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Objective: There have been inconsistencies in the evidence for a role of dietary patterns in the development of breast cancer. In this study, we used a largescale cohort [Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II (KCPS-II)] to examine the association between dietary patterns and breast cancer risk in Korean women. Materials and Methods: The dietary patterns of 14,807 women from the KCPS-II were derived by factor analysis and 135 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed during the follow-up period. Cox proportional models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of breast cancer. Results: The following three major dietary patterns were identified: "Korean dietary pattern" (high intake of Kimchi, vegetables, and rice); "sweet dietary pattern" (high intake of soda and sugar); and "new (Western-like) dietary pattern" (high intake of dairy products, eggs, oil, fruits, and bread). After adjusting for potential confounders, neither the Korean (HR for the highest compared with the lowest tertile, 1.04; 95% CI 0.53-2.06) nor the sweet dietary patterns were associated with the risk of breast cancer. In contrast, the new (Western-like) dietary pattern was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer with an HR (95% CI) of 1.01 (0.65-1.60) for the second tertile and 1.61 (1.04-2.50) for the third tertile as compared with the lowest tertile. After stratifying by menopausal status, these effects were only statistically significant among premenopausal women for the third tertile, compared with those in the bottom tertile (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.06-2.68; p = 0.028). No significant association was observed between the Korean or sweet dietary pattern and breast cancer among either pre- or postmenopausal women. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that a greater consumption of a new (Western-like) diet was associated with an increased breast cancer risk and consequently offer a potential prevention strategy for Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal weight obesity (NWO) refers to a condition in which the body mass index falls within the normal range, but the percent of body fat is excessive. Although there are reports of a high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in NWO, analyses regarding physical fitness have been lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age-related prevalence of NWO and to examine physical fitness across generations. Our study utilized a dataset comprising 119,835 participants for analysis. The prevalence of NWO across ages was examined using cross-tabulation analysis. For body composition and physical fitness, medians and group differences were assessed by generation through Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Additionally, univariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the odds ratio. The prevalence of NWO in Korean women was 18.3%. The fat-free mass of the NWO group was consistently lower than that of both the group with normal body mass indexes (Normal) and obese body mass indexes (Obesity) across all generations. Additionally, the waist circumference and blood pressure were greater in the now group than in the Normal group. When considering maximal strength, muscle endurance, power, balance, and coordination, the NWO group exhibited lower levels compared to the Normal group. The NWO group showed lower muscle mass than both the Normal and Obesity groups, resulting in significantly reduced physical fitness compared to that of the Normal group, similar to the Obesity group. This condition may increase not only the risk of posing a potentially more serious health concern than obesity but also the risk of falls in elderly people. Therefore, based on this study, it is crucial to not only define obesity using BMI criteria but also to diagnose NWO. Public health policies and preventive measures must be implemented accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the dietary intake of vitamin B complex (thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin) and cervical cancer in Korea. Methods: The data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed, which included 28,306 participants who were categorized into non-cervical cancer and cervical cancer groups. The following dietary intake threshold levels of thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin were identified based on the recommended daily allowances (RDAs): thiamine, 1.1 mg/day; riboflavin, 1.2 mg/day; and niacin, 14 mg/day. Results: Among 28,306 participants, 27,976 were in the non-cervical cancer group and 330 were in the cervical cancer group. Riboflavin intakes of more than 1.2 mg/day but less than 2.4 mg/day were associated with a significantly reduced risk of cervical cancer, whereas intakes of above 2.4 mg/day were not associated with cervical cancer. Thiamine and niacin intakes were not significantly related to the risk of cervical cancer. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that an intake of riboflavin of 1.2–2.4 mg/day may contribute to a lower risk of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christianity does not have as long of a history as other monotheistic religions and traditional ideologies in Korea, but—especially from the end of the 19th century—its new concepts have had a huge impact on the basic thoughts of Korean society. This paper focuses on the effects of Christianity and the activity of Christian communities on women's lives. According to my preliminary findings, in the late 1800s, the Christian missionaries and their newly formed communities offered opportunities for girls and women to get education, a profession, access to better health care, and learn self-care. After the complicated decades between 1910 and 1950, South Korea was experiencing remarkable changes, and Christians were an active part of this rebuilding, helping the lives of those who were struggling with poverty, lack of daily necessities, education, and health care. This paper aims to examine the thoughts and actions of Korean Christian communities towards decisions on childbirth, children out of wedlock, adoption, and single motherhood. This study investigates the approaches of South Korean Christian communities towards women related to the above-mentioned circumstances, focusing on the early examples and the last five to six decades. It is assumed that even though South Korea is now considered a modernized country, the government sometimes fails to cope with current problems, and traditional notions are still strong in familial matters. Therefore, not obeying conventional forms may cause social conflicts, or the decisions are hidden because of taboos and stigmas. This research is based on the publications of Christian communities and involves documentaries and case studies, including the baby box operation and adoption. This paper contributes to the expanding studies on Korean Christian communities, highlighting the social norms and their changes generated by new religious thoughts, while giving an insight into the daily struggles of Korean women's lives when it comes to decision-making about their motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among Korean women aged 40 and above and explore the correlation between the syndrome and daily dietary nutrient intake. We analyzed data from 92,888 female participants (mean age: 63.35 ± 8.86 years) from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2019). Dietary intake was evaluated using a personalized 24 h recall method for 21 nutrients, including macronutrients, macro- and micro-minerals, and both water- and fat-soluble vitamins. Associations between nutrient intake and dry eye syndrome were determined using odds ratios from multivariate logistic regression. We