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PHRP : Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives

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"COVID-19"

Original Article

Comparative effectiveness of construal-level messaging in the COVID-19 Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in the Republic of Korea: a randomized controlled trial
Jihyun Moon, Se-Hoon Jeong, Young June Choe, Cho Ryok Kang, Taemi Kim, Dooyoung Kim, Jong-Koo Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2025;16(5):486-497.
Published online September 12, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0354
Comparative effectiveness of construal-level messaging in the COVID-19 Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in the Republic of Korea: a randomized controlled trial
Objectives
This study aimed to assess the impact of high-level versus low-level construal messages about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (CVICP) on public attitudes toward the program and COVID-19 vaccination.
Methods
A randomized controlled experimental design was employed. Adults aged 18 to 64 residing in the Republic of Korea were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (high-level construal message) or a control group (low-level construal message). Both groups viewed a 2-minute video about the CVICP, with construal level as the sole variable. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires evaluated attitudes toward the CVICP and COVID-19 vaccination, including satisfaction, perceived necessity, and perceived effectiveness in enhancing vaccine acceptance. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, repeated measures 2-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.
Results
The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements across all 6 attitude measures following exposure to the high-level construal message. By contrast, the control group demonstrated significant improvement in only 3 attitudes: satisfaction with the CVICP, willingness to recommend vaccination, and willingness for future vaccination. A significant difference between groups was observed for perceived effectiveness of the CVICP in enhancing vaccine acceptance (p=0.01), with high-level construal messaging being more impactful.
Conclusion
High-level construal messages are more effective than low-level messages in shaping public perceptions and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Policymakers and health authorities should incorporate high-level construal elements into communication strategies to build trust and support for vaccination programs.
  • 1,774 View
  • 45 Download

Review Article

Global health security in the post-COVID-19 era: threats, preparation, and response
Chaeshin Chu
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2025;16(2):116-125.
Published online April 4, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2025.0037
Global health security in the post-COVID-19 era: threats, preparation, and response
Global health security threats in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 era include dense urban populations, increased human–animal proximity, migration driven by political or economic instability, climate change, humanitarian crises, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the misuse of biological research—including the accidental or intentional release of high-risk pathogens. The foundational preparation for these threats is to establish a robust, resilient public health system based on universal health coverage. The World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations must continue to promote global solidarity by maintaining core capacities such as surveillance, national laboratories, and epidemiological investigations of emerging infectious diseases, with timely reporting and information sharing within the global health security community. A One Health approach is essential for addressing AMR. Infection prevention and control must be enhanced to reduce healthcare-associated infections in medical facilities. Additionally, regulations concerning biosafety and biosecurity should address dual-use research of concern as well as the accidental or intentional release of highrisk pathogens from laboratories. Global health security is a collective responsibility because these threats know no borders and require coordinated action.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  Crossref logo
  • The Role of Environmental and Climatic Factors in Accelerating Antibiotic Resistance in the Mediterranean Region
    Nikolaos P. Tzavellas, Natalia Atzemoglou, Petros Bozidis, Konstantina Gartzonika
    Acta Microbiologica Hellenica.2026; 71(1): 1.     CrossRef
  • 6,869 View
  • 165 Download
  • Crossref

Original Articles

Multilevel analysis of individual, household, and community factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention: evidence from the 2021 Korea Community Health Survey
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of individual, household, and community-level factors on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination intention using a multilevel analysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed raw data from the 2021 Korea Community Health Survey and regional statistics from 255 health centers, with a final sample of 229,216 individuals. Multilevel analysis was conducted, focusing on individual, household, and community-level factors. Individual-level factors included demographics, health status, and COVID-19 concerns; household-level factors included income and marital status; and community-level factors included city type and vaccination rates. Results: At the individual level, significant differences were observed across all variables. At the household level, higher vaccination intention was associated with households of 4 or more members and a monthly income of 4 million Korean won or more. At the community level, higher flu vaccination rates, greater concern about COVID-19 infection, and higher COVID-19 vaccination rates were linked to increased vaccination intention. Conclusion: This study highlights that COVID-19 vaccination intention is influenced by factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Vaccination strategies that integrate household and community-level approaches may be more effective. Policymakers should consider both individual and social health factors when designing vaccination policies.
  • 2,902 View
  • 75 Download
Excess mortality in older adults and cumulative excess mortality across all ages during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 20 countries with the highest mortality rates worldwide
Chiranjib Chakraborty, Manojit Bhattacharya, Sang-Soo Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2025;16(1):42-58.
Published online February 13, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0186
Excess mortality in older adults and cumulative excess mortality across all ages during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 20 countries with the highest mortality rates worldwide
Objectives
Mortality statistics during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are crucial for the allocation of medical care resources and public health decision-making. This study was initiated to investigate the excess mortality among older adults during the pandemic. Our research focuses on 2 primary areas. First, we analyzed the cumulative excess mortality across all age groups to assess the global impact and specifically examined the top 20 countries with the highest mortality rates during the pandemic. Second, we explored excess deaths among older adults by categorizing data from the years 2020 and 2021 into age groups: 65–74, 75–84, and above 85.
Methods
We analyzed data from the top 20 countries with the highest mortality rates globally, focusing on 3 components: all-cause mortality means, expected deaths mean, and excess deaths mean for both older men and women.
Results
Although excess mortality is higher among older men and women across all 3 age groups (65–74, 75–84, and >85), the highest mean excess mortality was observed in women over the age of 85.
Conclusion
The results indicate that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus had a disproportionately intense impact on older women. We developed 2 types of statistical models using the data: a binomial distribution model and a correlation coefficient model, both considering the mean excess deaths in older men and women across these 3 age groups. Estimating the excess mortality among older adults will aid in the formulation of healthcare policies for this demographic.

Citations

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  • Immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety to assess booster vaccinations with BNT162b2 or double-dose mRNA-1273 in adults ≥75 years (EU-COVAT-1-AGED)–final report
    Jannik Stemler, Lusine Yeghiazaryan, Christoph Stephan, Kristin Greve-Isdahl Mohn, Rebecca Jane Cox, Antonio Javier Carcas-Sansuan, Esperanza Romero Rodriguez, José Moltó, Itziar Vergara Mitxeltorena, Isabelle Pink, Tobias Welte, Birutė Zablockienė, Murat
    International Journal of Infectious Diseases.2026; 165: 108466.     CrossRef
  • 5,750 View
  • 119 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Short Communication

Characteristics and trends of severe/critical COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Korea (January 2020 to August 2023)
Se-Jin Jeong, Shin Young Park, Boyeong Ryu, Misuk An, Jin-Hwan Jeon, So Young Choi, Seong-Sun Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2025;16(1):81-88.
Published online February 7, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0295
Characteristics and trends of severe/critical COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Korea (January 2020 to August 2023)
Objectives
We analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), focusing specifically on severe/critical cases, and assessed the trends and rates of severity and fatality among these patients in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
Clinical data on patients with COVID-19 from January 20, 2020 to August 30, 2023 were collected from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s database. We identified patients who progressed to severe/critical conditions and analyzed their demographic and clinical profiles. Severity and fatality rates were calculated and compared annually to track the disease progression over time.
Results
During the surveillance period, 34,572,554 COVID-19 cases were confirmed, among whom 38,112 (0.11%) progressed to severe/critical conditions. Most severe/critical cases occurred in individuals aged ≥60 years, with a notable increase in patients aged ≥80 years from 2022. The overall severity rate was 0.19%, with a fatality rate of 0.10%. However, the severity of cases gradually diminished during the study period. In 2022, the severity and fatality rates decreased to 0.14% and 0.09%, respectively. In 2023, while the severity rate remained stable at 0.15%, the fatality rate further decreased to 0.06%. Notably, throughout the study period, individuals aged ≥80 years had a significantly higher severity rate (2.44%), with a fatality rate of 1.75%.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing protection and management strategies for older adults and high-risk groups to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Continued surveillance and analysis are essential to effectively control COVID-19 and minimize its burden on public health.
  • 2,634 View
  • 77 Download

