Preschool Children In Korea Research Articles

Mask-Wearing Perception of Preschool Children in Korea during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, wearing a mask has become a daily routine in Korea over the last two years. This study aims to investigate the mask-wearing perception of preschoolers (ages 4–6). The questionnaire comprised 17 yes-no closed-ended questions and two open-ended questions, and interviews of the children were conducted from January to February 2022, 15 months after mandatory mask wearing. Results showed that children were aware of the need to wear a mask to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, and they perceived it as necessary and a good thing. Most children responded that they did not feel uncomfortable wearing a mask at preschool. This perception was thought to be influenced by the caregivers’ perceptions of the mask in Korea. The way in which 4–5-year-olds perceived the mask differed from the way 6-year-olds did. Children aged between four and five seemed to perceive the mask as a physical self, while children aged six did not. As children who have experienced COVID-19 are growing up, attention is being focused on how the experience of wearing a mask affects their early childhood development.

Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Preschool Children: A 12-Year (2008-2019) Survey in Large Cities and Provinces of the Republic of Korea.

A 12-year nationwide survey (2008–2019) was performed to investigate the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children in Seoul, 4 large cites (Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Ulsan), and 9 provinces (grouped into 5 localities) in the Republic of Korea (=Korea). The survey was carried out once a year by 16 regional offices of the Korea Association of Health Promotion. The cello-tape perianal swab method (1 smear per child) was applied to detect eggs of E. vermicularis and other helminths. According to the results, the egg positive rate of E. vermicularis infection in 2008–2009 was 1.8–2.0%, but it decreased gradually to 0.6% in 2019 (P<0.05). The prevalence was significantly higher in boys (0.7–5.0%, mean 1.8%) than in girls (0.5–2.8%, mean 1.3%) (P<0.05). The 2 most southern localities, Jeju-do (Province) and Jeolla-do (inclusive of Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do) and a mid-western province, Gyeonggi-do, revealed higher prevalences, whereas Seoul and Gangwon-do showed lower prevalences. The results indicate that a low-grade prevalence of E. vermicularis infection (less than 4%) has been maintained for the recent 12 years among preschool children in Korea. Continuous monitoring of enterobiasis in the child age group is necessary in Korea.

Risk Factors in Early Life for Preschool Children in Korea that are Associated with Being Overweight or Obese.

ObjectivesThe present study addressed the risk factors in early life for Korean preschool children that are associated with being overweight or obese.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used to conduct this study, which included 507 mothers with preschool children aged 3–5 years, who attended daycare centers. Data were acquired via a self-administered questionnaire completed by the mothers. Of the 650 questionnaires that were distributed, 507 (78%) were completed and sent back. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors in early life, which may contribute to being overweight or obese in preschool children.ResultsFifty-eight (11.4%) preschool children were overweight and 41 (8.1%) were obese. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates, revealed a significant association with the introduction of solid foods before 4 months of age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 9.49, p = 0.029] and a nonresponsive feeding style (aOR = 2.80, p = 0.043) with being overweight or obese in preschool children.ConclusionThe findings of this study highlighted the need for parenting education programs on feeding practices to increase their understanding of hunger and satiety cues in infants, and appropriate timing for the introduction of solid foods.

Associations between prenatal and concurrent lead concentrations and IQ in preschool children in Korea

Associations between prenatal and concurrent lead concentrations and IQ in preschool children in Korea

Trends in Digital Media Use in Korean Preschool Children.