found a 7.7% prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the population studied. Intake of dietary fiber (adjusted OR: 0.72), protein (adjusted OR: 0.84), omega-3 fatty acids (adjusted OR: 0.90), water (adjusted OR: 0.76), calcium (adjusted OR: 0.82), phosphate (adjusted OR: 0.87), potassium (adjusted OR: 0.88), magnesium (adjusted OR: 0.87), vitamin A (adjusted OR: 0.78), vitamin C (adjusted OR: 0.73), and vitamin E (adjusted OR: 0.86) was inversely associated with dry eye syndrome prevalence (p < 0.0001 for all). Conversely, a higher intake of carbohydrates (adjusted OR: 1.23), sugar (adjusted OR: 1.30), fat (adjusted OR: 1.25), cholesterol (adjusted OR: 1.32), sodium (adjusted OR: 1.18), iron (adjusted OR: 1.28), and zinc (adjusted OR: 1.26) correlated with an increased risk (p < 0.0001 for all). No significant associations were found between the prevalence of dry eye syndrome and the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin D. Our study identified significant associations between specific dietary nutrients and the risk of dry eye syndrome among Korean women aged 40 and above. These findings suggest that dietary choices could influence the likelihood of developing dry eye syndrome, indicating a potential role for dietary intervention in its management. However, it is important to note that these observations are preliminary, and further research is necessary to confirm these relationships and explore their implications for dietary recommendations in dry eye syndrome prevention and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the interactions between Korean women and American missionary women in Korea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The missionaries aimed to convert Korean women to Christianity and serve as role models, but the article argues that there were moments of disagreement and resistance from Korean women. The perspectives of Korean women are explored through the actions and reactions of the missionary women, as there is a lack of archival sources directly from Korean women themselves. The article emphasizes the importance of not silencing the voices of Korean women in the historical narrative and cautions against assuming agreement based on the absence of unmediated archival voice. [Extracted from the article]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2010–2012 and included women who answered a questionnaire in the KNHANES asking whether they had low back pain for ≥3 months. Participants were divided into non-CLBP and CLBP groups. For statistical analysis, the Student's t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS. Results: Of 5961 participants, the non-CLBP group comprised 4098 women and the CLBP group comprised 1863. Adjusted logistic regression model revealed that dyslipidemia was positively associated with CLBP (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.140, 1.530; p < 0.001). However, hypertension and diabetes were not associated with CLBP. Conclusions: Our results suggest that proper treatment of dyslipidemia may contribute to lowering the risk of CLBP later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal weight obesity (NWO) refers to a condition in which the body mass index falls within the normal range, but the percent of body fat is excessive. Although there are reports of a high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in NWO, analyses regarding physical fitness have been lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age-related prevalence of NWO and to examine physical fitness across generations. Our study utilized a dataset comprising 119,835 participants for analysis. The prevalence of NWO across ages was examined using cross-tabulation analysis. For body composition and physical fitness, medians and group differences were assessed by generation through Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Additionally, univariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the odds ratio. The prevalence of NWO in Korean women was 18.3%. The fat-free mass of the NWO group was consistently lower than that of both the group with normal body mass indexes (Normal) and obese body mass indexes (Obesity) across all generations. Additionally, the waist circumference and blood pressure were greater in the now group than in the Normal group. When considering maximal strength, muscle endurance, power, balance, and coordination, the NWO group exhibited lower levels compared to the Normal group. The NWO group showed lower muscle mass than both the Normal and Obesity groups, resulting in significantly reduced physical fitness compared to that of the Normal group, similar to the Obesity group. This condition may increase not only the risk of posing a potentially more serious health concern than obesity but also the risk of falls in elderly people. Therefore, based on this study, it is crucial to not only define obesity using BMI criteria but also to diagnose NWO. Public health policies and preventive measures must be implemented accordingly.

Abstract Objectives The effect of breastfeeding on periodontal disease in women remains unclear. This cross-sectional study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the association between breastfeeding and periodontitis in Korean women using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII). Materials and methods Cross-sectional data was analyzed from the KNHANES 2016–2018. The study population included 5,587 parous women aged ≥ 30 years. The outcome variable was the presence or absence of periodontitis. The explanatory variable, period of breastfeeding, was defined as “none”, “1–11 months”, and “more than 12 months”. Confounder variables (socio-educational, personal healthcare practice, and systemic medical characteristics) were adjusted for in the logistic regression analysis. Results Approximately 60% of the participants breastfed for ≥ 12 months. In all statistical models, the prevalence of periodontitis was approximately 60% greater in women that did not breastfeed compared to women that had breastfed for 12 months or longer. When adjusted for age, statistical significance was only present in the 50–59 years age group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.678; 95% confidence interval [CIs], 1.046–2.691). Conclusion Our study shows that women that breastfed for a relatively long duration had a lower risk of periodontitis. Therefore, breastfeeding may be beneficial for women’s periodontal health. These results are expected to be helpful in oral health education for pregnant women.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the correlation between gender and urban space. The tropes of Korean women illustrated by media and the changing urban structures influenced by women were examined, focusing on the Gangnam District of Seoul from the 1970s to the 1990s. We draw on insights from social-geographic theories to conceptualize the city as a social space formed by the experiences and relationships between individuals and to indicate how women have been excluded and represented through the gendered segregation of space since the modernization of Korea in the 1960s. My study argues about the tropes of “Gangnam-themed Women” who are portrayed as “speculators,” “influential customers,” “oversolicitous mothers,” and “women crazy about their appearance.” Gangnam women were framed as ideal females became they were the very first women to broaden their area of activity into public space with their financial powers. As they played a role in improving the social status of women and fostering Gangnam as a prospective area, an illusion was created that women’s rights had been fully achieved. This paper closes by exploring how present-day Korean women struggle against the fantasy of their social position to gain authentic women’s rights and space for women.

