Korean Women Of Childbearing Age Research Articles

Development and effects of a webtoon education program on preventive self-management related to premature labor for women of childbearing age: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to develop a webtoon education program on preventive self-management related to premature labor (PSM-PL) for women of childbearing age, to evaluate its effects, and to assess the usability of webtoon education for women of childbearing age. The study design was a stratified randomized trial with repeated measures. The participants were Korean women of childbearing age (between the ages of 19 and 49 years), with 49 participants each. The preventive health management self-efficacy related to premature labor (PHMSE-PL) scale, the preventive self-management knowledge related to premature labor (PSMK-PL) scale, and usability of webtoon education were assessed. The intervention group read six episodes of the PSM-PL webtoon within 2 days after clicking an online link. The control group did not receive anything but was given the webtoon after the last measurement. To test the effect of the repeatedly measured variables, a generalized estimating equation model was used. The experimental group had statistically significantly greater increases in PHMSE-PL and PSMK-PL scores from baseline to immediately after and 2 weeks later than the control group. The average score for usability of webtoon education was high (4.52; standard deviation, 0.62) on a scale of 1-5. This webtoon education program on PSM-PL was a feasible and acceptable program that increased self-efficacy and knowledge of preventive health management of premature labor in women of childbearing age. Future studies that adopt a webtoon format can be beneficial for childbearing women with other risk factors.

Preventive Health Management Self-Efficacy related to Premature Labor (PHMSE-PL) scale for Korean women of childbearing age: instrument development and validation.

PurposeThis study aimed to develop and examine the validity and reliability of a self-efficacy scale for preventive health management related to premature labor (PHMSE-PL) for women of childbearing age.MethodsInstrument development and validation were undertaken in three steps: conceptualization through a literature review and in-depth interviews, item generation and evaluation of content validity, and evaluation of construct validity and reliability. The content validity, factorial structure validity, and internal consistency reliability of the PHMSE-PL were evaluated, and cognitive interviewing was undertaken. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's α, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe content validity was assessed by experts and was strengthened through cognitive interviews with women of childbearing age. The PHMSE-PL comprised 34 items across five factors. The construct validity of the PHMSE-PL was supported. Cronbach's α for the total scale was .97 (95% CI=.96-.97).ConclusionAn evaluation of the psychometric properties of the PHMSE-PL scale found it to be a valid and reliable tool for women of childbearing age. The scale appears to be useful for women of childbearing age to self-assess their preventive health management self-efficacy related to premature labor and for health professionals to evaluate and promote women's preventive health management.

Incidence and prevalence of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis among Korean women of childbearing age: a nationwide population-based study.

Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often diagnosed with the disease during their reproductive years; however, its incidence and prevalence among women of childbearing age have not been studied. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (SPRA) among Korean women of childbearing age. Women aged 20 to 44 years with SPRA were identified from National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database (2009 to 2016). SPRA was defined by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code, M05. Incidence and prevalence were calculated per 100,000 person-years and stratified by year and age. The average incidence and prevalence of SPRA from 2011 to 2016 among women of childbearing age was 24.1/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.7 to 24.5) and 105.2/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 100.9 to 109.5), respectively. The incidence increased annually from 21.0/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 20.1 to 21.9) in 2009 to 28.4 person-years (95% CI, 27.3 to 29.5) in 2016. Similarly, the prevalence increased annually from 95.7/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 93.7 to 97.6) in 2009 to 111.0 person-years (95% CI, 108.9 to 113.2) in 2015, with a slight decrease in 2016 (110.4 person-years; 95% CI, 108.2 to 112.6). The incidence and prevalence of SPRA increased with advancing age. The peak age for both incidence and prevalence of SPRA among women of childbearing age was 40 to 44 years. The risk of SPRA is high in women during their childbearing years; this population bears a significant disease burden. This calls for special attention to this particular population group to reduce the risk and burden of this disease.

Impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on the risk of maternal and infant pregnancy complications in Korean women

Background/ObjectiveHealthy weight maintenance before and during pregnancy has a significant effect on pregnancy outcomes; however, there are no specific guidelines for gestational weight gain in pregnant Korean women. Therefore, we investigated the impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain on the risk of maternal and infant pregnancy complications in pregnant Korean women.MethodsStudy participants comprised 3454 singleton pregnant women from the Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study who had baseline examination and pregnancy outcome data. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain were categorized according to the Asia-pacific regional guidelines and the Institute of Medicine recommendations, respectively. The primary outcome was any adverse outcomes, defined as the presence of one or more of the following: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, peripartum depressive symptom, cesarean delivery, delivery complications, preterm birth, small or large weight infant, neonatal intensive care unit admission, or a congenital anomaly. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to examine the independent and combined impact of pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain on the risk of maternal and infant outcomes.ResultsObesity before pregnancy significantly increased the risk of perinatal adverse outcomes by more than 2.5 times [odds ratio (OR): 2.512, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.817–3.473]. Compared to that in women with appropriate gestational weight gain, women with excessive weight gain had a 36.4% incremental increase in the risk of any adverse outcomes [OR: 1.364, 95% CI: 1.115–1.670]. Moreover, women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy and had excessive gestational weight gain had a three-fold increase in the risk of adverse outcomes [OR: 3.460, 95% CI: 2.210–5.417].ConclusionThis study highlights the need for appropriate weight recommendations before and during pregnancy to prevent perinatal complications in Korean women of childbearing age.

Seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM in Korean women of childbearing age.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection using the serologic status of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies in Korean women of childbearing age.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed CMV IgG and IgM test results from Korean women aged 15–49 years who underwent testing between January 2009 and December 2019. Seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM by year and age was investigated.ResultsThe study period was 11 years, and among 6837 samples tested, 95.8% were CMV IgG–positive. The seropositivity in women aged 15‐ <20 years was significantly lower (77.5%) than older age groups. Among 6837 total CMV IgG tests, 75.9% (5186) had concurrently measured CMV IgM results among which 2.4% were IgM‐positive.ConclusionConsidering the low CMV seropositivity of women younger than 20 years, they may need prenatal education for CMV infection.

Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus among Korean women in childbearing years: A nationwide population-based study

Most women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are diagnosed with the disease in their reproductive years, but the incidence and prevalence of SLE among women of childbearing age have not been studied. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE among the Korean women of childbearing age. Women aged 20 to 44 years with SLE were identified from National Health Insurance Service - National Health Information Database (2009-2016), which contain health information of approximately 97% of the Korean population. SLE was defined by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code, M32. Incidence and prevalence were calculated per 100,000 person-years and stratified by year and age. A total of 12,756 women with SLE were identified. The incidence of SLE from 2011 to 2016 among women in childbearing years was 8.18/100,000 person-years (95% CI 7.94-8.43), with the highest incidence in 2016 (8.56/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.95-9.17) and the lowest incidence in 2012 (7.85/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.28-8.42). The prevalence of SLE from 2009 to 2016 among women in childbearing years was 77.07/100,000 person-years (95% CI 75.76-78.39), with the highest prevalence in 2014 (79.47/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 77.64-81.30) and the lowest in 2010 (74.19/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 72.45-75.93). The peak age for SLE incidence was between 25-39 years, and lower incidence was seen in the early (20-24 years) and late (40-44 years) childbearing age periods. There was an increasing trend in prevalence according to age in women of childbearing age, with the highest prevalence occurring in the 40-44 age group. The risk and burden of SLE are high among women during their childbearing years. This calls for special attention to this particular population group when allocating health resources.

Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody positivity among women of childbearing age after three decades of universal vaccination in South Korea

ObjectivesWe estimated the impact of universal hepatitis B immunization using 18-year data of women who are of childbearing age in South Korea. MethodsWe used hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) data of 145,993 women aged 20–49 years during 2001–2018 at the Gangnam CHA Medical Center. Annual prevalences of HBsAg and anti-HBs positivity were calculated and tested for linear trend. We conducted age-period-cohort (APC) analysis to obtain period and cohort effect. ResultsOverall proportion of HBsAg positivity was 3.5% (n = 5050) and anti-HBs positivity was 75.3% (n = 109,907) during the study period. HBsAg positivity percentage decreased from 5.1% in 2001 to 2.5% in 2018 (P < 0.001) while anti-HBs positivity increased from 59.9% to 75.8% (P = 0.002). Average annual percent change of HBsAg positivity was −5.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): −6.9%, −4.8%). The period and cohort RR curve identified a consistent decrease in HBsAg positivity over time and across generations. ConclusionsWe observed a concurrent decrease in HBsAg and an increase in anti-HBs seropositivity among Korean women of childbearing age, implicating success in preventing vertical transmission.

Recent trends in seroprevalence of rubella in Korean women of childbearing age: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the immunity against rubella using the serological status of rubella-specific IgG antibodies (antirubella IgG) in Korean women of childbearing age (15–49 years).DesignRetrospective...

Awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid among non-pregnant Korean women of childbearing age.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESFolic acid supplementation before pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The purposes of this study were to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid supplements along with their associated factors among non-pregnant Korean women of childbearing age.SUBJECTS/METHODSFrom August 2012 to March 2013, 704 women aged 19–45 years completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid as well as questions to identify risk of inadequate folate intake.RESULTSApproximately 67% of women reported that they had heard of folic acid, and 23.7% had knowledge of both the role of folic acid in preventing birth defects and appropriate time for taking folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects. However, only 9.4% of women took folic acid supplements at the time of the survey. Women aged 19–24 years, unmarried women, and women who had never been pregnant were less likely to be aware and knowledgeable of folic acid or take folic acid supplements. In addition, women at high risk of inadequate folate intake were less likely to take folic acid supplements. In a multivariate analysis, women aged 19–24 years, women with a high school diploma or lower education level, and unmarried women were less likely to be aware and have knowledge of folic acid. The percentage of women taking folic acid supplements was significantly higher among knowledgeable women than among unknowledgeable women.CONCLUSIONSThese results support our hypothesis that women with knowledge of folic acid are more likely to take folic acid supplements. Therefore, educational programs or campaigns to improve knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid and to promote consumption of folic acid supplements as well as folate-rich foods are needed to target young, less educated, and unmarried women.

Perceptions of influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Korean women of childbearing age

ABSTRACTThe rate of maternal influenza vaccination in Korea is much lower than the general population. We evaluated the influenza vaccination rate during pregnancy and assessed women's perceptions of the influenza vaccine. One thousand women of childbearing age were surveyed from April through May 2014, using a questionnaire about vaccination history, general understanding of influenza vaccination and that examined factors that influence decisions about influenza vaccination. We also conducted an intervention to evaluate potential improvement in vaccination behavior. The influenza vaccination rate during pregnancy was 37.3%. The common reasons listed in support of vaccination included the perception of the risk of influenza infection, recommendations from health care providers, and belief in the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. The most common reasons for not vaccinating included concern about harmful effects and the lack of recommendation from health care providers. Based on the results of the questionnaire and intervention, it is important to provide accurate information and for health care providers to recommend the influenza vaccine to pregnant women. It is also necessary for the government to encourage women to receive the influenza vaccination as a healthcare policy.

