Factors Influencing the Depression Level of Couples Participating in the National Supporting Program for Infertile Couples

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing depression of participants in the National Supporting Program for Infertile Couples (NSPI) who received a treatment of IVF (in vitro fertilization) or IUI (intra-uterine insemination). METHODS: Using the 2013 NSPI Satisfaction On-line Survey data, secondary data analyses were conducted on 830 cases of IVF and 706 cases of IUI. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi2 test, and logistic regression were performed using SPSS/WIN 21.0. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that non-pregnancy status (OR=3.05), unexplained infertility (OR=4.29), relationship trouble with spouse (OR=3.57), and relationship trouble with the in-law family (OR=2.78) were significant factors predicting the depression level in the IUI treatment group. Non-pregnancy status (OR=5.28), childlessness (OR=1.92), financial support helpful hardly or not at all (OR=2.63), relationship trouble with spouse (OR=3.28), relationship trouble with the in-law family (OR=2.83), and unemployment (OR=1.60) were significant factors in the IVF treatment group. CONCLUSION: To reduce infertile women's depression, adequate attention and care need to be paid to these psychological symptoms. It is suggested to develop counseling and couple-therapy along with methods to enhance social support (including that from the in-law's family).

Seoul Teacher's Satisfaction with and Needs for Health Examination and Health Promotion Programs

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate Seoul teacher's satisfaction with and needs for health examination and health promotion programs. METHODS: The participants were 3,186 teachers in Seoul. Data were collected through an on-line survey system from November 16 to December 7, 2008. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Scheffe's test using PASW 18.0 program. RESULTS: Teacher's satisfaction with teacher health examination was low and needs for detailed tests of cancer and vocal cord disorders were high. Teacher's satisfaction with teacher health promotion programs was low and needs for stress management, exercise and vocal cord protection program were high. CONCLUSION: Vocal cord disorders should be included in teacher health examination and vocal cord protection program should be provided for teacher's health promotion. Stress management and exercise program should also be provided for teacher's health promotion.

Cost-benefit Analysis of Massive Screening for Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Since 1991, nationwide massive neonatal screen-ing program for phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital hypothyroidism have been performed in Korea. As in many other countries, efficiency of this program has not been definitely concluded. For the purpose of evaluation of this program, from the perspective of efficiency, a cost-benefit analysis was carried out. METHODS: Costs of the detection and the treatment program were compared with the projected benefit(avoided costs) that results from the prevention of the mental retardation associated with the disorders due to PKU and hypothyroidism. Costs and benefits were discounted at an annual rate of 5 %, and duration of life-long labor was assumed to be 30 years. Cost and benefit were estimated based on the detection rates of one case of PKU per 5,572 and one case of congenital hypothyroidism per 32,554 babies screened during 1991-1997. RESULTS: The benefit-cost ratio was 0.418. The sensitivity analysis for the discount rates and labor durations showed that most cost-benefit ratios were lower than one(1.0) except when discount rate was changed to 3% and detection rate to two- or threefold and/or labor duration to 40 years. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study suggested that present program of mass screening for PKU and congenital hypothyroidism could not be justified in terms of efficiency. It doesn't coincide with the results of previous studies in major developed countries, presumably because of difference in detection rates and welfare cost for the disabled.