Mi-Eun Kim,&ast; Myoung-Lyun Heo&ast; Department of Nursing, Jeonju University, Jeonju-si, Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Myoung-Lyun Heo, Department of Nursing, Jeonju University, Jeonju-si, 55069, South Korea, Tel +82-63-2209, Fax +82-63-220-2054, Email prayerhj23@jj.ac.krPurpose: This study aimed to translate the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale into Korean and validate the translated instrument.Patients and Methods: After translating the instrument, seven items of two factors (preparedness and perinatal infection stress) were selected for content validity testing. Validity and reliability were evaluated using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 26.0. An online survey, via Google Forms, was conducted from January 20 to January 26, 2022. Participants were 283 pregnant women in Korea who consented to participate in the study.Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed factor loadings on two factors of 0.64– 0.87 with a total variance explained of 69.77%. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit (RMR = 0.03, RMSEA = 0.06, GFI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.03), and convergent and discriminant validity were established. Concurrent validity was established based on the correlation with the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (r = 0.45), and the reliability of the final instrument was indicated by Cronbach’s α = 0.87.Conclusion: The Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale was validated for use in the Korean population. The Korean version of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale can be utilized to measure pandemic-related stress in pregnant women.Keywords: Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale, PREPS, Korean women, COVID-19, pregnancy stress

Christianity does not have as long of a history as other monotheistic religions and traditional ideologies in Korea, but—especially from the end of the 19th century—its new concepts have had a huge impact on the basic thoughts of Korean society. This paper focuses on the effects of Christianity and the activity of Christian communities on women’s lives. According to my preliminary findings, in the late 1800s, the Christian missionaries and their newly formed communities offered opportunities for girls and women to get education, a profession, access to better health care, and learn self-care. After the complicated decades between 1910 and 1950, South Korea was experiencing remarkable changes, and Christians were an active part of this rebuilding, helping the lives of those who were struggling with poverty, lack of daily necessities, education, and health care. This paper aims to examine the thoughts and actions of Korean Christian communities towards decisions on childbirth, children out of wedlock, adoption, and single motherhood. This study investigates the approaches of South Korean Christian communities towards women related to the above-mentioned circumstances, focusing on the early examples and the last five to six decades. It is assumed that even though South Korea is now considered a modernized country, the government sometimes fails to cope with current problems, and traditional notions are still strong in familial matters. Therefore, not obeying conventional forms may cause social conflicts, or the decisions are hidden because of taboos and stigmas. This research is based on the publications of Christian communities and involves documentaries and case studies, including the baby box operation and adoption. This paper contributes to the expanding studies on Korean Christian communities, highlighting the social norms and their changes generated by new religious thoughts, while giving an insight into the daily struggles of Korean women’s lives when it comes to decision-making about their motherhood.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused sudden changes to daily lives, such as self-isolation and social distancing, and has negatively affected sleep quality and patterns. The resulting psychological discomfort has caused many Korean women to experience depressive moods. Vigorous physical activity is considered effective in improving sleep quality and alleviating depressive symptoms. As a form of vigorous physical activity, soccer could be used to improve women's mental health. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of playing soccer on sleep quality and depressive symptoms in women.MethodsNon-face-to-face questionnaires were administered using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to measure sleep quality and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to measure depressive symptoms, targeting 200 of 297 soccer-playing Korean women aged 20–50 years, from October 13, 2022, to January 15, 2023. A total of 172 questionnaires administered to soccer participants were used, while 28 with insincere and double or no-responses were excluded. Additionally, 124 samples of non-exercise participants were collected, with the help of “EMBRAIN,” a Korean research and survey company. This study analyzed differences in sleep quality and depressive symptoms, and correlations and multiple regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe soccer group was shown to have a high quality of sleep. In relation to the effect of sleep quality on depressive symptoms, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbance, use of sleeping pills, and daytime functional disorder had a significant effect. In the relation to the effect of sleep quality on depressive symptoms, significant effect was found in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbance, and daytime functional disorder of soccer participants, and non-exercise participants displayed significant effect in subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbance, and the use of sleeping pills.DiscussionThis study examined the effect of soccer participation on sleep quality and depressive symptoms among women. Soccer, which requires high activity and teamwork levels, improves sociability in women by enhancing their sense of belonging, self-confidence, and team spirit.

Objectives: The effect of breastfeeding on periodontal disease in women remains unclear. This cross-sectional study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the association between breastfeeding and periodontitis in Korean women using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII). Materials and methods: Cross-sectional data was analyzed from the KNHANES 2016–2018. The study population included 5,587 parous women aged ≥ 30 years. The outcome variable was the presence or absence of periodontitis. The explanatory variable, period of breastfeeding, was defined as "none", "1–11 months", and "more than 12 months". Confounder variables (socio-educational, personal healthcare practice, and systemic medical characteristics) were adjusted for in the logistic regression analysis. Results: Approximately 60% of the participants breastfed for ≥ 12 months. In all statistical models, the prevalence of periodontitis was approximately 60% greater in women that did not breastfeed compared to women that had breastfed for 12 months or longer. When adjusted for age, statistical significance was only present in the 50–59 years age group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.678; 95% confidence interval [CIs], 1.046–2.691). Conclusion: Our study shows that women that breastfed for a relatively long duration had a lower risk of periodontitis. Therefore, breastfeeding may be beneficial for women's periodontal health. These results are expected to be helpful in oral health education for pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine how grief among women with a history of pregnancy loss is associated with posttraumatic growth and influenced by perceptions of their partners' level of support. 161 Korean women who experienced pregnancy loss participated in this study. Data were analyzed by moderated multiple regression and simple slope analyses. We found significant positive associations between grief and posttraumatic growth and partner support and posttraumatic growth. Furthermore, partner support had a moderating effect on grief and posttraumatic growth. This study revealed the importance of supportive interpersonal processes during the grieving process and relevant intervention programs during post-pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2010–2012 and included women who answered a questionnaire in the KNHANES asking whether they had low back pain for ≥3 months. Participants were divided into non-CLBP and CLBP groups. For statistical analysis, the Student’s t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS. Results: Of 5961 participants, the non-CLBP group comprised 4098 women and the CLBP group comprised 1863. Adjusted logistic regression model revealed that dyslipidemia was positively associated with CLBP (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.140, 1.530; p < 0.001). However, hypertension and diabetes were not associated with CLBP. Conclusions: Our results suggest that proper treatment of dyslipidemia may contribute to lowering the risk of CLBP later in life.