Original Article

Performance of indicators used in regular risk assessments for COVID-19 in association with contextual factors
Sujin Hong, Jiyoung Oh, Jia Lee, Yongmoon Kim, Bryan Inho Kim, Min Jei Lee, Hyunjung Kim, Sangwoo Tak
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(5):420-428.
Published online October 31, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0141
Performance of indicators used in regular risk assessments for COVID-19 in association with contextual factors
Objectives
This study aimed to summarize the results of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk assessments and to examine the associations between risk levels and various indicators, including COVID-19 incidence, risk perception, community mobility, and government policy.
Methods
The results of the risk assessment and the indicators utilized were summarized. From November 2021 to May 2022, the COVID-19 risk level was evaluated on a weekly basis, and its correlation with these indicators was analyzed. Data were obtained from press releases by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, regular surveys conducted by Hankook Research, and information available on the Google and Oxford websites.
Results
Weekly risk assessments were conducted for 30 weeks, using different indices depending on the phases. Correlation analysis revealed the strongest positive correlation between risk level and risk perception (r=0.841). The risk level from “1-week lead” demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the time-varying reproduction number (Rt). Similarly, the risk level from “week lagged value” showed a strong positive correlation with the number of severe cases in the hospital.
Conclusion
At the time of risk assessment, the Rt precedes the risk level, while severe cases in hospitals follow. Therefore, the assessed risk level functioned as an early warning system. Risk perception demonstrated the strongest correlation with the risk level, suggesting consistency throughout the assessment period. Contextual indicators (e.g., risk perception) that consider time lags and implementation scales, could improve the evaluation of future risk assessment results, particularly when there are challenges in reflecting specific situations in coordinated emergency response.
  • 3,030 View
  • 58 Download

Brief Report

Safety of the bivalent COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccination among persons aged over 18 years in the Republic of Korea
Seok-Kyoung Choi, Seontae Kim, Mijeong Ko, Yeseul Heo, Tae Eun Kim, Yeonkyeong Lee, Juyeon Jang, Eunok Bahng
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(6):542-549.
Published online October 29, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0194
Safety of the bivalent COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccination among persons aged over 18 years in the Republic of Korea
Objectives
The aim of this study was to disseminate information about the safety of bivalent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA booster vaccines administered to adults in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
Two databases were used to assess the safety of COVID-19 booster doses of Pfizer BA.1, Pfizer BA.4/5, Moderna BA.1, and Moderna BA.4/5 vaccines for adults aged 18 years and older. Adverse events (AEs) were analyzed using data reported to the web-based COVID-19 vaccination management system (CVMS) and a self-reported text-message survey.
Results
Between October 11, 2022 and March 30, 2023, the CVMS received reports of 2,369 (93.7%) non-serious AEs from vaccinated adults, along with 158 (6.3%) serious AEs, which included 5 cases of anaphylaxis and 33 deaths. From October 11, 2022 to January 27, 2023, 40,022 people aged 18 and older responded to a survey conducted via text message. The booster doses were associated with fewer local and systemic AEs compared to the original vaccines. After receiving the bivalent vaccine, the most commonly reported AEs were pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and myalgia.
Conclusion
Overall, bivalent vaccines exhibited fewer AEs compared to the original vaccines. The majority of AEs were non-serious, and serious AEs were rare among adults aged 18 years and older following vaccination with the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccines.
  • 2,872 View
  • 72 Download
  • 1 Web of Science