BackgroundChildren today are exposed to various media devices, and their usage of these is increasing. Prior studies have outlined forms of harm this can potentially cause. However, there has been little empirical research on the use of media devices among preschool children in Asia. The aim of this study was to examine and analyze longitudinal trends in media device use among Korean preschool children, focusing on the frequency of engagement, time spent with, and ownership of media devices, delineated by sex.MethodsFour hundred parents of children aged 2–5 years were invited to enroll. The baseline assessment, Wave 1, was conducted between December 2015 and June 2016, and follow-up assessments, Wave 2 and Wave 3, were conducted annually for the following 2 years. Time of media use, frequency of media use, and ownership of media devices (TV, tablet PCs, and smartphones) were investigated.ResultsOwnership of tablet PCs increased significantly between Wave 1 and Wave 3 for boys and girls (corrected P < 0.001). Frequency of media use increased significantly between Wave 1 and Wave 3 only in boys' use of tablet PCs (mean difference 0.8 day/wk). Time of media use increased significantly between Wave 1 and Wave 3 for both sexes in all devices, measured by mean difference on weekdays and weekends (TV by 0.6 and 0.7 hr/day, tablet PCs by 0.6 and 0.8 hr/day, and smartphones by 0.4 and 0.4 hr/day). Children spent more time using media devices during weekends than on weekdays.ConclusionThis study observed an increase in the tendency of media device use among preschool children in Korea. The patterns of use indicate that paying attention to the types of devices children use is needed, as well as vigilance on weekends.

한국과 일본의 취학 전 아동을 위한 세계명작동화의 어휘 연구

한국과 일본의 취학 전 아동을 위한 세계명작동화의 어휘 연구

A study on the thermal comfort and clothing insulation characteristics of preschool children in Korea

The present study was intended to examine thermal comfort in kindergartens for children aged 4–6 years (preschool children). Centering on Seoul, Korea, thermal comfort characteristics of kindergartens in four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) from June 2013 to May 2014 were evaluated. Indoor/outdoor dry-bulb temperatures, relative humidity, air-flow speed, and globe temperatures. The number of kindergartens included in the study were 19, 29, 21 and 16 during spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The study results were derived through a questionnaire survey on TSV (thermal sensation votes) and metabolism conducted with 994 respondents. The relationships between children's clothing insulation and 4-day weighted mean ambient temperatures, operative temperatures, and outdoor temperatures were evaluated and the results indicated that the amount of clothing was changed the most by operative temperatures. The seasonal mean amounts of clothing were 0.29 clo in summer and 0.81 clo in winter, which were smaller than the amount of clothing of adults presented by ASHRAE. The seasonal amounts of clothing for male and female children differed from each other. In addition, children's comfortable temperatures were identified as being lower than those of adults by approximately 0.5 °C in the summer and by approximately 3.3 °C in the winter, indicating that children have different thermal awareness from adults.

Attachment styles and mother’s well-being among mothers of preschool children in Korea: The mediating role of marital satisfaction

The aim of the current study was to investigate the mediating role of marital satisfaction in the link between attachment styles and mother’s well-being among mothers of preschool children in Korea. The participants were 208 mothers of preschool children recruited from 2 daycare centers and 3 kindergartens in Busan, South Korea. The participating mothers completed self-report questionnaires regarding attachment styles, marital satisfaction, and mother’s well-being. Mediation model tested using PROCESS (Hayes, 2013) revealed that marital satisfaction partially mediated the associations between anxious attachment and mother’s well-being. The findings suggest that both relational representations and present intimate relationships are crucial factors in mother’s well-being. The findings enhance the understanding of the paths from anxious attachment to mother’s well-being through marital satisfaction.

Asthma and allergic diseases in preschool children in Korea: findings from the pilot study of the Korean Surveillance System for Childhood Asthma

Objective: This article was intended to introduce the Korean Surveillance System for Childhood Asthma (KSSCA) and also to determine the factors that increase the risk for the development of asthma and allergic diseases in preschool children in Korea based on the study results.Methods: The KSSCA pilot study was a web-based, cross-sectional survey that sampled 1002 parents with a biological child aged 2–6 years that visited the website and participated in the survey. This website consisted of a questionnaire designed to measure the history and prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, the characteristics of dwelling, lifestyle, and the socioeconomic status of the subjects. Using logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between each risk factor and disease development were calculated.Results: The rate of a family where a child had asthma was 7.4%, while 34.7% and 35.9% for allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, respectively. The OR (95% CI) that a child whose parents had an allergic disease and was also diagnosed with an allergic disease was 2.86 (2.20–3.72). Children who lived in the first floor or basement of apartments had a higher risk of atopic dermatitis, as well as children from socioeconomically vulnerable families. Upon analysis of allergic reaction tests and disease development, it was found that asthma was associated with the positive reaction of cockroaches and food, allergic rhinitis with mites, and atopic dermatitis with mold and food.Conclusion: The study indicated that genetic and some environmental or socioeconomic factors might be important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases among preschool children in Korea through the web-survey.