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dry eye syndrome among Korean women aged 40 and above and explore the correlation between the syndrome and daily dietary nutrient intake. We analyzed data from 92,888 female participants (mean age: 63.35 ± 8.86 years) from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2019). Dietary intake was evaluated using a personalized 24 h recall method for 21 nutrients, including macronutrients, macro- and micro-minerals, and both water- and fat-soluble vitamins. Associations between nutrient intake and dry eye syndrome were determined using odds ratios from multivariate logistic regression. We found a 7.7% prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the population studied. Intake of dietary fiber (adjusted OR: 0.72), protein (adjusted OR: 0.84), omega-3 fatty acids (adjusted OR: 0.90), water (adjusted OR: 0.76), calcium (adjusted OR: 0.82), phosphate (adjusted OR: 0.87), potassium (adjusted OR: 0.88), magnesium (adjusted OR: 0.87), vitamin A (adjusted OR: 0.78), vitamin C (adjusted OR: 0.73), and vitamin E (adjusted OR: 0.86) was inversely associated with dry eye syndrome prevalence (p < 0.0001 for all). Conversely, a higher intake of carbohydrates (adjusted OR: 1.23), sugar (adjusted OR: 1.30), fat (adjusted OR: 1.25), cholesterol (adjusted OR: 1.32), sodium (adjusted OR: 1.18), iron (adjusted OR: 1.28), and zinc (adjusted OR: 1.26) correlated with an increased risk (p < 0.0001 for all). No significant associations were found between the prevalence of dry eye syndrome and the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin D. Our study identified significant associations between specific dietary nutrients and the risk of dry eye syndrome among Korean women aged 40 and above. These findings suggest that dietary choices could influence the likelihood of developing dry eye syndrome, indicating a potential role for dietary intervention in its management. However, it is important to note that these observations are preliminary, and further research is necessary to confirm these relationships and explore their implications for dietary recommendations in dry eye syndrome prevention and management.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the longitudinal causal relationship between gender role attitudes and the labor market participation of young women in Korea. This study used the data of 902 young women from the 2nd to the 7th waves of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. The methods used were the autoregressive cross-lagged model and multivariate latent growth. Women's participation in the labor market promoted equal gender role attitudes, and the effect had a lasting impact into the future. On the other hand, the fact that women had an equal gender role attitude did not have a significant effect on their subsequent labor market participation. In addition, the experience of pregnancy reduced women's participation in the labor market, demonstrating women's career interruption. Through the results of the study, the necessity of an active employment policy to promote women's entry into the labor market and prevent career interruption was emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is one of the most reliable markers of ovarian reserve. Automated AMH assays are widely used in clinical laboratories, but reference intervals for the Elecsys AMH assay for Asian populations have not yet been determined. We aimed to determine reference intervals in healthy Korean women. Methods: The study included 1,450 women aged 19 to 54 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2016. The study participants were divided into seven 5-year age groups. AMH and progesterone concentrations were measured using Roche Elecsys assays, and bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) was genotyped for the detection of major variants. Age group-specific reference intervals for AMH were established as recommended by the CLSI EP28-A3c guidelines. Results: The mean age was 37.4 years. AMH concentrations decreased with increasing age, especially after 40 years, with the median AMH decreasing from 30.9 pmol/L in participants of 19-24 years to 0.071 pmol/L in participants of 50-54 years. The mid-95 percentile AMH reference intervals decreased from 7.93-81.21 pmol/L in participants of 19-24 years to 0.07-3.86 pmol/L in participants of 50-54 years. Disease-associated BMP15 variants were not detected. Conclusions: We determined Elecsys AMH assay reference intervals in healthy Korean women. The results may provide basic information for the interpretation of AMH concentrations and assessment of ovarian reserve in Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Korea is a country where gender inequality has been observed from the past to the present. Many studies point out that gender inequality in Korean society is a consequence of Confucianism which still exists in the social norms, structure and hierarchy of society and the mentality of contemporary Korean people. It causes that gender inequality remains strong not only in the job market but also in the gender division of homework and care work issues, particularly in the sphere of family life. The main object of this paper is to investigate the possibility of making marital relationships equal while women are economically active. To achieve the paper's main goal, the statistical analysis was carried out with logistic regression on data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey on Women and Families in 2012 and 2020. The results indicated that despite the significant social and economic changes in Korean society, women's activity in the job market did not introduce a significant change in the division of household duties among men and women, which shows women's involvement in economic support of the family it does not make any significant changes to the aspect of equality in the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There have been inconsistencies in the evidence for a role of dietary patterns in the development of breast cancer. In this study, we used a large-scale cohort [Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II (KCPS-II)] to examine the association between dietary patterns and breast cancer risk in Korean women., Materials and Methods: The dietary patterns of 14,807 women from the KCPS-II were derived by factor analysis and 135 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed during the follow-up period. Cox proportional models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of breast cancer., Results: The following three major dietary patterns were identified: "Korean dietary pattern" (high intake of Kimchi, vegetables, and rice); "sweet dietary pattern" (high intake of soda and sugar); and "new (Western-like) dietary pattern" (high intake of dairy products, eggs, oil, fruits, and bread). After adjusting for potential confounders, neither the Korean (HR for the highest compared with the lowest tertile, 1.04; 95% CI 0.53-2.06) nor the sweet dietary patterns were associated with the risk of breast cancer. In contrast, the new (Western-like) dietary pattern was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer with an HR (95% CI) of 1.01 (0.65-1.60) for the second tertile and 1.61 (1.04-2.50) for the third tertile as compared with the lowest tertile. After stratifying by menopausal status, these effects were only statistically significant among premenopausal women for the third tertile, compared with those in the bottom tertile (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.06-2.68; p = 0.028). No significant association was observed between the Korean or sweet dietary pattern and breast cancer among either pre- or postmenopausal women., Conclusion: Our findings revealed that a greater consumption of a new (Western-like) diet was associated with an increased breast cancer risk and consequently offer a potential prevention strategy for Korean women., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (©Copyright 2024 by the Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Societies / European Journal of Breast Health published by Galenos Publishing House.)