Original Articles

Methodology of comparative studies on the relative effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review
Erdenetuya Bolormaa, Jiae Shim, Young-Sook Choi, Donghyok Kwon, Young June Choe, Seung-Ah Choe
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(5):395-408.
Published online October 15, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0063
Methodology of comparative studies on the relative effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review
Objectives
This study aimed to comprehensively outline the methodological approaches used in published research comparing the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted on June 13, 2024, to identify comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of mRNA versus non-mRNA and monovalent versus bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. We screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, collecting data on publication year, country, sample size, study population composition, study design, VE estimates, outcomes, and covariates. Studies that reported relative VE (rVE) were analyzed separately from those that did not.
Results
We identified 25 articles comparing rVE between mRNA and non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, as well as between monovalent and bivalent formulations. Among the studies assessing VE by vaccine type, 126 did not provide rVE estimates. Comparative VE studies frequently employed retrospective cohort designs. Among the definitions of rVE used, the most common were hazard ratio and absolute VE, calculated as (1−odds ratio)×100. Studies were most frequently conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States, and the most common outcome was infection. Most targeted the general population and assessed the VE of mRNA vaccines using the AstraZeneca vaccine as a reference. A small proportion, 7.3% (n=11), did not adjust for any variables. Only 3 studies (2.0%) adjusted for all core confounding variables recommended by the World Health Organization.
Conclusion
Few comparative studies of COVID-19 vaccines have incorporated rVE methodologies. Reporting rVE and employing a consistent set of covariates can broaden our understanding of COVID-19 vaccines.
  • 5,666 View
  • 83 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
Impact of COVID-19 on human immunodeficiency virus tests, new diagnoses, and healthcare visits in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study from 2016 to 2021
Yeonju Kim, Eonjoo Park, Yoonhee Jung, Koun Kim, Taeyoung Kim, Hwa Su Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(4):340-352.
Published online August 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0123
Impact of COVID-19 on human immunodeficiency virus tests, new diagnoses, and healthcare visits in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study from 2016 to 2021
Objectives
Public health workers have been at the forefront of treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and managing the pandemic. The redeployment of this workforce has limited or interrupted other public health services, including testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing and diagnosis in the Republic of Korea from 2016 to 2021, comparing data before and after the onset of COVID-19.
Methods
Annual HIV testing data were collected from each institution through direct communication or from open-source databases. The annual number of new HIV cases was obtained from the official report of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Data on healthcare visits for HIV diagnosis or treatment were extracted from the open-source database of the National Insurance Health Service of Korea. Interrupted time series regression was conducted, stratified by institution type.
Results
In 2020, HIV tests, diagnoses, and visits decreased. Notably, public health centers experienced a substantial reduction in 2020−2021 compared to previous years. The annual percentage change in HIV tests was −53.0%, while for HIV diagnoses, it was −31.6%. The decrease in visits for HIV was also most pronounced for public facilities: −33.3% in 2020 and −45.6% in 2021 relative to 2019.
Conclusion
The numbers of tests, diagnoses, and healthcare visits for HIV at public health centers in the Republic of Korea substantially decreased in 2020 and 2021. The impacts of these changes on the early diagnosis and treatment of HIV necessitate further monitoring.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  Crossref logo
  • Multidimensional Trends and AI-Based Forecasts of HIV Incidence in Korea, 1985–2024
    Seungho Baek, Haneol Cho, Chansoo Kim, Yeonju Kim
    Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Trends in HIV testing and Seroprevalence among key populations at public health centers in South Korea, 2011–2023: a nationwide analysis
    Jin-Sook Wang, Eun Ji Kim, Gayeong Kim, Seolhui Kim, Heui Man Kim, Na Rae Jo, Tae-Young Heo, Myung-Guk Han
    BMC Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Epidemiological Characteristics of HIV-Infected Individuals by the Registration for Special Exempted Calculation: A Nationwide Cohort Study
    Yunsu Choi, Kyoung Hwan Ahn, Soo Min Kim, Bo Youl Choi, Jungsoon Choi, Jung Ho Kim, Shin-Woo Kim, Youn Jeong Kim, Yoon Hee Jun, Bo Young Park
    Infection & Chemotherapy.2024; 56(4): 510.     CrossRef
  • 3,739 View
  • 67 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Identifying risk factors for COVID-19 cluster infections in schools in the Republic of Korea: a case-control study
Jihyun Choi, Seongju Choi, Baigu Lee, Young-Joon Park, Sang Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(4):375-382.
Published online July 11, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0351
Identifying risk factors for COVID-19 cluster infections in schools in the Republic of Korea: a case-control study
Objectives
No study has yet analyzed risk factors to determine whether students with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections may affect students at neighboring schools. Therefore, this study aimed to determine risk factors for COVID-19 transmission among schools within a community in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
An epidemiological investigation was conducted among 696 students and school staff members at 3 schools where COVID-19 clusters began on October 15, 2021. Interviews, visit history surveys, a facility risk assessment, and closed-circuit television were used to identify risk factors. The statistical significance of risk factors was also evaluated.
Results
We confirmed 129 cases (18.5%) among the individuals exposed to COVID-19 at the 3 schools, many of whom had a history of visiting the same multi-use facilities. The odds ratio of having visited multi-use facilities such as karaoke rooms was 1.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.50); the number of visits to a karaoke room and the visit durations were significantly higher among confirmed cases than non-confirmed cases (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively).
Conclusion
Having a history of visiting karaoke rooms often and spending a long time there were risk factors for COVID-19 infection and inter-school transmission. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the status of multi-use facilities frequently visited by adolescents and consider incorporating them into the scope of school quarantine to prevent infectious diseases at schools in a community.
  • 4,374 View
  • 85 Download
Comparative safety of monovalent and bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccines in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea
Mijeong Ko, Seontae Kim, Seok-Kyoung Choi, Seung Hwan Shin, Yeon-Kyeng Lee, Yunhyung Kwon
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(4):364-374.
Published online July 9, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0081
Comparative safety of monovalent and bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccines in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea
Objectives
This study analyzed the safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bivalent and monovalent booster vaccines, including the frequency of adverse events (AEs) such as myocarditis and pericarditis, in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea. We aimed to share the safety profile of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster doses.
Methods
We analyzed the frequencies of AEs reported to the COVID-19 vaccination management system (CVMS) or self-reported through the text message survey (TMS). Diagnostic eligibility and causality with vaccines were compared using odds ratios (ORs) by vaccine type, and incidence rates per 100,000 person-days were calculated for confirmed cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following monovalent and bivalent booster doses.
Results
In the CVMS, the AE reporting rate (per 100,000 doses) was lower after the bivalent booster (66.5) than after the monovalent booster (264.6). Among the AEs reported for both monovalent and bivalent vaccines 98.3% were non-serious and 1.7% were serious. According to the TMS, both local and systemic AEs were reported less frequently after the bivalent vaccination than after the monovalent vaccination in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (p<0.001). The incidence rates per 100,000 person-days for confirmed myocarditis/pericarditis following monovalent and bivalent booster doses were 0.03 and 0.05, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (OR, 1.797; 95% confidence interval, 0.210–15.386).
Conclusion
AEs in 12- to 17-year-olds following the bivalent booster were less frequent than those following the monovalent booster in the Republic of Korea, and no major safety issues were identified. However, the reporting rates for AEs were low.

Citations

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  • Health-related quality of life in adolescents with myocarditis and pericarditis after BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination: Korean national surveillance
    Yoonsun Yoon, Myung-Jae Hwang, Seung Hwan Shin, HyoSug Choi, Sara Na, Sangshin Park, Jue Seong Lee, Young June Choe, Hyun Mi Kang, Bin Ahn, Jong Hee Kim, Kyoungsan Seo
    European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.2025; 24(5): 713.     CrossRef
  • Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026
    Jake Scott, Michael S. Abers, Harleen K. Marwah, Nicole C. McCann, Eric A. Meyerowitz, Aaron Richterman, Derek F. Fleming, Elise J. Holmes, Leah E. Moat, Sydney G. Redepenning, Emily A. Smith, Clare J. Stoddart, Maria E. Sundaram, Angela K. Ulrich, Christ
    New England Journal of Medicine.2025; 393(22): 2221.     CrossRef
  • Tozinameran

    Reactions Weekly.2024; 2029(1): 605.     CrossRef
  • 4,978 View
  • 94 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Prevalence and patterns of post-COVID-19 symptoms in recovered patients of Delhi, India: a population-based study
Nidhi Bhatnagar, Mongjam Meghachandra Singh, Hitakshi Sharma, Suruchi Mishra, Gurmeet Singh, Shivani Rao, Amod Borle, Tanu Anand, Naresh Kumar, Binita Goswami, Sarika Singh, Mahima Kapoor, Sumeet Singla, Bembem Khuraijam, Nita Khurana, Urvi Sharma, Suneela Garg
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(3):229-237.
Published online May 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0251
Prevalence and patterns of post-COVID-19 symptoms in recovered patients of Delhi, India: a population-based study
Objectives
Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms were widely reported. However, data on post-COVID-19 conditions following infection with the Omicron variant remained scarce. This prospective study was conducted to understand the prevalence, patterns, and duration of symptoms in patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A prospective study was conducted across 11 districts of Delhi, India, among individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. Study participants were enrolled, and then returned for post-recovery follow-up at 3 months and 6 months interval. Results: The mean age of study participants was 42.07 years, with a standard deviation of 14.89 years. The majority of the participants (79.7%) reported experiencing post-COVID-19 symptoms. The most common symptoms included joint pain (36.0%), persistent dry cough (35.7%), anxiety (28.4%), and shortness of breath (27.1%). Other symptoms were persistent fatigue (21.6%), persistent headache (20.0%), forgetfulness (19.7%), and limb weakness (18.6%). The longest duration of symptom was observed to be anxiety (138.75±54.14 days), followed by fatigue (137.57±48.33 days), shortness of breath (131.89±60.21 days), and joint pain/swelling (131.59±58.76 days). At the first follow-up visit, 2.2% of participants presented with abnormal electrocardiogram readings, but no abnormalities were noticed during the second follow-up. Additionally, 4.06% of participants exhibited abnormal chest X-ray findings at the first followup, which decreased to 2.16% by the second visit. Conclusion: The most frequently reported post-COVID-19 symptoms were joint pain, dry cough, anxiety and shortness of breath. These clinical symptoms persisted for up to 6 months, with evidence of multi-system involvement. Consequently, findings highlighted the need for long-term follow-up during the post-COVID-19 period.