The Effects of Folic Acid‐Fortified Food and Nutrition Education on Folate Nutritional Status and Behavioral Capability in Korean Women of Child‐Bearing Age

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of folic acid‐fortified food and nutrition education on folate status and behavioral capability of Korean women of child‐bearing age. Instant rice fortified with 400 μg of folic acid per serving (one bowl) was developed. Seventy‐eight women aged between 19 and 35 who were at risk of folate deficiency were randomly assigned to 'non‐fortified food group', 'fortified food group', 'non‐fortified food and nutrition education group' and 'fortified food and nutrition education group'. All the subjects were asked to eat one bowl of fortified or non‐fortified food blindly once a day for 4 weeks. Nutrition education based on social cognitive theory was given to nutrition education group once a week. Questionnaire survey and hematological analysis were performed both at the baseline and at the end of the intervention. Serum and red blood cell folate concentrations increased significantly and serum homocysteine concentrations decreased significantly in the fortified food groups after the intervention. The proportions of folate deficiency decreased significantly in the fortified food groups. The variables of social cognitive theory including outcome expectations and behavioral capability score increased significantly in the nutrition education groups after the intervention. Our results suggest that folic acid‐fortified food is effective in improving folate nutritional status even after 4‐week supplementation, and nutrition education has a positive impact on the various factors related to behavior change.

Knowledge and Acceptability about Adult Pertussis Immunization in Korean Women of Childbearing Age.

PurposeThe adult tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine has been introduced in order to provide individual protection and reduce the risk of transmitting pertussis to infants. We assessed the knowledge and acceptability of the Tdap vaccine around pregnancy.Materials and MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional survey of women of childbearing age (20-45 years) who visited obstetrics and gynecologic units of primary, secondary, or tertiary hospitals. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability of Tdap.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 308 women; 293 (95.1%) had not received information from doctors about Tdap, and 250 (81.2%) did not know about the need for vaccination. A significantly important factor related to subjects' intention to be vaccinated, identified by stepwise multiple logistic regression, was the knowledge (OR 13.5, CI 3.92-46.33) that adult Tdap is effective in preventing pertussis for infants aged 0-6 months. Additionally, 276 (89.6%) considered the recommendation of obstetric doctors as the most influencing factor about Tdap vaccination.ConclusionIn Korea, most women of childbearing age seem to be neither recommended nor adequately informed about the vaccination, although our population was not a nationwide representative sample. Information given by healthcare workers may be critical for improving awareness and preventing pertussis.

Knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability about influenza vaccination in Korean women of childbearing age.

ObjectiveThe aims of the present study were to investigate the women's perspective on influenza infection and vaccination and to evaluate how they influence vaccine acceptability, in Korean women of childbearing age.MethodsThis was a prospective study by random survey of women of childbearing age (20 to 45 years). They were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of influenza vaccination before and during pregnancy. This study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2008 and 2012, to analyze the recent influenza vaccination trends.ResultsAccording to KNHANES (2008-2012), influenza vaccination rates in women of childbearing age have increased up to 26.4%, after 2009. The questionnaire was completed by 308 women. Vaccination rate during pregnancy or planning a pregnancy was 38.6%. The immunization rate increased significantly with the mean number of correct answers (P<0.001). Women who received influenza vaccination were more likely to be previously informed of the recommendations concerning the influenza vaccination before or during pregnancy, received the influenza vaccination in the past, and of the opinion that influenza vaccination is not dangerous during pregnancy, with odds ratios of 14.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.44 to 33.33; P<0.0001), 3.6 (95% CI, 1.84 to 6.97; P=0.0002) and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.34 to 5.47; P=0.0057).ConclusionInfluenza vaccination rate in women of childbearing age has increased in this study and national data. More information and recommendation by healthcare workers, especially obstetricians, including safety of vaccination, might be critical for improving vaccination rate in women of childbearing age.