Asthma and Allergic Diseases Of Preschool Children In Korea: Findings From The Pilot Study For The Korean Surveillance Survey For Childhood Asthma

Objective: This article was intended to introduce the Korean Surveillance System for Childhood Asthma (KSSCA) and also to determine the factors that increase the risk for the development of asthma and allergic diseases in preschool children in Korea based on the study results. Methods: The KSSCA pilot study was a web-based, cross-sectional survey that sampled 1002 parents with a biological child aged 2–6 years that visited the website and participated in the survey. This website consisted of a questionnaire designed to measure the history and prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, the characteristics of dwelling, lifestyle, and the socioeconomic status of the subjects. Using logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between each risk factor and disease development were calculated. Results: The rate of a family where a child had asthma was 7.4%, while 34.7% and 35.9% for allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, respectively. The OR (95% CI) that a child whose parents had an allergic disease and was also diagnosed with an allergic disease was 2.86 (2.20–3.72). Children who lived in the first floor or basement of apartments had a higher risk of atopic dermatitis, as well as children from socioeconomically vulnerable families. Upon analysis of allergic reaction tests and disease development, it was found that asthma was associated with the positive reaction of cockroaches and food, allergic rhinitis with mites, and atopic dermatitis with mold and food. Conclusion: The study indicated that genetic and some environmental or socioeconomic factors might be important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases among preschool children in Korea through the web-survey.

영유아보육이 아동의 정신건강에 미치는 영향 : 국내 영유아보육 정책의 실태와 전망

Most preschool children in Korea attend kindergarten (KG) or a child care center (CCC). CCCs, which focus on caring for the child, belong to the ministry of health and welfare. On the other hand, KGs are responsible for education, and belong to the ministry of education, science and technology. In order to resolve the decline in population due to low birthrates, the government is expanding the free child care and education policies. CCCs and KGs are combined together to form the 'NURI curriculum' and supporting funds have been increased in both governmental departments. In addition, economic support is provided for homeschooling households. Because this is a nationwide policy and applies to every single household, thorough preparation regarding the effect and side effects must be made. This policy is currently being implemented, and as child and adolescent psychiatrists, great consideration should be given to the influence on the population. Therefore, the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry intends to investigate the effects and problems of the nationwide policy by analyzing the current condition of Korea's free child care and education and foreign policies. In the current paper, we reviewed the developmental process of Korea's free child care and education policy, as well as suggested future directions.

Timeliness of MMR vaccination and barriers to vaccination in preschool children

The documented vaccine coverage rate of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination is almost 99% in Korea, but measles cases are constantly being reported. This study evaluated the vaccine coverage, timeliness, and barriers to immunization of measles vaccination in preschool children in Korea. We assessed 452 children aged 15-23 months and 300 children aged 4-6 years in September 2007. Questionnaires were administered in order to estimate measles vaccination rate, its timeliness and barriers to vaccine uptake. Being unaware of the necessity for vaccination and its schedule, child being sick during the recommended vaccination period, and recommended vaccination period not being over were significant preventive factors to timely vaccination (P < 0·05). Children with working mothers, single parents, those not being cared for by their parents, and those younger among siblings were at a higher risk of not being vaccinated on time. In order to increase timely vaccination, accurate information should be delivered and a systematic approach should be targeted to high-risk groups.

Seroprevalence of measles and mumps antibody among preschool children in Korea, according to their vaccination history.

Seroprevalence of measles and mumps antibody among preschool children in Korea, according to their vaccination history.