Korean Women Research Articles

Association of Workplace Toilet Access with Urinary Tract Symptoms and Productivity Loss among Female

Abstract Purpose Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent among women, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their quality of working life. We investigate workplace toilet access related to LUTS among women in the Korean workforce. Materials and methods An online survey was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics, occupational risk factors, and urinary tract symptoms among employed Korean women. Occupational risk factors included three survey questions on access to toilets at work: A) enduring urinary symptoms at work; B) capability to use the toilet at will during work, and C) needing to use the toilet during work but were unable to. The LUTS were assessed using the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form (ICIQ-SF). Health-related productivity losses (HRPL) were estimated using the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire for urinary symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was used to determined the association between workplace toilet access and LUTS. In addition, generalised linear regression analysis was performed to assess HRPL according to workplace toilet access. Results Of the 1057 participants, 260 (24.6%) and 294 (27.81%) had overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, respectively. More than 50% reported poor access to toilet. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the lower the access to toilets in the workplace, the higher the incidence of LUTS and the higher HRPL. Conclusions Restricted access to toilets at work are associated with poor urinary health and loss of productivity. The results highlight the need for interventions to improve the workplace environment. Key messages • Restricted access to toilets at work are associated with poor urinary health and loss of productivity. • The results highlight the need for interventions to improve the workplace environment.

Domestic Violence Experience, Past Depressive Disorder, Unplanned Pregnancy, and Suicide Risk in the First Year Postpartum: Mediating Effect of Postpartum Depression.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between domestic violence, past depressive disorder, unplanned pregnancy, suicide risk, and postpartum depression among Korean women using a mediation model approach. A web-based, cross-sectional survey was performed from September 21 to September 30, 2022. Participants included 1,486 women in their first year postpartum from Chungnam Province, South Korea. The generalized linear model mediation was analyzed using the R-based Jamovi 2.3.21 version program. Of all participants, 8.7% had domestic violence experience, 7.5% had been diagnosed with depressive disorder by the doctor in the past, 33.0% had reported that the last pregnancy was unplanned, 39.9% had postpartum depression, and 11.2% of the participants had a suicide risk. Among the participants with a high risk of suicide, 34.4%, 37.5%, 53.1%, and 96.9% reported experiencing domestic violence, past depressive disorder, an unplanned pregnancy, and postpartum depression, respectively. Postpartum depression partially mediated the relationship between domestic violence, past depressive disorder, and suicide risk and completely mediated the relationship between unplanned pregnancy and suicide risk. Our findings highlight the necessity for screening and early intervention for suicide risk and postpartum depression from pregnancy to the first year postpartum.

Current status of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Korean women.

Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking are the primary modifiable risk factors contributing to the increasing morbidity and mortality rates from cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Korean women. Significant sex-related differences exist in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of these risk factors, highlighting the importance of age- and sex-specific approaches to the management and prevention of CVD. Notably, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus increases with age, with a higher prevalence in elderly women compared to men. Dyslipidemia and obesity are also trending upward, particularly in postmenopausal women, highlighting the impact of menopause on cardiovascular risk. The present review advocates for improved diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational efforts to mitigate the risk of CVD among Korean women, with the goals of reducing the overall burden of the disease and promoting better cardiovascular health outcomes.

Genetic Variants Associated with Sensitive Skin: A Genome-Wide Association Study in Korean Women

Sensitive skin (SS) is associated with discomfort, including burning, stinging, and itching. These symptoms are often exacerbated by environmental factors and personal care products. In this genome-wide association study (GWAS), we aimed to identify the genetic variants associated with SS in 1690 Korean female participants; 389 and 1301 participants exhibited sensitive and non-sensitive skin, respectively. Using a combination of self-reported questionnaires, patch tests, and sting tests, we selected 115 sensitive and 181 non-sensitive participants for genetic analysis. A GWAS was performed to identify the loci associated with SS. Although none of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) met the genome-wide significance threshold, we identified several SNPs with suggestive associations. SNP rs11689992 in the 2q11.3 region increased SS risk by approximately 3.67 times. SNP rs7614738 in the USP4 locus elevated SS risk by 2.34 times and was found to be an expression quantitative trait locus for GPX1, a gene involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, SNPs rs12306124 in the RASSF8 locus and rs10483893 in the NRXN3 region were identified. These results suggest that the genetic variations affecting oxidative stress, cell growth regulation, and neurobiology potentially influence skin sensitivity, providing a basis for further investigation and the development of personalized approaches to manage sensitive skin.