Citations

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  • Prevalence of post-COVID symptoms across variants of concern and follow-up periods: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Eiron John Lugtu, Delfin Ynigo Pilapil IV, Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc, Joshua Lawrence Bautista, Francis Matthew Pleta, Jeremy Ace Ng, Farid Shahid, Timothy Hudson David Culasino Carandang, Giuseppe Lippi, Brandon Michael Henry, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas,
    International Journal of Infectious Diseases.2026; 166: 108522.     CrossRef
  • Factors involved in the improvement of prolonged symptoms in patients with COVID-19 treated with Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine: A single-center, prospective, observational study
    Tsuyoshi Kawamura, Junko Kohno, Akiko Kikuchi, Ryutaro Arita, Shin Takayama, Tadashi Ishii
    Medicine.2026; 105(12): e48084.     CrossRef
  • Quality of life post-COVID recovery: A prospective observational study, North India
    Amod Laxmikant Borle, Mongjam Meghachandra Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Nidhi Bhatnagar, Shivani Rao, Tanya Singh, Binita Goswami, Sarika Singh, Sumeet Singla, Tanu Anand
    The Indian Journal of Medical Research.2025; 161: 722.     CrossRef
  • Prevalence and pattern of post COVID-19 health problems among adults attending post COVID-19 clinics of selected tertiary care centres in Kolkata
    Uma Rani Adhikari, Manju Patra
    International Journal Of Community Medicine And Pu.2025; 12(10): 4443.     CrossRef
  • 5,647 View
  • 182 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Special Article

The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center: a cornerstone for strengthening safety evidence for COVID-19 vaccination in the Republic of Korea
Na-Young Jeong, Hyesook Park, Sanghoon Oh, Seung Eun Jung, Dong-Hyun Kim, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Hee Chul Han, Jong-Koo Lee, Jun Hee Woo, Jaehun Jung, Joongyub Lee, Ju-Young Shin, Sun-Young Jung, Byung-Joo Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(2):97-106.
Published online April 4, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0343
The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center:  a cornerstone for strengthening safety evidence for COVID-19 vaccination in the Republic of Korea
The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Committee (CoVaSC) was established in November 2021 to address the growing need for independent, in-depth scientific evidence on adverse events (AEs) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This initiative was requested by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and led by the National Academy of Medicine of Korea. In September 2022, the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center was established, strengthening CoVaSC’s initiatives. The center has conducted various studies on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. During CoVaSC’s second research year, from September 29, 2022 to July 19, 2023, the center was restructured into 4 departments: Epidemiological Research, Clinical Research, Communication & Education, and International Cooperation & Policy Research. Its main activities include (1) managing CoVaSC and the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center, (2) surveying domestic and international trends in AE causality investigation, (3) assessing AEs following COVID-19 vaccination, (4) fostering international collaboration and policy research, and (5) organizing regular fora and training sessions for the public and clinicians. Causality assessments have been conducted for 27 diseases, and independent research has been conducted after organizing ad hoc committees comprising both epidemiologists and clinical experts on each AE of interest. The research process included protocol development, data analysis, interpretation of results, and causality assessment. These research outcomes have been shared transparently with the public and healthcare experts through various fora. The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center plans to continue strengthening and expanding its research activities to provide reliable, high-quality safety information to the public.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  Crossref logo
  • Active Surveillance for COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Using Sequential Analysis in Korea: Population-Based Retrospective Observational Study
    Na-Young Jeong, Haerin Cho, Heehyun Won, Suvin Park, Joongyub Lee, Hyesook Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
    JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.2026; 12: e75094.     CrossRef
  • Risk of new-onset polymyalgia rheumatica following COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea: a self-controlled case-series study
    Jieun Woo, Mu Kyung Kim, HyunJoo Lim, Ju Hwan Kim, Hyunah Jung, Hyoun-Ah Kim, Ju-Young Shin
    RMD Open.2025; 11(2): e005138.     CrossRef
  • SARS-CoV-2-Vaccine-Related Endocrine Disorders: An Updated Narrative Review
    Avraham Ishay, Kira Oleinikov, Elena Chertok Shacham
    Vaccines.2024; 12(7): 750.     CrossRef
  • Active Surveillance for Safety Monitoring of XBB.1.5-Containing COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Korea
    Bomi Park, Hye Ah Lee, Yeonjae Kim, Chung Ho Kim, Hyunjin Park, Seunghee Jun, Hyelim Lee, Seunghyun Lewis Kwon, Yesul Heo, Hyungmin Lee, Hyesook Park
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 6,654 View
  • 153 Download
  • 5 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Review Article

Psychiatric adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the Republic of Korea: a systematic review
Seungeun Ryoo, Miyoung Choi, Nam-Kyong Choi, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Jun Hee Woo, Byung-Joo Park, Sanghoon Oh
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(2):107-114.
Published online March 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0325
Psychiatric adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the Republic of Korea:  a systematic review
This systematic review evaluated psychiatric adverse events (AEs) following vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We included studies that reported or investigated psychiatric AEs in individuals who had received an approved COVID-19 vaccine in the Republic of Korea. Systematic electronic searches of Ovid-Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and KoreaMed databases were conducted on March 22, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies 2.0. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023449422). Of the 301 articles initially selected, 7 were included in the final analysis. All studies reported on sleep disturbances, and 2 highlighted anxiety-related AEs. Sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy were the most prevalent AEs, while depression was not reported. Our review suggests that these AEs may have been influenced by biological mechanisms as well as the broader psychosocial context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this study had limitations, such as a primary focus on the BNT162b2 vaccine and an observational study design, it offered a systematic, multi-vaccine analysis that fills a critical gap in the existing literature. This review underscores the need for continued surveillance of psychiatric AEs and guides future research to investigate underlying mechanisms, identify risk factors, and inform clinical management.

Citations

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  • Risk of anxiety disorders and insomnia following COVID-19 vaccination
    Haerin Cho, Joon Hyung Jung, Hwoyeon Seo, Won Chul Shin, Jung-Ick Byun, Suvin Park, Na-Young Jeong, Sanghoon Oh, Nam-Kyong Choi
    Journal of Psychiatric Research.2026; 192: 109.     CrossRef
  • A review of the scientific literature on experimental toxicity studies of COVID-19 vaccines, with special attention to publications in toxicology journals
    Jose L. Domingo
    Archives of Toxicology.2024; 98(11): 3603.     CrossRef
  • 18,940 View
  • 191 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Original Articles

Effect of Paxlovid in COVID-19 treatment during the periods of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 and BN.1 subvariant dominance in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective cohort study
Dong-Hwi Kim, Min-Gyu Yoo, Na-Young Kim, So Young Choi, Minjeong Jang, Misuk An, Se-Jin Jeong, Jungyeon Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(2):137-149.
Published online March 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0230
Effect of Paxlovid in COVID-19 treatment during the periods of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 and BN.1 subvariant dominance in the Republic of Korea:  a retrospective cohort study
Objectives
This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly those aged 60 years and older. Using real-world data, the period during which the BN.1 Omicron variant was dominant was compared to the period dominated by the BA.5 variant. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected regarding 2,665,281 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between July 24, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Propensity score matching was utilized to match patients who received nirmatrelvir/ ritonavir in a 1:4 ratio between BN.1 and BA.5 variant groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the effects of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir within these groups. Results: Compared to the prior period, the efficacy of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir did not significantly differ during the interval of Omicron BN.1 variant dominance in the Republic of Korea. Among patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, a significantly lower risk of mortality was observed in the BN.1 group (odds ratio [OR], 0.698; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.557–0.875) compared to the BA.5 group. However, this treatment did not significantly reduce the risk of severe or critical illness, including death, for those in the BN.1 group (OR, 0.856; 95% CI, 0.728–1.007). Conclusion: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir has maintained its effectiveness against COVID-19, even with the emergence of the BN.1 Omicron subvariant. Consequently, we strongly recommend the administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir to patients exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms, irrespective of the dominant Omicron variant or their vaccination status, to mitigate disease severity and decrease the risk of mortality.

