Background
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common and disabling disorder among adolescents. But the research addressing premenstrual disorders in adolescents is sparse and such disorders may well be underrecognized. In this regard, the study aimed at identifying attributes to premenstrual symptoms by surveying one high school located in Busan, Korea. Methods: A total of 381 adolescent females who accepted the participation in this study were recruited from one academic high school in Busan, Korea. For the evaluation of risk factors on the PMS, we investigated menstrual patterns, severity of premenstrual symptoms, environment and life events, stress, and physical activity. Results: In bivariate analysis, earlier menarche (P = 0.007), higher BEPSI score (P < 0.001), higher physical activity score (P = 0.003), and drinking alcohol (P = 0.047) were related to PMS symptom severity. On multiple regression analysis, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument Score (P < 0.001), age of menarche (P = 0.003) and physical activity (P = 0.004) were independent explanatory variables of PMS symptom severity. Conclusion: This study showed that the relationship between PMS symptom severity and age of menarche and stress was statistically signifi cant in high school girls.

Citations

• Research progress on transition-metal-free C–N bonds cleavage of amides in the synthesis of ketones
  Yanlong Luo
  SCIENTIA SINICA Chimica.2023; 53(2): 129.     CrossRef
• Factors Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Adolescents (Morocco)
  Siham Lghoul, Mohamed Loukid, Abdelhafid Benksim, Mohamed Kamal Hilali
  European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences.2022; 4(6): 1.     CrossRef
• Competitive cascade cyclization of 2′-tosyloxychalcones: An easy access to thioflavones and thioaurones
  Somepalli Venkateswarlu, Gandrotu Narasimha Murty, Meka Satyanarayana, Vidavalur Siddaiah
  Synthetic Communications.2020; 50(15): 2347.     CrossRef
• Fused thia-heterocycles via isothiocyanates. Part I. Facile synthesis of some new 1-benzothiopyran- 4-one derivatives
  Lina M. Barhoumi, Mustafa M. El-Abadelah, Salim S. Sabri, Wolfgang Voelter
  Zeitschrift für Naturforschung B.2017; 72(5): 369.     CrossRef
• The Influential Factors on Premenstrual Syndrome College Female Students
  Geum-Sook Jung, Hyun-Mi Oh, In-Ryoung Choi
  Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2014; 15(5): 3025.     CrossRef
• Difference in Premenstrual Syndrome by Physical Activity Level in High School Girls
  KeonHee Nam, YoungHee Lee
  Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing.2014; 28(2): 320.     CrossRef
• A Structural Equation Modeling on Premenstrual Syndrome in Adolescent Girls
  Jung-hee Jeon, Sun-kyung Hwang
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2014; 44(6): 660.     CrossRef
• Relationships among Premenstrual Syndrome, Perfection and Anxiety among the College Student
  Hye Seon Choi, Eun Dong Lee, Hye Young Ahn
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2013; 19(4): 265.     CrossRef
• Premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in the career women at Bucheon City
  Tae-Hee Kim, Hwang Shin Park, Hae-Hyeog Lee, Soo-Ho Chung
  Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.2011; 54(9): 523.     CrossRef

Background
The worldwide prevalence of obesity and allergic diseases has increased. We aimed to explore the relation of overweight to asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis in a sample of Korean adolescents.Methods: We investigated the prevalence of symptoms of asthma and other allergic diseases by using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The survey was conducted among 1,499 high school students in 3 regions of Korea.Results: The lifetime prevalence of wheezing (21.2% vs. 15.7%, P = 0.04), the 12 months-prevalence of wheezing (4.5% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.04), exercise induced wheezing (13.8% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.04), treatment of asthma (3.3% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.01) and the prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis (11.0% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.001) were signifi cantly higher in overweight boys than normal weight boys, but not in girls. However, there were no signifi cant differences of the prevalence of symptoms and past history of atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis between overweight and normal weight groups. In boys, overweight increased the risk of the lifetime prevalence of wheezing (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.05-2.24) and 12 months- prevalence of exercise induced wheezing (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.05-2.55) after adjusting for confounding variables.Conclusion: Overweight could be a risk factor for the development of symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in adolescent boys, whereas it was not a signifi cant risk factor for allergic diseases in girls.

Citations

• Factors related to Asthma in Korean Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016
  Mi-Jeong Yun
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2019; 31(3): 259.     CrossRef

Background
: Suicide is one of the ten largest causes of death in the world. The rate of suicide is recently significantly increasing in Korea and the rate is relatively high, particularly in adolescence. The purpose of this study was to support the establishment of appropriate measures for prevention of suicide through a better recognition of suicide and to investigate the factors that lead to suicide in adolescence with high school students who have large risk factors of suicide due to entrance examination, future courses, etc.

Methods : A questionnaire regarding the factors influencing the impulse of suicide was conducted to 770 high school students in eight high schools in Seoul and local areas between June 1 and July 31, 2005. Suicidal impulses was checked by SSI (scale for suicidal ideation). Depressive mood and internet addiction degrees was evaluated by BDI (Beck's depression inventory) and IAS (internet addiction scale), respectively.