Psychosocial risk factors of lower urinary tract symptoms among working women.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent among women, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their quality of working life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and LUTS among working women. Additionally, we sought to investigate whether women with psychosocial risk factors at work reported reduced quality of life (QOL) and a higher degree of productivity loss from absenteeism and presenteeism. An online survey was conducted to collect the demographic characteristics, occupational risk factors, and LUTS among employed Korean women. Shift work, weekly working hours, occupational stress, and emotional labor were surveyed as psychosocial risk factors at work. The association between psychosocial risk factors and LUTS was assessed using adjusted logistic regression. The relationships between psychosocial risk factors and LUTS-related outcomes, such as were examined using a generalized linear model. Of the 1057 participants, 260 (24.6%) and 294 (27.81%) had overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, respectively. Job stress, emotional labor, and night-shift work are significantly associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS, which reduce workers' QOL and labor productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism due to urination symptoms. Psychosocial factors at work, particularly job stress, emotional labor, and night-shift work, were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS, leading to reduced QOL and labor productivity due to urination symptoms.

Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Korean Women

The Article Abstract is not available.

Association between husband's participation in household work and the onset of depressive symptoms in married women: A population-based longitudinal study in South Korea

An unequal distribution of household work by gender is prevalent. This study explored the association between husbands' participation in household work and the onset of depressive symptoms among married Korean women. A nationwide sample of 7024 married women was repeatedly followed up at 2-year intervals from 2014 to 2022 (20,343 observations). The daily household work hours of both the participants and their husbands were self-reported. Satisfaction with husbands' participation in household work was classified as satisfactory, neutral, or dissatisfactory. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression. A generalized estimating equation was employed to determine how household work participation was associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in married women at the 2-year follow-up. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The mean daily hours spent on household work were 2.62 h for married women and 0.35 h for husbands. A 1-h increase in the husbands' daily time spent on household work was negatively associated with the risk of onset of depressive symptoms in married women (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.98). Compared with individuals with neutral responses, those satisfied with their husband's household work had a lower risk of depressive symptom onset (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74–0.90), whereas dissatisfaction was linked to increased risk (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04–1.27). Husbands' participation in household work was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptom onset among married women. Achieving gender equality in the division of household work is important for women's mental health.

What Are Sporty Sisters Talking About? A Textual Analysis of an All-Female Athlete Reality Show

This study explores the representation of female athletes cast in a South Korean reality show titled Sporty Sisters (Korean title: Nonun Unni). Though there have been attempts to understand the media representation of female athletes from diverse media landscapes, the analysis of Asian female athletes is limited. Such interpretations have been discussed through geopolitical relations or nationalistic representations, which lack in-depth understanding and exploration of Asian athletes. Therefore, this paper expands the narrative by analyzing the first season (54 episodes) of Sporty Sisters. It is observed that professional athletes who transition to the entertainment industry are identified as “spor-tainers” and implicitly follow norms and rules applied to public figures. In this reality show, female athletes express their opinions on marriage, menstruation, pregnancy, and domestic roles while displaying characteristics of a girl crush, manifesting a variety of the female attributes of sportswomen. Despite the social expectations to fulfill their roles as sports celebrities and Korean women, Sporty Sisters is an outlet for female athletes to an extent to freely expose and describe their experiences as athletes and individuals.

Medical Maximizing Orientation and the Desire for Low-Value Screening: An Examination of Mediating Mechanisms.

Medical maximizing orientation is a stable, traitlike inclination to actively use health care, often associated with pursuing low-value care. Despite attempts to reduce the overuse of low-value care by targeting this orientation directly, such interventions have not always been effective. To design effective interventions to reduce the overuse of low-value care, it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms that govern the impact of medical maximizing orientation. To examine whether risk perception (deliberative, affective, and experiential) and knowledge of the benefits and harms of low-value screening mediate the potential impact of medical maximizing orientation on attitudes toward screening uptake and screening decisions. A secondary analysis was conducted on data from a Web-based experiment examining various communication tactics in an information booklet regarding low-value thyroid ultrasonography among South Korean women (N = 492). Multiple linear, zero-inflated negative binomial and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between medical maximizing orientation and other study variables. A mediation analysis was performed to test mediating mechanisms. Medical maximizing orientation was associated with an increased positive attitude toward screening uptake and a lower likelihood of deciding not to get screened or being uncertain regarding screening decisions (relative to deciding to get screened). Knowledge and affective risk perception partially mediated the relationship between medical maximizing orientation and positive attitudes. Knowledge, deliberative, and affective risk perceptions partially mediated the relationship between medical maximizing orientation and the screening decision. Interventions should prioritize targeting more amenable factors arising from medical maximizing orientation, such as inflated risk perceptions, particularly affective risk perception, and limited comprehension or acceptance of information about the benefits and risks associated with low-value care. This study demonstrated that people's medical maximizing orientation can increase their positive attitudes toward the uptake of low-value screening and make them more likely to undergo it. This can happen both directly and indirectly by decreasing their understanding of the benefits and risks of screening and increasing their perception of disease risk.The study suggests that to effectively mitigate the excessive utilization of low-value care through patient-centered interventions, it is crucial to tackle 2 key issues associated with a medical maximizing mindset: inflated risk perceptions (specifically affective risk perception) and limited comprehension or acceptance of information about the benefits and risks of low-value care.This study contributes to developing a theoretical framework for interventions to improve evidence-based medical decision making by uncovering one mechanism by which medical maximizing orientation may affect the propensity to seek low-value care.