Frequency of DMPK mutation carriers in Korean women of childbearing age

Frequency of <i><scp>DMPK</scp></i> mutation carriers in Korean women of childbearing age

Perceptions of Tetanus-diphteria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination among Korean Women of Childbearing Age

BackgroundThe number of cases of pertussis reported has increased gradually in the last decade. Pertussis vaccination is the most effective strategy for the prevention of infection. Despite the fact that young infants are at the highest risk for pertussis, the rate of tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination is presumed to be very low among women of childbearing age in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of women of childbearing age regarding Tdap vaccination in Korea.Materials and MethodsWomen of childbearing age, who visited the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 3 University hospitals in the Seoul and Gyeonggi-do provinces of Korea, were surveyed. Individual questionnaires were administered from April to May 2012. Demographic data, Tdap vaccination history, general knowledge about pertussis, and information on factors associated with decision on vaccination were collected.ResultsOf the 500 reproductive-age women enrolled, only 4 (0.8%) had received the Tdap. The most common reason for non-vaccination was the lack of awareness of pertussis and information about the Tdap. Totally, 171 (34.2%) responded that they would receive a Tdap vaccination in the future. By multivariate analysis, general confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccine (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17 to 3.01) was indicated as an important factor for deciding whether to receive the Tdap vaccine (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe coverage of Tdap vaccination of women of childbearing age, including pregnant women, is very low because of the lack of awareness of pertussis and the Tdap. Education of women of childbearing age about pertussis is very important to increase Tdap vaccination rates among these women, particularly during the perinatal period.

Development and Evaluation of the Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Folate Intake in Women of Child-bearing Age

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the simple semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing folate intake in women of reproductive age. We developed a 30-item FFQ, and tested the reliability and validity in 97 women aged between 20 and 39 yrs using the FFQs and 24-h recalls, which were carried out twice, respectively. Assessing the reliability, the correlation coefficients were 0.53 (Spearman’s) and 0.49 (Pearson’s) for folate. There was no significant difference of folate intake between FFQ1 and FFQ2. 36.1% subjects were classified into the same quartile and 83.5% into the same or adjacent quartile divided by folate intake. On determining the validity, the mean folate intake obtained from the FFQ (FFQ1) and 24h-recalls (2-d) were 306.6 ± 167.2 µg/d and 326.9 ± 103.3 µg/d, respectively. There was no significant difference between folate intakes from the two methods. The correlation coefficients for folate were 0.24 (Spearman’s) and 0.26 (Pearson’s). 39.2% of the subjects were categorized into the same quartile and 70.1% were into the same or adjacent quartile. In addition, sensitivity (64.3%) and specificity (62.3%) were estimated to evaluate the adequacy of folate intake. These results suggest that this FFQ would be a useful and a valuable instrument to assess the intake of folate among the Korean women of child-bearing age. (Korean J Community Nutr 17(2) : 156~166, 2012)

Perception on influenza vaccination in Korean women of childbearing age

PurposeWomen who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant in the influenza season or caring for infant 6-59 months of age are identified as priority groups for influenza vaccination. Vaccination rate is presumed to be low in those women. The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of childbearing age women about influenza vaccination.Materials and MethodsChildbearing age women visiting the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 3 University hospitals in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do province were surveyed. Individual interviews were performed to them with questionnaire for 2 months from April to May 2012. Demographic data, Immunization history, general understanding and factors associated with vaccination were asked.ResultsThree hundred fifty-five (71.0%) of total 500 reproductive age women had the experience of influenza vaccination. Among 343 women who has been pregnant at least once, 48 women (16.4%) had vaccination during pregnancy, and 46 of them got vaccination since 2009. One hundred ninety women of total 500 women responded that they would get vaccination if pregnant in the next influenza season (38.0%). In multivariate analysis, statistically significant factors associated with plans of influenza vaccination in pregnancy were as follows: experience of childbirth (odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.32 to 2.93), high level of education (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.22 to 3.15), previous influenza vaccination (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.01).ConclusionInfluenza vaccine coverage on childbearing age women including pregnant women is low because of misperception of vaccination during pregnancy. It is necessary for healthcare provider to correct misunderstanding and to recommend vaccination actively.