Citations

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  • Effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir for Outpatients in the Era of Omicron, Vaccination, and Previous Infection: A Meta-analysis
    Mark Ebell, Peter Kurotschka
    Journal of General Internal Medicine.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 3,773 View
  • 97 Download
  • Crossref
COVID-19 infection among people with disabilities in 2021 prior to the Omicron-dominant period in the Republic of Korea: a cross-sectional study
Objectives
This study investigated the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among individuals with disabilities on a nationwide scale in the Republic of Korea, as limited research has examined this population. Methods: Between January 1 and November 30, 2021, a total of 5,687 confirmed COVID-19 cases among individuals with disabilities were reported through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s COVID-19 web reporting system. Follow-up continued until December 24, and demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: Individuals with disabilities represented approximately 1.5% of confirmed cases, with a mean age of 58.1 years. Most resided in or near metropolitan areas (86.6%) and were male (60.6%). Frequent sources of infection included home (33.4%) and contact with confirmed cases (40.7%). Many individuals (75.9%) had underlying conditions, and 7.7% of cases were severe. People with disabilities showed significantly elevated risk of severe infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47–1.81) and mortality (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.43–1.91). Vaccination against COVID-19 was associated with significantly lower risk of severe infection (aORs for the first, second, and third doses: 0.60 [95% CI, 0.42–0.85], 0.28 [95% CI, 0.22–0.35], and 0.16 [95% CI, 0.05–0.51], respectively) and death (adjusted hazard ratios for the first and second doses: 0.57 [95% CI, 0.35–0.93] and 0.30 [95% CI, 0.23–0.40], respectively). Conclusion: Individuals with disabilities showed higher risk of severe infection and mortality from COVID-19. Consequently, it is critical to strengthen COVID-19 vaccination initiatives and provide socioeconomic assistance for this vulnerable population.
  • 3,398 View
  • 78 Download
Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder as modified by health literacy: an observational study in Vietnam
Han Thi Vo, Tien Duc Dao, Tuyen Van Duong, Tan Thanh Nguyen, Binh Nhu Do, Tinh Xuan Do, Khue Minh Pham, Vinh Hai Vu, Linh Van Pham, Lien Thi Hong Nguyen, Lan Thi Huong Le, Hoang Cong Nguyen, Nga Hoang Dang, Trung Huu Nguyen, Anh The Nguyen, Hoan Van Nguyen, Phuoc Ba Nguyen, Hoai Thi Thanh Nguyen, Thu Thi Minh Pham, Thuy Thi Le, Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen, Cuong Quoc Tran, Kien Trung Nguyen
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(1):33-44.
Published online February 19, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0261
Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder as modified by health literacy: an observational study in Vietnam
Objectives
The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnam from December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (using the 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD. Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p<0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p=0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p=0.001). Conclusion: Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

Citations

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  • Mental health and post-traumatic stress among unprivileged people in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
    Md. Salauddin Khan, Maliha Mahazabin, Ishita Shahid Sams, Lasker Ershad Ali, Umama Khan
    Cogent Mental Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Exploring the psychological impact of long COVID: symptoms, mechanisms, and treatments
    Shi Shen, Xin Zhao, Jianxin Pei, Bijue Wang, Jingjing Hou, Ru Chai, Yiqiong Guo, Feiyu Li, Jian Hao, Zhonglan Wu
    Frontiers in Psychiatry.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Pathophysiological, Neuropsychological, and Psychosocial Influences on Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Impacts on Recovery and Symptom Persistence
    Alex Malioukis, R Sterling Snead, Julia Marczika, Radha Ambalavanan
    Biomedicines.2024; 12(12): 2831.     CrossRef
  • 6,683 View
  • 144 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Short Communication

Characteristics of a large outbreak arising from a school field trip after COVID-19 restrictions were eased in 2022
Sueng-Jin Kim, Eun-Young Kim, Jeonghee Yu
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024;15(1):83-89.
Published online February 5, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0264
Characteristics of a large outbreak arising from a school field trip after COVID-19 restrictions were eased in 2022
Objectives
This study analyzed a large outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that occurred during a high school field trip in the Jeonbuk region and aimed to identify risk factors for COVID-19 infection, with the goal of preventing such outbreaks in the future. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 737 participants, including 668 students and 69 staff at High School A, was designed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of this large COVID-19 outbreak. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate relative risks (odds ratios [ORs]) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There were 190 confirmed cases (174 students, 16 staff), with an attack rate of 25.8%. Small outbreaks were decreasing before the field trip, but this trend reversed after the trip, leading to larger outbreaks. Logistic regression showed an OR of 2.39 (95% CI, 1.66–3.43; p<0.05) for COVID-19 infection among field trip participants. Among them, 11th graders had an OR of 2.32 (95% CI, 1.53–3.52; p<0.05) compared to 10th graders, while no significant risk difference was found within same-grade teams. Conclusion: There was a high risk for COVID-19 transmission during extracurricular activities with a large number of participants, such as field trips, even after the nationwide Omicron variant epidemic subsided. Even when students are separated into teams and follow different routes, it is challenging to design routes that entirely prevent contact between teams. Thus, programs should be designed carefully, and students with symptoms should be identified before and during the program to isolate them promptly.
  • 3,103 View
  • 65 Download

Original Articles

Characteristics and related factors of waterborne and foodborne infectious disease outbreaks before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (2017–2021) in the Republic of Korea: a descriptive study
Objectives
The incidence of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases (WFIDs) continues to increase annually, attracting significant global attention. This study examined trends in WFID outbreaks in the Republic of Korea over the 5-year period before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and provided foundational data to establish measures for the prevention and control of WFID outbreaks. Methods: We analyzed 2,541 WFID outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 (42,805 cases) that were reported through the Integrated Disease Surveillance System of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Outbreaks were defined as the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in ≥2 individuals within a group with temporal and regional epidemiological associations. The related factors associated with WFID outbreaks during the observation period were statistically analyzed. Results: The total number of WFID outbreaks significantly decreased in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased to the pre-pandemic level in 2021. Different patterns were observed for each pathogen. The incidence of Salmonella outbreaks more than doubled, while norovirus outbreaks decreased significantly. Conclusion: WFID outbreaks in the Republic of Korea showed different patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by infection control measures and changes in dietary consumption patterns. Outbreaks of some diseases increased, but the infection control measures applied during the pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in the overall number of WFID outbreaks. This highlights the importance of strengthening the management strategies for outbreak prevention through hygiene inspections, long-term monitoring, education, and promotion by conducting multidimensional analyses to understand the complex related factors.