Results : The final subjects of the study were 719 (93.3%) high school students among 770 students in eight high schools in Seoul and local areas, excluding 51 (6.6%) students with insufficient response. There were, 362 (50.3%) male students and 357 (49.7%) female students. Among the total 443 (61.6%) of the subjects had a high risk of suicide. The risk was high in subjects whose parents were divorced, who solved their difficulties by themselves, either expressed suicidal ideation to friends or not expressed suicidal ideation, knew an suicidal internet site and had freguent visits to the internet site. And alcohol experience, drug abuse, BDI and IAS were also connected with a high risk of suicide (P＜0.05). Marital status of parents, resolution of problems, expression of suicidal ideation, BDI and IAS were independent factors affecting SSI (OR= 3.7, 0.7, 0.8, 2.4, and 1.6, P＜0.05) in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion : High suicidal risk is associated with complex factors. We have discovered several causes which augment the impulse of suicide in adolescence. They are parent's divorce or separation, an expression of suicidal ideation, depressive mood, and the extent of internet addiction, etc. Therefore in order, to prevent adolescent suicide, a unified personal, family, and social efforts are required.

Background
: Obesity in adolescence is a serious health problem because it may proceed to adulthood, cause metabolic complications, and thereby increase mortality. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of obesity and other metabolic complications related to obesity among Korean adolescents.

Methods : The subjects of the study were 3,615 adolescents recruited from 12 middle schools nationwide. We measured their height, weight, obesity indices, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL- cholesterol, ALT, AST, and uric acid levels. The risk factors of obesity were assessed by self-administered questionnaires.

Results : Obesity was evident in 16.2% of the subjects (20.7% in boys, 11.0% in girls). Adolescent obesity was closely related to parental obesity (Odds Ratio 2.9, 95% CI (Confidence Interval) 1.7∼2.5). Obese adolescents were at higher risk of elevated AST (OR 10.2, 95% CI, 5.2 ∼19.9), elevated ALT (OR 12.9, 95% CI, 6.9∼24.2), hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.5 95% CI, 1.2∼1.8, P＜0.05), hypertriglyceridemia (OR 4.0, 95% CI, 3.1∼5.3), and hyperuricemia (OR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.7∼3.0). More than 70% of obese adolescents had one or more metabolic complications related to obesity.

Conclusion : Adolescent obesity was closely related to parental obesity and metabolic complications related to the obesity were common among both obese boys and girls.

Background
: Since 1998, mass urinary screening tests have been conducted in Korean school children. We analyzed the urinary screening test data gathered from the metropolitan city, Seoul, to identify the prevalence of persistent urine abnormalities.

Methods : The students were tested for hematuria and/or proteinuria using dipstick urinalysis. If the results were positive, the students were asked to visit a medical clinic to recheck urinalysis and in report their results.

Results : Among 1,337,210 students, who were screened with initial urinalysis, 10,871 students (proteinuria, 3,626 (0.27%); hematuria, 7,634 (0.57%); both, 389) were recommended to undergo second urinalysis in which 8,819 students (81.1%) did. Among them, 851 had persistent proteinuria and 2,618 had persistent hematuria. The results of the first urinalysis were scored based on the severity of hematuria and proteinuria from +1 to +4. Among all students 24.7% of the students who scored +1 and 40.4% who scored +3 proteinuria on the first test had persistent proteinuria, and 56.4% with both proteinuria and hematuria had persistent proteinuria on the second test. For hematuria, the more positive in the first test showed more prevalence of persistent hematuria. And 61.6% of students with both proteinuria and hematuria had persistent hematuria on the second test.

Conclusion : The presence of both hematuria and proteinuria seemed to be a powerful predictor for persistent abnormal urine finding. And the more positive response in the first test was related to persistent abnormal finding. Therefore we should follow up closely for those students with positive findings.

Background
: It is evident that obesity and other associated chronic diseases are increasing. Since 1998, periodic health examination has been taken in the first grade of high school in accordance with the law nationally and will be expanded to other grades. We evaluated the health status of this population and thought the problems and pitfalls of this program.

Methods : We took 983 students of the first grade of 3 high schools in Seongnam city from April to June 2002. We used the questionnaire and test results as the first line methods of evaluation. Phone counselling was used as the follow-up method. Chi-square test was the main analytic method.

Results : Impaired visual acuity and absence of hepatitis B viral antibody were shown in over 40% of this population. Obesity, anemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension were followed as the next most popular problems. Though 7.9% of 983 students were to be examined again, only 53.8% of them were re-examined. 52.7% of the student who took re-examination was proved normal. 47% of the test students thought that they were not healthy. Over half of students had the problems of exercise and eating behavior.

Conclusion : We concluded that many students had the behavioral problems causing the chronic diseases. Medical prevention and education program is needed and medical faculties must participate in these programs. In periodic health examination various follow-up programs and screening-questionnaires on psychologic problems must be invented and applied for students.