Despite growing concerns that parental leave policies may reinforce the marginalization of mothers in the labor market and reproduce the gendered division of household labor, few studies examine how women themselves approach and use parental leave. Through 64 in-depth interviews with college-educated Korean mothers, we find that although women's involvement in family responsibilities increases during leave, they do not reduce their work devotion but reinvent it throughout the leave-taking process. Embedded in the culture of overwork in Korean workplaces, women find it justifiable to use leave only when they are highly committed to work and adjust the length of leave to accommodate workplace demands. Upon returning to work, they try to compensate for their absence by working harder than before, thereby showing that they are more committed than their colleagues. Given this "compensatory" work devotion, women question their own entitlement in the workplace, and some quit when they cannot meet their goal of compensating by doing more than others. This study highlights how the workplace culture shapes women's work devotion during and after leave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of gender discrimination in the labor market on suicidal ideation among Korean women, taking into consideration women's multiple social locations and their discriminatory experiences across various aspects of employment. Analysis using waves 4 to 8 data of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Family, with response rates ranging from 68.3% to 78.2%, indicates that gender discrimination in hiring, dismissal, promotion, job allocation, training, wage, and sexual harassment is strongly associated with suicidal thoughts among women. This relationship remains significant even after controlling for stress, depression, and other forms of discrimination. Subgroup analysis further highlights that women with lower income levels are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of gender discrimination. The findings underscore the importance of policy intervention to mitigate labor market discrimination against women as a crucial step in preventing suicides among Korean women. • Gender discrimination in the labor market is significantly associated with suicidal ideation among Korean women. • The impact of discrimination remains substantively significant even after controlling stress, depression, and prior suicidal ideation. • The analysis takes women's different social locations and discrimination in multiple settings into account. • Women with lower income levels are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of gender discrimination. • Policy intervention to reduce labor market discrimination against women is essential to prevent the suicide of Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infertility is not only a health problem that affects individuals but also a social problem that affects families, societies, and populations. Recently, although infertility rates have been increasing in Korea, there are few studies on this. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infertility among Korean women attempting to conceive and factors associated with this. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2019. Participants accessed the website of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, gave their consent to the study, and then answered the questionnaire. A total of 2274 women preparing for pregnancy were recruited and their data were analyzed. Results: Among the 2274 women, 443 (19.48%) were infertile. Of these infertile women, 320 (72.2%) had primary infertility and 123 (27.8%) had secondary infertility. The average period of primary infertility was 1.7 ± 1.1 years, whereas the period of secondary infertility was 2.2 ± 1.5 years. The average age of non-infertile and infertile women was 31.9 ± 3.2 years and 33.2 ± 3.8 years, respectively, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed various risk factors for infertility (educational level, social drinking, insomnia, bulimia, artificial abortion, and spontaneous abortion) that were statistically significant. Employment, anorexia, depression, and irregular menstruation showed a marginal significance. However, in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥35 years, body mass index ≥23, and a history of artificial abortion were significant risk factors for infertility. Conclusions: This study identified the prevalence of infertility in Seoul and the associated factors of women’s infertility. Further research is necessary to identify clinical and male-specific variables related to infertility. These studies are expected to be of great help to prevent infertility and increase the birth rate.

Background: There are persistent disparities in breast screening participation rates between Australian-born women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Cancer Institute NSW statistics from 2015 show Korean speaking women had the second lowest breast screening participation rates when compared across all language groups.Objective: The study aimed to gain a better understanding of the motivators and barriers associated with participation in breast cancer screening among women from a Korean background living in the Sydney metropolitan area.Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews (n = 32) and small focus groups (n = 28) were conducted. Data from interviews and focus group discussions were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The findings highlight the barriers to access breast screening services extend beyond language to include perception, a lack of knowledge and understanding of the services offered, unfamiliarity with the Australian healthcare system and distrust in breast screening services.Conclusion: Supporting Korean women to understand and navigate the Australian healthcare system plays an important role in increasing breast screening participation rates. Key strategies to provide this support include the delivery of culturally sensitive health promotion and community engagement as well as the provision of translated health information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society has been continuously changing and developing in various fields, the role and position of women have been increasingly altering and becoming important in society and in family. Korea and Vietnam have the same basic background in terms of Eastern culture and social context. These have strongly influenced gender conception and position. This article analyses the position and role of women in the two countries in the past and present. In order to conduct this research, we applied comparative cultural studies specifically, Affectual/Consequential comparison, Parallel comparison, Synchronic and Diachronic comparison, Cross-cultural comparison and feminism perspective to highlight the similarities and differences in their position. The findings of the research disclose lots of similarities on the position of women in traditional and modern society as well as reveals no less differences in the assessment of women's contributions to building and protecting the country, taking care of family and rearing children. Thus, the article will help the audience have a better understanding and knowledge of gender culture in the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The purpose of this study is to investigate the drinking behavior of Korean pregnant women in 2017 and to compare the changes of drinking status with the results of the research conducted in 1997 and 2008. Methods Pregnant women at one obstetrics and gynecology hospital and one university hospital were the subjects of the study. They were filled out questionnaire. Results The rate of positive responses to CAGE increased 16.0% in 2008 and 16.3% in 2017 compared to 11.8% in 1997 (P  = 0.046). Blackout history rate was keep increasing from 1997 to 2017 (8.8% versus 27.7% versus 36.3%, P  < 0.001). The rate of family history of alcohol was nearly doubled in 2017 (30.3%) compared to 1997 (17.6%) and 2008 (16.3) (P  < 0.001). The rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol during pregnancy decreased from 57.5% in 1997 to 39.5% in 2008 and decreased to 25.6% in 2017 (P  < 0.001). The rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol after knowing the pregnancy was decreased in 2017 (6.9%) compared to 2008 (23.5%) (P  < 0.001). Conclusion According to the results of the study in 2017, the rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol after pregnancy was decreased compared to 1997 and 2008. However drinking behavior severity has increased in 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The prevalence of dyslipidemia among Korean women differs significantly according to menopausal status. This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among Korean women and examine their associations with the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its components.Methods:This study recruited 6,166 women from the Cancer Screenee Cohort 2007–2019 from the National Cancer Center of Korea. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its components, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and hyper-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Stratification analyses were performed for the premenopausal and postmenopausal subgroups.Results:The factor analysis identified three main dietary patterns, including traditional, western, and prudent dietary patterns. Compared with those with the lowest pattern scores, those with the highest pattern scores of the traditional (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.05–1.67) and western (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.11–1.78) diets had a higher prevalence of hyper-LDL cholesterol. When accounting for menopausal status in the analysis, traditional (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.10–1.89) and western (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.09–1.88) diets were still associated with hyper-LDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Additionally, consumption of a traditional diet was associated with a decreased prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54–0.99), and consumption of a western diet was associated with an increased prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.11–1.79) but a reduced prevalence of hypo-HDL cholesterol (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.36–0.99). However, the prudent dietary pattern was not significantly associated with dyslipidemia and its components in the group of all women or the subgroups according to menopausal status.Conclusion:There were significant associations between the traditional and western dietary patterns and hyper-LDL cholesterol in the entire group and postmenopausal subgroup of women. In the perspective of energy restriction, our findings recommend women not to eat either traditional or western diets excessively or too frequently. Menopause may induce the effect of both the traditional diet on triglyceride reduction and the western diet on increasing total cholesterol.

Many Korean women married to American men have experienced marital conflict and psychological distress. Although some studies examined acculturative distress and marital satisfaction among Korean/American intercultural couples, there is little evidence on the strategies for coping with marital conflict and psychological distress from immigrant women's perspectives. Thus, this qualitative study aims to explore marital conflict, psychological distress, and coping strategies among Korean women who married American men. In-depth interviews were conducted with eleven Korean wives, 20 years or older, married two or more years with their American husbands. The researchers used grounded theory methods – open, selective, and axial coding – for data analysis. The results show that Korean women adopted four strategies for coping with their marital distress, frustration, resentment, and isolation: (a) accepting differences with husbands and finding good things in the differences, (b) focusing on similar values, (c) participating in religious activities, and (d) focusing on work. The study concludes with implications for intercultural marriage, especially marriages involving immigrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the story of Korean Bible Women and the South Korean #MeToo movement today, this paper explores how Korean women's innate creativity and imagination have challenged the patriarchal and hierarchical standpoints of the Korean Protestant church and society. Furthermore, this paper invites the Korean Protestant Church to confront the reality of women's struggles and to remember and re-value Korean women's agency by co-operating and listening to the survivors of sexual violence in the community so that they can participate in God's ongoing creation by responding #WithYou to the voices of #MeToo in church and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Korean migrants to Australia have turned increasingly to digital culture as a space of information exchange, support, and belonging. The need for a space in which the 'politics of listening' [Dreher, T., 2009. Listening across Difference: Media and Multiculturalism Beyond the Politics of Voice. Continuum (Mount Lawley, W.A.), 23 (4), 445–458] is made possible becomes even more crucial in face of continued exclusions and everyday practices of racism in contemporary multicultural Australia. This article discusses the use of popular online 'cafés' by Korean women migrants to Australia as means of negotiating experiences of racism and alienation. Analysing participation in three Korean online cafés, Missy Hoju, Missy Melbourne and Hoju Melbourne Gongdong Gumae, racism can be understood as holding a significant place in shaping in Korean women's identities. As a profoundly affective experience, racism, both indirectly encountered and directly experienced, leaves longlasting affective impacts, shaping women's sense of safety and belonging. We suggest the gendered intimacy of these cafés as online 'intimate publics' [Berlant, L. G., 2008. The Female Complaint: The Unfinished Business of Sentimentality in American Culture, Durham. Durham: Duke University Press] allows for such painful experiences to be witnessed and heard, producing possibilities and practices of solidarity between Korean women migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The folate metabolism that converts homocysteine to methionine is closely related to the accumulation of homocysteine. Increased homocysteine levels lead to an impaired antithrombotic function of the vascular endothelium and uterine-placental circulation, resulting in abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have reported that gene polymorphisms in folate metabolism are associated with the development of preterm birth (PTB) in various populations. Objective: we performed a case–control study to evaluate the association between five polymorphisms in folate metabolic genes (MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, TCN2) and PTB. Methods: In this study, a total of 254 subjects were analyzed (111 patients with PTB and 143 women at ≥ 38 weeks of gestation). Genotype and allele frequency differences between patients and control groups and the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were assessed using a Chi-square test. For evaluation indicators, odds ratios (ORs) of 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. In addition, we analyzed the combined genotype frequencies of SNPs of folate-metabolizing genes to measure gene–gene interactions for PTB. Results: Our results showed that the MTR rs1805087 GG (p = 0.031), and TCN2 rs1801198 CG genotype (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.288–0.980, p = 0.042) were significantly associated with PTB. The MTHFR rs4846049 AA showed a marginal trend toward significance (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.018–1.205, p = 0.041). In particular, the combined genotypes, including MTHFR rs1537514 CC—MTRR rs1801394 GG, MTHFR rs1537514 CC—TCN2 rs1801198 CG, and MTR rs1805087 AA—TCN2 rs1801198 CG, have significant interactions with PTB (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.248–0.992, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The