Factors associated with the intention to have colorectal cancer screening in Korean adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to screening intention in a population-based screening programme for colorectal cancer. The data were taken from the 2008 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey. We conducted a nationwide survey with trained interviewers using a questionnaire. A total of 2038 participants agreed to answer the survey. There were 955 study subjects aged ≥ 50 years in the target age group for colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer screening behaviour and demographic characteristics were collected to evaluate intention for colorectal cancer screening and related factors. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used in the analysis. The lifetime screening rate was 50.4% (50.9% for men and 49.8% for women). The screening rate with recommendation was 39.7% (39.3% for men and 40.1% of women). The odds ratios of intention to be screened increased significantly in younger subjects and those screened with double-contrast barium enema or colonoscopy. 'Without any symptoms' was reported as the most frequent reason for non-attendance or no intention to be screened. Age and recent screening methods were important factors related to intention to be screened for colorectal cancer. Further research is needed to identify remaining barriers to screening.

Satisfaction with mammography in the National Cancer Screening Programme participants of age 40s in Korea.

The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction with the National Cancer Screening Programme of mammography in Korea and to examine the association between subscales of satisfaction and general satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey for women who had obtained a National Cancer Screening Programme mammographic screening at general hospitals between May and October 2008. The present study included 2005 women in their forties. We performed multivariate linear regression using dependent variable as general satisfaction and independent variables as subscales of satisfaction, such as pre-screening information transfer, staff interpersonal skills, physical surroundings and results reporting. Participants were stratified according to the result of their mammogram as negative or positive. Mean score of satisfaction was above 2.5 of 4 for all subscales. Women who received positive results were less satisfied with all of subscale factors. Staff interpersonal skills were the most important factor that contributed to general satisfaction. Future efforts such as staff training programme of communication/attitude skills, ensuring privacy and explanation of possible discomfort of the screening would be needed.

Association between levels of physical activity and poor self-rated health in Korean adults: The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2005.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between level of physical activity and poor self-rated health in Korean adults. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,800 adults aged > or =19 years who completed the Health Interview and the Health Behavior Surveys, issued during the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005). METHODS: The association between self-rated health and physical activity was tested using Chi-squared test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios of poor self-rated health for different levels of physical activity after adjusting for physical and chronic medical conditions. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor self-rated health was significantly lower as the level of physical activity increased, and odds ratios for poor self-rated health were significantly lower for higher levels of physical activity after adjusting for age, marital status, educational status, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the number of physical impairments and chronic medical conditions. The association was similar in different age groups and among healthy respondents and respondents with physical impairments or chronic medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was positively associated with self-rated health in Koreans. The independent association between a lower level of physical activity and poor self-rated health supports public health programmes that encourage regular physical activity.

Cloning and analysis of the aroB gene encoding dehydroquinate synthase from Corynebacterium glutamicum.

The aroB gene encoding dehydroquinate synthase of Corynebacterium glutamicum has been cloned by complementation of an aro auxotrophic mutant of Escherichia coli with the genomic DNA library. The recombinant plasmid contained a 1.4-kb fragment that complemented the Escherichia coli dehydroquinate-synthase-deficient mutant. The nucleotide sequences of the subcloned DNA has been determined. The sequences contain an open reading frame of 360 codons, from which a protein with a molecular mass of about 38 kDa could be predicted. This is consistent with the size of the AroB protein expressed in E. coli. Alignment of different prokaryotic and eukaryotic aroB gene products reveals an overall identity ranging from 29 to 57% and the presence of several highly conserved regions.