Type 2 diabetes in urban and rural districts in Korea: factors associated with prevalence difference.

The purpose of this study was to examine the urban-rural differences in the prevalence and associated factors with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korean adults. A total of 1,060 adults >30 yr of age from urban (189 males and 331 females) and rural districts (219 males and 321 females) were recruited. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting and 2-hr after 75-g oral glucose load blood glucose were obtained. The crude- and age-standardized prevalence of T2DM was 15.4% and 14.5%, and 11.7% and 8.6% in urban and rural districts, respectively. Diabetic subjects were older and obese, and had a higher triglyceride level, and systolic blood pressure compared to non-diabetes in both population. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that older age, high triglyceride levels, central obesity, and hypertension were significantly associated with T2DM in both areas. Low monthly incomes were significantly associated with T2DM in urban population, while a family history of T2DM was significantly associated with T2DM in rural area. T2DM is more prevalent in urban than in rural population, and low economic status or genetic factor is differently associated with T2DM in both population, respectively.

[Development of a user centered web site for mental health management in adolescents].

PURPOSE: A user centered web-based mental health management system may be particularly useful in Korea where there is widespread diffusion of personal computers and internet connectivity. The purpose of this paper was to describe the development of a web-based system for mental health management in adolescents using principals of a user centered design. METHOD: Our design process includes five distinct phases: needs assessment, analysis, design, development/testing/revision, and application release. RESULTS: Web content includes an introduction, information about mental health management in adolescents, self-assessment and guidance, interventions for improving mental health, directory of self-help groups, and counseling and additional community resources. The web site was released using the URL: http://www.baejy.com/youth. CONCLUSION: The end result was a web based mental health management system for adolescents with a high degree of usability. The author believes that web-based mental health interventions in the future have true potential in helping Koreans who are suffering, or at risk, for mental health problems, particularly because of the stigma related to psychiatric therapy in Korea.

Preliminary evaluation of a web site for depressive symptoms management.

The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the characteristics of website users in relation to their depressive symptoms and (2) pilot test the effectiveness of the depressive symptoms management program. Computer-assisted intervention is as effective as face-to-face treatment for managing depressive symptoms, which are one of the most common and destructive mental problems. This kind of system can be particularly useful in Korea where stigmatism exists for those who seek mental health care. Investigators developed a web site for depressive symptoms management (URL: http://www.baejy.com/smile) in 2004. During the first year the number of users was 582. The findings from this study will provide an intervention strategy for the prevention and management of depression.

A comparison of nursing activity before and after implementation of OCS in a general hospital.

The objectives of this study are the comparison and analysis of nursing activities before and after application of OCS in a general hospital, and furnishing basic information for management and education in using OCS for nurses. We could not confirm that the implementation of OCS could reduce indirect nursing time and increase direct nursing time. However, there was a decrease of 7 minutes in direct nursing time. And the making and developing of a new model of direct nursing time and a new model of estimating instruments are mandatory.

[Development of the educational program for prevention of sexual abuse in children].

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study is to develop an educational program to prevent sexual abuse of children and to improve the physical and mental health of children by providing a rape-free environment and safety education. This program will provide parents and children with information on how to prevent sexual abuse in children. Children learn specific methods to avoid being victimized both at home and outside the home through a learning game and simulation, which is based on problem solving. METHOD: This program was developed based on a literature reviews, surveys and negotiation process. School- aged-children, parents, and teachers were interviewed to reveal their educational needs based on their experiences related to sexual abuse. RESULT: This program includes useful subjects such as safety education, early detection of sexual abuse, crisis management, resource persons, and phone numbers of available hospital. Counseling is provided by researcher or by a pediatric psychiatrist if needed. CONCLUSION: This program could be adequately utilized for prevention of sexual abuse of children. It also will provide an intervention strategy for abused children. This educational program was distributed to all of the elementary school through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.