Citations

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  • Advancing Toward a Data-Driven Food Risk Prediction System: Strategic Directions for Preventive Risk Management
    Jun-Hyeok Ham, Yeon-Jung Lee, Yu Jin Na, Soyoung Gwon, Mun-Gi Sohn, Hae-Yeong Kim
    Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety.2025; 40(3): 183.     CrossRef
  • Foodborne disease outbreaks before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jiangsu Province, China
    Qianrang Zhu, Wenqi Zong, Yucheng Wu, Ping Fu, Yue Dai
    One Health.2025; 21: 101154.     CrossRef
  • Clinical Characteristics and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Salmonella typhimurium Enteritis in 81 Hospitalized Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
    Yaqing Liu, Lihua Xiao, Hangyu Zhu, Sunhe Hu, Yan Peng
    Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns of food-borne Salmonella isolates in the Jiaxing Region, China, from 2020 to 2024
    Xiaoqin Niu, Liping Tu, Qinlong Yu, Binbin Lu, Junhua Tian, Wei Wang, Bailong Hou, Weifeng Shen
    Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance.2025; 45: 294.     CrossRef
  • The One Health aspect of climate events with impact on foodborne pathogens transmission
    Igori Balta, Joanne Lemon, Ciara Murnane, Ioan Pet, Teodor Vintila, David McCleery, Todd Callaway, Alastair Douglas, Lavinia Stef, Nicolae Corcionivoschi
    One Health.2024; 19: 100926.     CrossRef
  • 4,450 View
  • 116 Download
  • 5 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Factors affecting depression and health-related quality of life in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic
Deok-Ju Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(6):520-529.
Published online November 16, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0166
Factors affecting depression and health-related quality of life in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic
Objectives
This study investigated changes in the health behaviors of the elderly due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), concerns due to COVID-19, depression, and healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL), and aimed to identify factors that affect depression and HRQOL in the elderly. Methods: This study was conducted using data from the 2021 Community Health Survey of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. From a total sample size of 229,242 individuals, 74,376 elderly people aged 65 or older were selected as subjects, and changes in health behaviors, concerns due to COVID-19, depression, and HRQOL were measured and analyzed. Results: The level of depression associated with sleep and fatigue was high. The lowest HRQOL was related to physical pain and discomfort, while the most common concerns were related to economic difficulties. Factors influencing depression included worries about infection and economic harm, while factors impacting HRQOL encompassed concerns about infection, economic harm, and criticism from others. Conclusion: If an infectious disease situation such as COVID-19 reoccurs in the future, it will be necessary to encourage participation in hybrid online and offline programs at senior welfare centers. This should also extend to community counseling institutions like mental health welfare centers. Additionally, establishing connections with stable senior job projects can help to mitigate the effects of social interaction restrictions, physical and psychological health issues, and economic difficulties experienced by the elderly.

Citations

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  • A comparison of health-related quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF and 5-Level EuroQol-5 Dimensions in the Malaysian population
    Andrian Liem, Hui Jun Chih, Vithya Velaithan, Richard Norman, Daniel Reidpath, Tin Tin Su
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2025; 16(2): 126.     CrossRef
  • The impact of urban agglomeration planning on depression in older adults
    Ya Liu, Li Yan, Yujue Wang, Xiaotang Tang, Ming Gao, Jiayu Yang, Zuoyan Liu, Xiuying Hu
    Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 4,385 View
  • 109 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in different high-risk facility types during a period of Delta variant dominance in the Republic of Korea: a cross-sectional study
Min Jei Lee, Myung-Jae Hwang, Dong Seob Kim, Seon Kyeong Park, Jihyun Choi, Ji Joo Lee, Jong Mu Kim, Young-Man Kim, Young-Joon Park, Jin Gwack, Sang-Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(5):418-426.
Published online October 19, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0188
Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in different high-risk facility types during a period of Delta variant dominance in the Republic of Korea: a cross-sectional study
Objectives
We evaluated the effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in high-risk facilities in the Republic of Korea during the period when the highly transmissible Delta variant was prevalent. Additionally, we aimed to explore any disparities in vaccine effectiveness (VE) across various types of institutions, specifically distinguishing between non-medical and medical establishments. Methods: We examined 8 outbreak clusters covering 243 cases and 895 contacts from 8 high-risk facilities divided into 2 groups: group A (4 non-medical institutions) and group B (4 medical institutions). These clusters were observed from July 27, 2021 to October 16, 2021 for the attack rate (AR) and VE with respect to disease severity. A generalized linear model with a binomial distribution was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) for disease severity and death. Results: AR was notably lower in group B (medical institutions). Furthermore, VE analysis revealed that group A exhibited higher effectivity for disease severity and death than group B. The OR for disease severity was 0.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–2.16) for group A and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.12–0.64) for group B, with the OR for death at 0.12 (95% CI, 0.01–1.32) in group A and 0.34 (95% CI, 0.14–0.87) in group B. Conclusion: Although VE may vary across institutions, our findings underscore the importance of implementing vaccinations in high-risk facilities. Customized vaccination programs, tailored response plans, and competent management personnel are essential for effectively addressing and mitigating public health challenges.
  • 4,156 View
  • 78 Download
Estimating the prevalence of oral manifestations in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review
Ankita Gupta, Kriti Shrivastav, Amit Agrawal, Abhishek Purohit, Roshan Chanchlani
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(5):388-417.
Published online September 19, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0033
Estimating the prevalence of oral manifestations in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review
Objectives
Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present with a variety of oral manifestations. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to estimate the prevalence of oral lesions among COVID-19 patients. Methods: An extensive literature search of several electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Litcovid) was conducted to retrieve all articles published in the English language from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2023 that reported the prevalence of oral manifestations among COVID-19 patients. A meta-analysis of pooled prevalence was performed using Jamovi ver. 2.3 (2022). The I2 and Q statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies, and p-values <0.01 were considered statistically significant. Results: In total, 79 studies with data from 13,252 patients were included. The articles were predominantly published in 2020 (n=33), and Italy was the most common country (n=14). Most of the affected patients more than 50 years old and women (56.6%). The most common sites of involvement were the tongue (n=65), followed by the oral mucosa (n=37) and lips (n=19). High heterogeneity was found between studies. The most common oral manifestation was taste alteration, followed by xerostomia and ulceration, showing pooled prevalence rates of 48%, 35%, and 21%, respectively. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients show various oral manifestations that may help clinicians identify the disease promptly. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is critical for an early diagnosis and better prognosis.

Citations

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  • Prevalence and risk of oral adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective real-world cohort study
    Stella O. Oyewole, Adetokunbo B. Olawuyi, Osariemen Okhuaihesuyi, Adepitan A. Owosho
    Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Or.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Oral health, smoking status, and oral manifestations of adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron outbreak in China: a cross-sectional study
    Huan Zhang, Zhixia Zhang, Lingxia Liu, Xinyao Wang, Ru Xue, Yixin Wang, Ling Fan, Xiuru Tian, Yujin Zhang, Rui Liu
    Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pathology and cell tropism in tongue tissues of COVID-19 autopsies
    Longda Ma, Qian Liu, Manli Wang, Liang Liu, Zhihong Hu, Yiwu Zhou, Jia Liu
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Impact of COVID-19 Disease on the Development of Osteomyelitis of Jaws: A Systematic Review
    Emmanouil Vardas, Daniela Adamo, Federica Canfora, Maria Kouri, Konstantina Delli, Michele Davide Mignogna, Nikolaos Nikitakis
    Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(15): 4290.     CrossRef
  • Painful ulcerations associated with COVID-19 in an adolescent patient: a case report
    David O. Danesh, Kyulim Lee, Rebecca G. Wallihan, Janice A. Townsend, Ira Mulo, Ashok Kumar
    Frontiers in Dental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Characteristics of Oral Adverse Effects following COVID-19 Vaccination and Similarities with Oral Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: Taste and Saliva Secretory Disorders
    Hironori Tsuchiya, Maki Mizogami
    Medical Principles and Practice.2024; 34(2): 101.     CrossRef
  • Comparison of Oral Manifestations in Hospitalized COVID-19 Positive Patients and COVID-19 Negative Dental Outpatients. A Case Series Study and Literature Review
    Flora Zervou-Valvi, Emmanouil M. Valvis, Angeliki Giannopoulou, Eleana Stoufi, Charilaos Samaras, Olga Spiropoulou, Antonia Hadjicosta, Smaragda Diamanti
    International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head &.2024; 13(03): 225.     CrossRef
  • 14,796 View
  • 194 Download
  • 5 Web of Science
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Household secondary attack rates and risk factors during periods of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variant predominance in the Republic of Korea
Jin Lee, Mijeong Ko, Seontae Kim, Dosang Lim, Gemma Park, Sang-Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(4):263-271.
Published online August 11, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0133
Household secondary attack rates and risk factors during periods of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variant predominance in the Republic of Korea
Objectives
The household secondary attack rate (SAR) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important indicator for community transmission. This study aimed to characterize transmission by comparing household SARs and identifying risk factors during the periods of Delta and Omicron variant predominance in Republic of Korea.
Methods
We defined the period of Delta variant predominance (Delta period) as July 25, 2021 to January 15, 2022, and the period of Omicron variant predominance (Omicron period) as February 7 to September 3, 2022. The number of index cases included was 214,229 for the Delta period and 5,521,393 for the Omicron period. To identify the household SARs and risk factors for each period, logistic regression was performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio (aOR).
Results
The SAR was 35.2% for the Delta period and 43.1% for the Omicron period. The aOR of infection was higher in 2 groups, those aged 0 to 18 years and ≥75 years, compared to those aged 19 to 49 years. Unvaccinated individuals (vs. vaccinated individuals) and individuals experiencing initial infection (vs. individuals experiencing a second or third infection) had an increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusion
This study analyzed the household SARs and risk factors. We hope that the results can help develop age-specific immunization plans and responses to reduce the SAR in preparation for emerging infectious diseases or potential new variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Citations