Height and breast cancer risk in premenopausal Korean women aged under 40 years of age.

Taller women are at an increased risk of breast cancer; however, evidence regarding this in younger women is limited. This study investigated the association between body height and breast cancer risk in premenopausal Korean women aged <40 years. Premenopausal women aged <40 years enroled in the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study (KSHS) and National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database (NHIS-NHID) were included in the analysis. Trained staff members performed anthropometry, including height measurements. Breast cancer incidence was followed up until December 2019. Cox regression model and restricted cubic- spline regression were applied. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 33.3 (3.6) years and 32.9 (4.2) in KSHS and NHIS-NHID cohorts, respectively. After adjusting for age at baseline and other confounders, every 10 cm of height was associated with a 1.44-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.78) in the KSHS. The restricted cubic spline regression showed an almost linear association between height and breast cancer risk. Compared to women with height <155 cm, aHRs (95% CI) among those with height 160-165 cm, 165-170 cm, and ≥170 cm were 1.67 (1.07-2.60), 1.75 (1.09-2.81), and 2.31 (1.18-3.86), respectively (P = 0.009). Results were similar in the NHIS-NHID cohort (aHR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.10-1.31] per 10-cm increase in height). In young Korean women, greater body height was associated with increased breast cancer risk.

The Career Support Scale for Women in Engineering (CSS-WE): Development and Validation With Engineering Students in Korea

Career supports play a more critical role in the persistence of engineering students relative to perceived barriers, especially among women engineering students ( Fouad et al., 2016 ). Although vocational research on the academic and career development of women in engineering has grown in recent years in response to longstanding and persistent gender disparities in this field, there is a lack of gender-specific instrumentation to assess the perceived supports among women students. This study developed a 21-item Career Support Scale for Women in Engineering (CSS-WE) to assess the perceived supports of Korean women college students pursuing engineering. Using two independent samples of women engineering students, exploratory ( n = 306) and confirmatory ( n = 309) factor analyses supported a five-factor model of the CSS-WE: instrumental support, inclusive support, emotional support, informational support, and institutional and societal support. The results suggested that CSS-WE scores demonstrated strong internal consistency and construct validity. Implications for practice and future research related to supporting women students in engineering are discussed.

Decision-Making Process for Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy Among Korean Women with Hereditary Breast Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study

Decision-Making Process for Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy Among Korean Women with Hereditary Breast Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study

Perceptions of Nasal Profile and Augmentation Rhinoplasty in the Japanese Colonial Era of Korea (1910-1945).

The aim of this study was to analyze perceptions of nasal profiles and the origins of augmentation rhinoplasty in Korea during the Japanese colonial era. Through ( www.google.com ) and ( www.naver.com ), the archives of newspapers and magazines were searched for references to "nasal augmentation." The following topics were identified: the ideal nasal profile in the corresponding era, nasal augmentation by nonsurgical methods, camouflage makeup for noses with a low profile, the earliest literature on augmentation rhinoplasty in Japan, a case of augmentation rhinoplasty in a Korean woman, an estimate of the year when augmentation rhinoplasty was first performed in Korea, and augmentation rhinoplasty by injection. In 1922, the Nose Lifter (nose uplifting clip) was already commercially available to Korean women. The following year, in 1923, Nishihata and Yoshida published their work on augmentation rhinoplasty using ivory in Japan. By 1925, some hospitals had performed augmentation rhinoplasty, but the procedure had not yet gained popularity among Koreans. In 1927, a Japanese author emphasized the importance of an ideal nasal profile harmonizing with the lips, chin, and neck. Also, in 1927, rhinoplasty gained popularity and was performed at various ENT clinics throughout Korea using various methods. In 1929, a 3-dimensional makeup method was introduced to camouflage a low-profile nose. By 1935, there was a belief that augmentation by injection was not harmful. The authors believe that augmentation rhinoplasty began in 1925 and gained popularity among Koreans by 1927. It was not until 1935 that the complications associated with injectable augmentation were recognized.