polymorphisms of folate metabolic genes may have a genetic association with the development of PTB in Korean women. A larger sample set and functional studies are required to further elucidate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the respective weights of certain facial signs on the assessment of perceived age and plumpness on Korean women of different ages. Material and Methods: Photographs were taken of the faces of 112 Korean women of different ages (18‐80 years) under standardized conditions. These photographs allowed to focus and define 19 facial signs, which were then graded by 15 experts and dermatologists, using standardized scales provided by a reference Skin Aging Atlas. The facial signs were dispatched into 5 clusters, namely Wrinkles/Texture, Ptosis/Sagging, Pigmentation disorders, Vascular disorders, and Cheek skin pores. A naïve panel, composed of 92 Korean women, of similar age range were asked, when viewing full‐face photographs, to: (a) attribute on a 0‐10 scale their perception of the skin plumpness (ie supple/hydrated/nourished) and (b) estimate the age of the subject. Results: With the exception of Vascular disorders, the severity of all 4 clusters increased with age, although at different rates. The Wrinkles/Texture or Ptosis/Sagging showed a rather regular progression. Although perceived ages and real ages were found highly correlated, half of the subjects were judged older by 2‐12 years. The facial signs/clusters were significantly correlated with perceived age, with the exceptions of vascular disorders, size of pigmentary spots and cheek skin pores. The weights in perceived ages of Wrinkles/Texture and Ptosis/Sagging represent 37% each and Pigmentation disorders at 26%. Skin plumpness was logically found significantly anti‐correlated with perceived age. If, surprisingly, Vascular disorders were found not impacting the plumpness aspect, Cheek skin pores presented a clear influence. Conclusion: Within facial clinical clusters, Wrinkles/Texture, Ptosis/Sagging, and Pigmentation disorders are major factors in the assessment of perceived age in Korean women. The perception of a decreased skin plumpness is significantly associated with increased perceived age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are exposed to metals in their daily lives and this metal exposure is responsible for various adverse health effects. Delayed pubertal development has been suggested as an adverse outcome of metal exposure; however, evidence in nationally representative populations, especially in Asia, is limited. We evaluated the association of blood cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) levels with the age at menarche in Korean females whose blood heavy metals were measured as part of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2017. Among the females 16 years of age or older, all measured heavy metals in blood, i.e., Cd, Pb, and Hg, were positively associated with age at menarche. These associations remained significant in a model adjusted for age, survey year, income, education, body mass index, smoking history, and menopausal status as covariates (β : 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–0.18 for Cd; β : 0.17, 95%CI: 0.06–0.27 for Pb; β : 0.12, 95%CI: 0.05–0.19 for Hg). When the population was separated by age group at the time of the survey, the significance between heavy metal levels and age at menarche became inconsistent, but the general trends were similar. Among those in their 20s and 40s, blood Cd showed a significant association, while Pb was significant among those in their 40s and 50s. A similar trend was observed in the sensitivity analysis in the girls aged 10–15 years at the time of the survey. Blood Cd levels were associated with decreased odds of precocious menarche (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.31–1.03). Delayed menarche is a risk factor for cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases in later life; hence, public health implication of heavy metal exposure warrants a public health attention. [Display omitted] • Metal exposure was associated with age at menarche in women of KNHANES 2008–2017. • Blood Cd, Pb, & Hg levels were related to delayed menarche in women ≥16 years old. • Among girls (10–15 years old), blood Cd levels were related to later menarche. • Association of metals with menarche differs by age group, but trends were similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beginning of the 20th century, which was a period marked by an imperialistic invasion of Korea by external forces, saw the establishment of a modern consciousness in Korean women because of the rise in "patriotism" and the development of a "national consciousness" against the external forces. At the same time that Korean women were seeking change to the contradictory modernization of Korean society through their various patriotic associations and educational activities, they were also making many sacrifices to save the country from the external powers during this dark period. Realizing that working to save their homeland was a civic duty, along with the men, the women took an active role in determining the fate of the country while continuing to develop education and promote enlightenment. The introduction of modern ideas from the West brought the knowledge that women were equal and that the male-centered Confucian norms were not the only way of life open to them. Therefore, during the the Korean Independence Movement, women were also developing a modern consciousness as part of their nation building efforts. Despite living in a feudal male dominant social structure ruled by tradition, religion, and conservative thinking, female power was being recognized through the Korean women's achievements against the foreign intervention. Through an examination of Korean women's actions and roles in restoring domestic sovereignty and establishing a modern democratic government, this study elucidates the role of Korean women in the Korean independence movement against Japanese imperialism and their involvement in the foundation of the democratic movements that eventually established the Korean republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle-aged South Korean women are at greater risk of developing hwa-byung (South Korean anger syndrome) as compared to men and women of other age groups. In this study, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a group counseling program informed by Adlerian individual psychology. Outcome measures included hwa-byung symptoms, depression, and anxiety. We used a cohort-controlled design that compared an intervention condition (n = 22) and a wait-list control group (n = 16), with a 4-week follow-up. Group comparisons showed statistically significant treatment effects for all three outcome measures, which were maintained at follow-up. Mediational analyses revealed that changes in hwa-byung symptoms and depression were mediated by increased social interest. The findings support the effectiveness of a group Adlerian program for middle-aged South Korean women in alleviating hwa-byung symptoms, depression, and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines Korean independent women's magazines through the lens of subculture to understand how women of the digital-media generations are disseminating ideas through printed magazines. It reveals how Korean women in their 20s and 30s, who have often been excluded from the traditional publishing world, are able to find influence and community through independent magazines. This study also considers the history of the rise of independent women's magazines in Korea and how these magazines differ from commercial magazines for women, as well as past magazines for feminists. The rise of independent women's magazines also reflects changes in the outlook of young collegeeducated women, and how they are now claiming their space in a patriarchal society. The subculture dealt with in this study is not the heroic type of protest popular in the mid- 20th century; rather, it is closer to the ambiguous, complex type of protest widespread in post-modern