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  • Lower Levels of Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern vs Wild Type: An Interplay Between Transmissibility and Immune Status
    Angelique M A M Winkel, Eva Kozanli, Mildred E Haverkort, Sjoerd M Euser, Judith G C Sluiter-Post, Rob Mariman, Afke Vogelzang, Jordy de Bakker, Coen R Lap, Marianne A van Houten, Dirk Eggink, Steven F L van Lelyveld
    The Journal of Infectious Diseases.2025; 231(3): 653.     CrossRef
  • Impact of disease severity, age, sex, comorbidity, and vaccination on secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
    Dewan Md. Sumsuzzman, Yang Ye, Zhen Wang, Abhishek Pandey, Joanne M. Langley, Alison P. Galvani, Seyed M. Moghadas
    BMC Infectious Diseases.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • SARS-CoV-2 secondary attack rates and risks for transmission among agricultural workers and their households in Guatemala, 2022-2023
    Joseph Daniel Carreon, Molly M. Lamb, Anna N. Chard, Diva M. Calvimontes, Chelsea Iwamoto, Neudy Rojop, Jose Monzon, Ian D. Plumb, Edgar Barrios, Julio del Cid-Villatoro, Kareen Arias, Melissa Gomez, Claudia Maribel Paiz Reyes, Maria Renee Lopez, May Chu,
    IJID Regions.2025; 16: 100676.     CrossRef
  • 6,865 View
  • 172 Download
  • 4 Web of Science
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Risk factors for transmission in a COVID-19 cluster infection in a high school in the Republic of Korea
Jin-Hwan Jeon, Su Jin Kang, Se-Jin Jeong, Hyeon-Cheol Jang, Young-Joon Park, Sang-Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(4):252-262.
Published online July 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0125
Risk factors for transmission in a COVID-19 cluster infection in a high school in the Republic of Korea
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the scale, characteristics, risk factors, and modes of transmission in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak at a high school in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Methods
An epidemiological survey was conducted of 1,118 confirmed cases and close contacts from a COVID-19 outbreak at an educational facility starting on May 31, 2021. In-depth interviews, online questionnaires, flow evaluations, and CCTV analyses were used to devise infection prevention measures. Behavioral and spatial risk factors were identified, and statistical significance was tested.
Results
Among 3rd-year students, there were 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases (9.6%). Students who used a study room in the annex building showed a statistically significant 4.3-fold elevation in their relative risk for infection compared to those who did not use the study room. Moreover, CCTV facial recognition analysis confirmed that 17.8% of 3rd-year students did not wear masks and had the lowest percentage of mask-wearers by grade. The air epidemiological survey conducted in the study room in the annex, which met the 3 criteria for a closed space, confirmed that there was only 10% natural ventilation due to the poor ventilation system.
Conclusion
To prevent and manage the spread of COVID-19 in educational facilities, advance measures that consider the size, operation, and resources of each school are crucial. In addition, various survey methodologies should be used in future studies to quickly analyze a wider range of data that can inform an evidence-based quarantine response.

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  • Detection of a cluster of Omicron's BA.4 sublineage in Northern Senegal and identification of the first XAS recombinant variant in Senegal
    Martin Faye, Modeste Name Faye, Babacar Ndiaye, Moussa Moïse Diagne, Safietou Sankhe, Ndeye Marième Top, Amadou Diallo, Cheikh Loucoubar, Ndongo Dia, Amadou Alpha Sall, Ousmane Faye
    Virus Research.2024; 339: 199259.     CrossRef
  • 6,888 View
  • 233 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Estimating the number of severe COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related deaths averted by a nationwide vaccination campaign in Republic of Korea
Ji Hae Hwang, Ju Hee Lee, Eun Jung Jang, Ryu Kyung Kim, Kil Hun Lee, Seon Kyeong Park, Sang Eun Lee, Chungman Chae, Sangwon Lee, Young Joon Park
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):164-172.
Published online June 22, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0096
Estimating the number of severe COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related deaths averted by a nationwide vaccination campaign in Republic of Korea
Objectives
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency promotes vaccination by regularly providing information on its benefits for reducing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to analyze the number of averted severe COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related deaths by age group and quantify the impact of Republic of Korea’s nationwide vaccination campaign.
Methods
We analyzed an integrated database from the beginning of the vaccination campaign on February 26, 2021 to October 15, 2022. We estimated the cumulative number of severe cases and COVID-19-related deaths over time by comparing observed and estimated cases among unvaccinated and vaccinated groups using statistical modeling. We compared daily age-adjusted rates of severe cases and deaths in the unvaccinated group to those in the vaccinated group and calculated the susceptible population and proportion of vaccinated people by age.
Results
There were 23,793 severe cases and 25,441 deaths related to COVID-19. We estimated that 119,579 (95% confidence interval [CI], 118,901–120,257) severe COVID-19 cases and 137,636 (95% CI, 136,909–138,363) COVID-19-related deaths would have occurred if vaccination had not been performed. Therefore, 95,786 (95% CI, 94,659–96,913) severe cases and 112,195 (95% CI, 110,870–113,520) deaths were prevented as a result of the vaccination campaign.
Conclusion
We found that, if the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign had not been implemented, the number of severe cases and deaths would have been at least 4 times higher. These findings suggest that Republic of Korea’s nationwide vaccination campaign reduced the number of severe cases and COVID-19 deaths.