Physical Fitness Modulates The Relationship Between Abdominal Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome In Elderly Korean Women

Physical Fitness Modulates The Relationship Between Abdominal Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome In Elderly Korean Women

The Post–World War II Rise of AmorePacific: Women’s Labor, South Korea’s Cosmetic-Product Industry, and the Park Chung Hee Regime of 1961–1979

Abstract AmorePacific, the creator of renowned product lines such as the Color Control Cushion Compact, Laneige, and Sulwhasoo, stands prominently among the top ten global cosmetic companies, epitomizing the pinnacle of “K-beauty.” This article delves into how K-beauty, beyond its contemporary global allure, is deeply rooted in the historical and politico-economic landscape of the Park Chung Hee regime (1961–79). Through an examination of AmorePacific’s extensive archives, the article traces the company’s development, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping South Korea’s cosmetics industry since 1945. The evolving history of AmorePacific provides a lens to explore the often-overlooked roles of women in an industry previously characterized by underground trafficking, post exchange (PX) stores, and counterfeit production. As AmorePacific navigated new economic policy and rigorous rhetoric under the Park regime, Korean women began to assume new economic and sociopolitical roles, including in factory work, as door-to-door salespeople, and as models and moral consumers in state-led campaigns. Thus the work of women was vitally involved with AmorePacific, the nation’s growing cosmetic-product industry as a whole, and the Park regime’s stringent regulation of South Korea’s extensive black market, which was critical to its economic formalization.

Prevalence, incidence, and treatment trends of adenomyosis in South Korean women for 15 years: A national population-based study.

Adenomyosis is associated with female infertility worldwide. With improvements in imaging methods, such as pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis have changed. This study aimed to evaluate the overall prevalence, incidence, and treatment trends of adenomyosis in South Korea using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database (NHIS). Data were collected from the Korean NHIS, a population-based complete enumeration database. A total of 678 641 women aged 11-55 years diagnosed with adenomyosis (N80.0 ICD-10 code) from the database from 2002 to 2016 were enrolled. After applying a one-year look-back method, 629 592 patients were analyzed to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and treatment trends of adenomyosis. The overall prevalence during the study period was 3.86 per 1000 people. The prevalence of adenomyosis has increased from 1.42 per 1000 individuals in 2002 to 7.50 per 1000 individuals in 2016. The crude annual incidence rate of adenomyosis was 1.62 per 1000 people in 2003, which increased to 4.12 per 1000 people in 2016. In addition, the proportion of uterus-preserving surgeries in adenomyosis treatments has increased from 7.51% to 21.29% over 15 years. The prevalence and incidence of adenomyosis in South Korea increased between 2002 and 2016. Furthermore, the proportion of uterus-preserving surgeries and progestin prescriptions for adenomyosis treatment has increased. We expect that our findings will raise awareness of the necessity for fertility preservation through earlier diagnosis and proper management of patients with adenomyosis.

Accelerated bone loss in late reproductive-aged and perimenopausal women with vitamin D insufficiency.

The association between serum vitamin D levels and bone mineral density (BMD) varies by race and gender. This study aimed to evaluate this relationship between serum vitamin D levels and BMD, and changes of BMD over time in Korean women. We analyzed data from 586 generally healthy Korean women aged 29-79 who underwent health check-ups at Seoul National University Gangnam Center between 2010 and 2011 (baseline measurement) and 2015-2016 (follow-up). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) level measurements were conducted. We assessed the association between serum 25OH-D levels and BMD, as well as changes in BMD over time. The mean age of participants was 51.3 ± 7.9years, with a mean follow-up interval of 4.6 ± 0.7years, and mean serum 25OH-D level of 20.6 ± 8.5ng/ml. Baseline serum 25OH-D levels did not correlate with BMD values at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, or total femur, nor with changes in BMD over time. A significant negative association was found between perimenopausal status and BMD changes at all sites, and between premenopausal status and lumbar bone mass, compared to postmenopausal status in the 25OH-D < 20ng/ml group. This association was not observed in women with higher serum 25OH-D levels. Serum 25OH-D levels did not correlate with BMD levels or changes in BMD overall. However, in late reproductive-aged and perimenopausal women with serum 25OH-D insufficiency, there was a significant association with accelerated bone loss.