Background
: Childhood and adolescent obesity, not only increases the risk of obesity into adulthood but also is a significant culprit affecting health in general. The purpose of this study was to examine the trend in body mass index (BMI) and to investigate the prediction of adolescence overweight from childhood weight status by retrospectively tracking for seven years.

Methods : The subjects, 520 adolescents aged 14 and 15 years, were recruited from a junior high school that is located in Guri-city. The subjects' height and weight measurements were extracted from the school records of annual physical examination. We assessed their BMI over a period of seven years starting at age seven. Other baseline data were obtained by questionnaires which were completed by both the subjects and their parents in 2001.

Results : The prevalence of overweight, according to the Korean Pediatric Society guideline, increased at age 7 through 14. The overweight adolescents of age 14 were more likely to have an obese mother. The results showed that 84% of males and 47% of females who were overweight in childhood continued to remain overweight in adolescence. Compared to the non-overweights, the relative risk of becoming an overweight adolescent among overweight boys was 5.7 (95% CI: 4.1∼8.1) and among overweight girls was 6.3 (95% CI: 3.4∼11.4).

Conclusion : Approximately 70% of the overweight children continued to remain overweight as adolescents. Therefore, prevention and effective management of obesity during childhood and adolescence are essential.

Background
: Adolescent obesity has rapidly increased in recent years in South Korea due to westernized life style. Family is one of the most important factors to affect body weight in children through the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, whichs poorly understood in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the parent-offspring relationship and familial aggregation of obesity-related phenotypes and nutrient intake in Korean adolescent families.

Methods : A cross-sectional observation study was conducted in 134 biologic families including adolescents aged 11∼19 years, parents, and siblings. Anthropometric measurements, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist & hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and % body fat by BIA were measured. The nutrient intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Intraclass correlations for each variable between family members were calculated after adjustments to correct for the effect of age and sex.

Results : The risks for obesity in offsprings increased according to parental obesity. Mothers rather than fathers, and daughters rather than sons had higher significant intrafamilial correlations for almost all of anthropometric variables, and nutrient intake. For height, fathers had higher significant correlations with offspring. However, for total fatness and fat distribution, mothers had higher significant correlations with offspring. The significant correlations for anthropometric variables and nutrition intake existed between the spouses and all offsprings.

Conclusion : Korean adolescents exhibited significant parent-offspring relationship and familial aggregation for obesity-related phenotypes and nutrient intake. Understanding the relative contributions of shared genes and environmental factors to the familial relationship and aggregation could give insights into the origins of adolescence obesity in the high risk group of family.

Background
: Unlike that of adults, depression of adolescents need screening because learning ability, physical growth and social adaptation are seriously affected. But Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), the assessment tool for adults, is generally used for adolescents as well because only few are available. The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of a Korean version of BDI(K-BDI) as a screening instrument of adolescent depression.

Methods : From May 1, 1998 to June 1, 1998 we visited two high schools (one male, one coeducation) in Sungnam city and K-BDI questionnaires were given. The subjects were 1,107 high school students. This study was to evaluate the reliability of BDI and to find out factor structure through analysis.

Results : The sex distribution of subjects was 929(83.9%) males and 178(16.1%) females. Cronbach's internal consistency and Spearman-Brown split half correlation coefficient was 0.85, 0.86, respectively, in the male group, 0.74, 0.86, respectively, in the female group and 0.85, 0.86, respectively, in the total group. By principal axis factoring, 4 factors were extracted. Which were factor I: Negative Self Attitude, factor II: Performance Difficulty, factor III: Guilty and Psychomotor Retardation, and factor IV: Somatic Symptom. All of the correlations between total BDI score and the individual items showed positive correlation(P<0.001).
Average BDI score and prevalence rate was 11.7±7.24, 11.4%, respectively, in the male group, 18.51±6.65, 34.8%, respectively, in the female group and 12.85±7.56, 15.2%, respectively, in the total group.

Conclusion : The results suggest that the K-BDI is a reliable tool in adolescence. Therefore, it may be used as a screening tool for adolescent depression.

Background
: Adolescents experience many physical, psychological and social stresses. It is well known that there is a strong relationship between stress and illness. It has been told that good health goes with good health habits. We examine the relationship between several health habits and stress in adolescents.

Methods : We surveyed adolescents and their parents who visited an adolescent clinic in a general hospital for 8 months. Structured questionnaires about status of several health habits and BEPSI(The Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument) score wren used. BEPSI is a quick stress measure that is composed of several items.

Results : This study included 486 adolescents and their 486 parents. Average number of good health habits was 3.2±1.7 and average BEPSI score was 2.1±1.6 The group that had more god health habits tended to mark lower BEPSI scores(p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between stress and drinker group showed higher BEPSI scores, respectively.
The conversation time between parents and adolescents had a significant relationship with BEPSI scores.

Conclusion : Several health habits were significantly connected with stress in adolescent. We can assume that good health habits and conversation with their parents are important in the management of stress in adolescents.