subjects reporting gastrointestinal illness such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. During the accident, study subjects who experienced peculiar taste or odor in the tap water were significantly more in the exposed areas (92% vs. 34.3%).

Relation of long-term weight change to risk factors for coronary artery disease / 한국역학회지

No abstract available.