Essence of preconception counseling and care

Since the 1980's, prenatal care for pregnant women and their babies has improved maternal and neonatal health. However, despite prenatal care, the rate of some complications, such as major fetal anomalies, preterm labor, and low birth weight have not improved. Only 10.3% of Korean women of childbearing age take folic acid supplementation and approximately 14% still consume alcohol during pregnancy. Because in Korea about 50% of pregnancies are unintended, those women have higher exposure rates to alcohol, drugs, and ionizing radiation. Because most fetal anomalies occur between 5 to 10 gestational weeks, the initial prenatal care provided at 7 to 8 gestational weeks is too late to prevent fetal anomalies. Preconception care may identify and modify adverse health, behavioral, and social outcomes for women and their unborn babies. Recently, a number of preconception interventions have been reported to have evidence-based effectiveness in improving pregnancy outcomes. These include folic acid supplementation, avoiding alcohol intake, smoking cessation, counseling on potentially teratogenic drugs, infection control, immunizations, and control of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity. For the improvement of maternal and fetal health, guidelines for preconception care must be developed in Korea. All health care providers should understand the clinical importance of evidence-based preconception care.

Alcohol Use during Pregnancy and Related Risk Factors in Korea

ObjectiveThe number of Korean women of childbearing age who drink alcohol and binge drink has increased remarkably in recent years. In the present study, we examined self-reported rates of alcohol use before and during pregnancy and identified maternal characteristics associated with drinking in pregnancy.MethodsOne thousand pregnant Korean women who visited the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) completed a self-administered questionnaire that sought information on their demographic characteristics and incorporated features of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)-C to investigate their use of alcohol, including binge drinking, during three time periods ("in the year before this pregnancy," "during this pregnancy," and "in the previous 30 days").ResultsOf these participants, 16.4% reported using alcohol during their pregnancy, 12.2% had used alcohol in the previous 30 days, and 1.7% reported binge drinking during their pregnancy. In the year before pregnancy, 77.1% had used alcohol, and 22.3% had binge drunk. The group using any amount of any alcohol during pregnancy showed a lower educational level, a lower rate of planned pregnancy, a lower level of knowledge relating to the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and a higher frequency of alcohol drinking in the year before pregnancy when compared with the abstinent group. Low educational level and unplanned pregnancy were revealed to be significant risk factors for alcohol consumption in pregnant women.ConclusionThis is the first study to examine any alcohol and binge alcohol drinking during pregnancy in Korea. Clinical attention and monitoring system on alcohol use during pregnancy are necessary in Korea.

Mercury Exposure from Fish Consumption Within the Japanese and Korean Communities

Public health guidance pertaining to fish consumption requires that we be cognizant of the health concerns associated with eating contaminated fish and the nutritional benefits obtained from fish consumption. In doing so, a need exists for an improved understanding of the extent of contamination within various fish species consumed by populations of concern and the extent of exposure to contamination by these populations. As part of the Arsenic Mercury Intake Biometric Study involving the Japanese and Korean communities, it was possible to obtain fish intake data, determine mercury (Hg) fish tissue concentrations for various species consumed, and examine hair for Hg levels of study participants. This longitudinal study (n = 214) included 106 Japanese and 108 Korean women of childbearing age. Hair Hg levels for the two populations and weight-normalized, species-specific, individual-consumption pattern data that estimated Hg intake levels were compared with published National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Sensitivity analyses and population-specific probabilistic assessments of exposure were conducted. The estimated Hg intake levels for the Japanese (0.09 μg/kg/d) and Koreans (0.05 μg/kg/d) were above the NHANES estimates (0.02 μg/kg/d), as were the hair Hg levels (1.23, 0.61, 0.2 ppm, respectively). Results indicate that (1) there are significant differences between the fish-species-consumption behavior of these two populations; (2) even when fish-consumption rates are equal between two populations, Hg intakes between them can vary significantly; and (3) these population and Hg intake differences present public health challenges when attempting to provide fish consumption guidance.