Metabolic syndrome clustering patterns and the association with cardiovascular disease among post-menopausal Korean women

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of diseases conceptualized as a clustering of risk factors, with the risks of developing MetS in women varying significantly before and after menopause. This study investigated MetS clustering patterns and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among post-menopausal women (n = 2479) using data from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. Using latent class analysis, three groups emerged: diabetic (5.6%), hypertensive (35.2%), and low-risk (59.2%). Relative to the low-risk group, the diabetic group demonstrated associations with older age, a family history of chronic disease, an increased Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, experience with hysterectomy, being a non-drinker, more physical activity, and excessive sleep. The hypertensive group was associated with older age, lower monthly income, a family history of chronic disease, increased HOMA-IR, a higher WBC count, more physical activity, and excessive sleep. The diabetic and hypertensive groups had a significantly higher CVD risk than the low-risk group (diabetic: odds ratio [OR] = 2.41 [1.11, 5.27]; hypertensive: OR = 2.46 [1.33, 4.55]). This study identified potential markers for MetS screening in post-menopausal women, highlighting the need for early intervention and personalized healthcare for middle-aged women to reduce CVD risk following menopause.

Legislative Pioneers: The Brave South Korean Women Spearheading Change Against Gender Discrimination, Violence, and Inequality Through Progressive Laws

In South Korea, women have a long history of fighting against injustice. This includes brutality and discrimination based on gender. This study looks at how South Korean women led the way. The aim of this writing is to examine the critical role played by female lawmakers in South Korea as they lead the charge in passing progressive legislation to fight inequality, violence, and gender discrimination. The study explores the historical background of women&amp;apos;s political engagement in South Korea, stressing the rise of women&amp;apos;s rights movements and the difficulties experienced by female activists in promoting gender equality. This study proposes to search for the roles of &amp;quot;Legislative Pioneers&amp;quot; in South Korea. It does this by drawing on a thorough assessment of the literature. The paper explores the impact of South Korean women&amp;apos;s legislative activism on gender equality through interviews, historical analysis, and official data as mixed approach by both quantitative as well as qualitative methodology. The transformative impact of women legislators in driving legislative reforms aimed at addressing gender-based violence, promoting gender equality in the workplace, and enhancing women&amp;apos;s political representation and participation is examined in this paper through an analysis of legislative initiatives and policy outcomes. The conversation also looks at the obstacles and difficulties faced by female parliamentarians, such as institutional impediments in the political system and opposition from conservative forces. Notwithstanding these obstacles, female lawmakers persist in promoting progressive reforms, capitalizing on global connections and partnerships to propel gender parity and women&amp;apos;s entitlements in South Korea. In summary, the study illuminates the noteworthy accomplishments of legislative trailblazers in South Korea and underscores their pivotal function in cultivating a society that is more comprehensive and just for every person.

Body Image and Eating Behaviour in Adolescents Loving Korean Wave Culture

The Korean wave has developed into a popular culture in the global community, especially adolescents in the last two decades. Cultural programs that include idols/bands, movies, dramas, variety shows, and webtoons are in great demand. The image of Korean women can influence adolescents' perceptions of ideal body shapes and eating behaviors. This study aims to analyze correlations between Korean culture viewing habits with body image and eating behavior among adolescents in West Java. This research is a cross-sectional study, conducted in West Java during April 2023 using the online structured questionnaire. The total subjects of this research were 467 adolescents. The results of the study stated that the subjects in this study were women (81.2%), college students (66.6%), Korean show enthusiasts (66.6%), Kpop enthusiasts (68.3%), Kdrama enthusiasts (77.5%), and webtoon enthusiasts (50.3%). Most of them thought that Korean idols were attractive (96.4%), and sometimes they want theirs body shape as their idols (46.5%). There were differences in body image and eating behavior among K-show (p=0.046 &amp;amp; p=0.039), Kpop (p=0.048, p=0.027, p=0.024, &amp;amp; p=0,000), and Kdrama enthusiasts (p=0.026) but there were no differences between enthusiasts of webtoon. Our findings show the Korean wave culture is one of the causes of adolescents experiencing body dissatisfaction, which is an important predictor of eating problems. Awareness of the importance of positive body image and healthy weight control behavior concepts is necessary.