This study was done to examine physical, psycho-social, and individual factors influencing musculoskeletal symptoms among Korean military trainees.

Using a correlation study design, military trainees who had completed almost of all the basic combat training (BCT) days were recruited from two military training units selected by convenience sampling. Data from 415 participants were analyzed.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 29.6% defined as a participant having pain or discomfort in one or more body parts during training hours for more than seven consecutive days. Back/pelvic (10.8%), knees (10.1%), shoulders (7.7%), feet/toes (5.6%), ankles (4.8%) were prone to musculoskeletal symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms appeared to be related to physical exertion during BCT, stress during BCT, social support from fellow trainees, or previous musculoskeletal injuries. In the logistic regression model, physical exertion during BCT (OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.42~3.65), stress during BCT (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.15~2.78), and previous musculoskeletal injuries (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.01~2.47) were the significant factors affecting prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Findings indicate that physical exertion and psycho-social stress should be managed to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms in military trainees with more attention being given to trainees having a history of musculoskeletal injuries.

This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing second primary cancer (SPC) screening practice by examining the relationships of physical symptoms, knowledge and attitudes regarding SPC screening, perceived risk, primary cancer type, and demographic factors of cancer survivors.

Participants were 308 survivors of stomach, colon, or breast cancer recruited from 2 university hospitals in Korea. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 18.0.

The proportion of participants taking all cancer screenings according to national guidelines was 40%. They had moderate knowledge and a relatively positive attitude regarding SPC screening and high cancer risk perception. The participants had taken fewer SPC screenings after than before cancer diagnosis. The factors influencing cancer risk perception were age, physical symptoms, knowledge regarding SPC and primary cancer type (stomach). The factors influencing SPC screening practice were age, gender, economic status, knowledge regarding SPC screening, and primary cancer types (colon).

It is important for clinical professionals to recognize that survivors of cancer are susceptible to another cancer. Education on SPC screening for these survivors should focus on communicating with and encouraging them to have regular cancer screenings.