societies. Indie (independent) magazines for women function as a field of subculture that strengthens the sense of community among women in their 20s and 30s and helps confirm their self-identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about breast cancer screening behaviours among immigrant-Korean women in Australia. This study reported breast cancer screening status and whether demographic factors and cultural beliefs associated with their screening behaviours. A convenience sample of 258 Korean-Australian women completed the Korean version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire. Only 16.9% paid special attention to their breasts monthly whereas 31.4% and 54.5% attended annual clinical breast examination and biannual mammograms respectively. Employment status and the length of stay in Australia are significant factors that affect women's breast cancer screening behaviour. Women who engaged in regular breast awareness and clinical breast examination had significantly higher scores on Knowledge of breast cancer subscale, whereas, those who attended mammography has significantly higher scores on Attitudes toward health check-ups. The research highlights that certain cultural and attitudinal issues are detrimental factors for breast cancer screening behaviour among Korean-Australian women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do Korean and Filipina women engage in beauty and bodywork, to reconcile issues of ethnicity, identity, and beauty within American society? The minority status of Asians in the United States results in the adoption of basic Anglo-Saxon beauty ideals by Korean and Filipina women. Divergent assimilation experiences in the United States however create different pathways for these women to engage in beauty and bodywork. I analyze interviews conducted in 2005, with 9 Korean and 11 Filipina women, who were selected through a snowball method. The Korean and Filipina women’s beauty rhetoric indicate similar beauty ideologies in terms of ideal beauty and body types. Differences in rhetoric among these women arose in how they identified their looks within American culture. Korean women explained their beauty ideals by referencing social class, while Filipina women referenced the social culture they associated with (i.e., black culture). Differences among these women were even more prevalent within beauty work. Korean women were actively working to maintain white body ideals (i.e., weight) more so than their Filipina counterparts. The women’s responses reflect the ways in which assimilation experiences and gender stereotypes affect how these women engage in beauty and bodywork.

Abstract Background The quality of life for breast cancer survivors has become increasingly important because of their high survival rate and prolonged life expectancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of physical activity following diagnosis and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in breast cancer survivors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of breast cancer survivors. A total of 231 women aged 21–78 years who had been diagnosed with stages I to III breast cancer and had breast cancer surgery at least 6 months prior were recruited from three hospitals between September 2012 and April 2015 and were included in this study. We asked participants about their HRQOL and engagement in physical activity using structured questionnaires. We examined the association between HRQOL levels and physical activity using a generalized linear model. Results Breast cancer survivors in the high physical activity group (3rd tertile) were more likely to have lower scores for fatigue (p for trend = 0.001) and pain (p for trend = 0.02) and higher scores for sexual function (p for trend = 0.007) than those in the low physical activity group (1st tertile). When we stratified participants by stage, we found increasing scores for physical functioning (p for trend =0.01) and decreasing scores for fatigue (p for trend = 0.02) with increasing levels of physical activity in breast cancer survivors with stage I breast cancer. In survivors with stages II and III, we found statistically significant associations with fatigue (p for trend = 0.02) and sexual functioning (p for trend = 0.001). Conclusions In conclusion, engagement in physical activity was related to better health-related quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Our findings may warrant further prospective and intervention studies to support the benefit of physical activity in improving the quality of life and survival of Korean breast cancer survivors.

This study expands a currently limited body of knowledge on South Korean women married to migrant husbands from developing countries living in South Korea. It presents the findings obtained from a series of semi-structured interviews in order to see how marriage to a migrant husband from a developing country impacts a woman's sense of belonging over the course of her married life. These women experienced a significant change in status within their own ethnic community, which eventually impacted their hope that their children will forge a sense of transnational belonging or find a sense of belonging within a religious community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is diagnosed when pregnancy failure occurs after 2 consecutive in vitro fertilization–embryo transfers (IVF-ET) to the endometrium using at least 4 high-quality embryos. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA and reported to play an important role in cell proliferation as well as implantation process. Recently, it has been reported that miRNA can regulate RIF occurrence. So, we were to examine the association between the specific miRNA polymorphisms and RIF in Korean women. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction—restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay to determine the frequency of the following polymorphisms: miR-605A>G, miR-608G>C, miR-631I>D, miR-938C>T, and miR-1302-3C>T. Our results demonstrate a decreased incidence of RIF in patients with the miR-1302-3C>T polymorphism (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.234; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.089-0.618; P = .003). Based on our allele combination analysis, the C-T (miR-938/miR-1302-3: OR = 0.259; 95% CI, 0.100-0.674; P = .003) allele was also associated with decreased RIF risk. From our interaction analysis with miR-1302-3, the miR-1302-3CC genotype (AOR = 43.332; 95% CI, 5.576-336.745) showed an association with RIF prevalence in participants with an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ≤22.6. We found that the miR-1302-3C>T polymorphism is significantly associated with RIF development in Korean women. Specifically, our study suggests that the T allele of miR-1302-3 may decrease the risk of RIF in Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiota of human skin is influenced by host and environmental factors. To determine if chronological age influences the composition of the skin microbiota on the forehead and hands, 73 Korean women were sorted into one of three age groups: (1) 10–29 years (n = 24), (2) 30–49 years (n = 21), and (3) 50–79 years (n = 28). From the 73 women, 146 skin samples (two skin sites per person) were collected. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was then conducted to analyze the skin microbiota. The overall microbial distribution varied on the forehead but was similar on the hands across the three age groups. In addition, the composition of the skin microbiota differed between the forehead and hands. Commensal microbiota, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium, which contribute to maintaining skin health via dominant occupation, were affected by increasing age on forehead and hand skin. Alpha diversity indices increased significantly with age on forehead skin. This study indicates that older people may be more susceptible to pathogenic invasions due to an imbalanced skin microbiota resulting from age-related changes. The results of our study may help develop new strategies to rebalance skin microbiota shifted during aging.