Citations

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  • Assessing the determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine co-administration decisions in the elderly
    Seunghyun Lewis Kwon, So-Yeon Kim, Minju Song, Hyung-Min Lee, Seon-Hwa Ban, Mi-Soon Lee, Hyesun Jeong
    Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 코로나바이러스감염증-19 대조 백신 및 연구용 백신 지원
    수봉 채, 미미소 이, 은영 조, 준구 박
    Public Health Weekly Report.2024; 17(32): 1378.     CrossRef
  • Comparative Effectiveness of COVID-19 Bivalent Versus Monovalent mRNA Vaccines in the Early Stage of Bivalent Vaccination in Korea: October 2022 to January 2023
    Ryu Kyung Kim, Young June Choe, Eun Jung Jang, Chungman Chae, Ji Hae Hwang, Kil Hun Lee, Ji Ae Shim, Geun-Yong Kwon, Jae Young Lee, Young-Joon Park, Sang Won Lee, Donghyok Kwon
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 5,652 View
  • 166 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Brief Report

Temporal association between the age-specific incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Republic of Korea: a nationwide time-series correlation study
Hyunju Lee, Donghyok Kwon, Seoncheol Park, Seung Ri Park, Darda Chung, Jongmok Ha
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):224-231.
Published online June 22, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0050
Temporal association between the age-specific incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Republic of Korea: a nationwide time-series correlation study
Objectives
The incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) changed significantly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Emerging reports suggest that viral vector-based vaccines may be associated with an elevated risk of GBS.
Methods
In this nationwide time-series correlation study, we examined the age-specific incidence of GBS from January 2011 to August 2022, as well as data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinations and infections from February 2021 to August 2022. We compared the forecasted estimates of age-specific GBS incidence, using the pre-SARS-CoV-2 period as a benchmark, with the actual incidence observed during the post-vaccination period of the pandemic. Furthermore, we assessed the temporal association between GBS, SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, and COVID-19 for different age groups.
Results
In the age group of 60 and older, the rate ratio was significantly elevated during June-August and November 2021. A significant, strong positive association was observed between viral vector-based vaccines and GBS incidence trends in this age group (r=0.52, p=0.022). For the 30 to 59 years age group, the rate ratio was notably high in September 2021. A statistically significant, strong positive association was found between mRNA-based vaccines and GBS incidence in this age group (r=0.61, p=0.006).
Conclusion
Viral vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were found to be temporally associated with an increased risk of GBS, particularly in older adults. To minimize age-specific and biological mechanism-specific adverse events, future vaccination campaigns should adopt a more personalized approach, such as recommending homologous mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for older adults to reduce the heightened risk of GBS.

Citations

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  • Assessing the Impact of Vaccination Strategies on COVID-19 Dynamics Via Time-varying Copulas
    Atina Ahdika, Muhammad Fakhruddin, Putu Veri Swastika
    Acta Biotheoretica.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccine Lipids Induce Complement Activation and Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines: Mechanisms, Effects of Complement Inhibitors, and Relevance to Adverse Reactions
    Tamás Bakos, Tamás Mészáros, Gergely Tibor Kozma, Petra Berényi, Réka Facskó, Henriette Farkas, László Dézsi, Carlo Heirman, Stefaan de Koker, Raymond Schiffelers, Kathryn Anne Glatter, Tamás Radovits, Gábor Szénási, János Szebeni
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(7): 3595.     CrossRef
  • Guillain–Barre syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination: a study of 70 case reports
    Biki Kumar Sah, Zahra Fatima, Rajan Kumar Sah, Bushra Syed, Tulika Garg, Selia Chowdhury, Bikona Ghosh, Binita Kunwar, Anagha Shree, Vivek Kumar Sah, Anisha Raut
    Annals of Medicine & Surgery.2024; 86(4): 2067.     CrossRef
  • Deciphering changes in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A nationwide time-series correlation study
    Soo Hyeon Cho, Dong Kyu Kim, Min Cheol Song, Euiho Lee, Seoncheol Park, Darda Chung, Jongmok Ha, Sonu Bhaskar
    PLOS ONE.2024; 19(10): e0301313.     CrossRef
  • Before Diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination-Related Funicular Myelosis, GBS and Other Differentials Must be Ruled Out
    Josef Finsterer
    Neurology India.2024; 72(5): 1100.     CrossRef
  • 5,477 View
  • 131 Download
  • 5 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Original Articles

The COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare utilization in Iran: evidence from an interrupted time series analysis
Monireh Mahmoodpour-Azari, Satar Rezaei, Nasim Badiee, Mohammad Hajizadeh, Ali Mohammadi, Ali Kazemi-Karyani, Shahin Soltani, Mehdi Khezeli
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):180-187.
Published online June 22, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0041
The COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare utilization in Iran: evidence from an interrupted time series analysis
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the hospitalization rate, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient clinic visits in western Iran.
Methods
We collected data on the monthly hospitalization rate, rate of patients referred to the ED, and rate of patients referred to outpatient clinics for a period of 40 months (23 months before and 17 months after the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran) from all 7 public hospitals in the city of Kermanshah. An interrupted time series analysis was conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the outcome variables in this study.
Results
A statistically significant decrease of 38.11 hospitalizations per 10,000 population (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.93–51.29) was observed in the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak. The corresponding reductions in ED visits and outpatient visits per 10,000 population were 191.65 (95% CI, 166.63–216.66) and 168.57 (95% CI, 126.41–210.73), respectively. After the initial reduction, significant monthly increases in the hospitalization rate (an increase of 1.81 per 10,000 population), ED visits (an increase of 2.16 per 10,000 population), and outpatient clinic visits (an increase of 5.77 per 10,000 population) were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
Our study showed that the utilization of outpatient and inpatient services in hospitals and clinics significantly declined after the COVID-19 outbreak, and use of these services did not return to pre-outbreak levels as of June 2021.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  Crossref logo
  • Changes and backlogs in the provision and utilization of essential health services in Afghanistan during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
    Narges Neyazi, Ali Mirzazadeh, Abdul Ghani Ibrahimi, Ahmad Mirwais Ahmadzai, Jamshed Ali Tanoli
    BMC Health Services Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Utilization of upper gastrointestinal tumor inpatient services affected by COVID-19 in China 2018–2021: an interrupted time series analysis
    Xue Yang, Mengying Liu, Hui Lu
    Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • A Holt-Winter Approach to Forecasting Admission in the Psychiatric Department
    Mariathy Karim, Nur Syuhada Muhammat Pazil
    Information Management and Business Review.2025; 17(4(I)): 28.     CrossRef
  • The strongest predictors of compliance with health protocols among marketers and guilds based on the transtheoretical model
    Shandiz Moslehi, Asghar Tavan, Sajjad Narimani, Fardin shahbazzadeh, Nadia Sedri, Sama Sabahi
    BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Time series analysis of COVID-19's impact on physician and dentist visits in Iran
    Satar Rezaei, Hesam Ghiasvand, Heather Brown
    Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • A tale of two times: an exploration of healthcare utilization patterns before and during COVID-19 in Iran
    Satar Rezaei, Masoud Mohammadnezhad
    BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • From Routine to Crisis: The Impact of COVID‐19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Consumption in Iran
    Satar Rezaei, Mohammad Bazyar, Sina Ahmadi, Abdolvahed Khodamoradi
    Health Science Reports.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 5,647 View
  • 114 Download
  • 4 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Results of contact tracing for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages (BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75) and the household secondary attack risk
Mi Yu, Sang-Eun Lee, Hye Young Lee, Hye-jin Kim, Yeong-Jun Song, Jian Jeong, Ae Kyung Park, Il-Hwan Kim, Eun-jin Kim, Young-Joon Park
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):173-179.
Published online June 22, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0285
Results of contact tracing for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages (BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75) and the household secondary attack risk
Objectives
This study aimed to assess the contact tracing outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron sub-lineages BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.75 within Republic of Korea, and to generate foundational data for responding to future novel variants.
Methods
We conducted investigations and contact tracing for 79 confirmed BA.4 cases, 396 confirmed BA.5 cases, and 152 confirmed BA.2.75 cases. These cases were identified through random sampling of both domestically confirmed and imported cases, with the goal of evaluating the pattern of occurrence and transmissibility.
Results
We detected 79 instances of Omicron sub-lineage BA.4 across a span of 46 days, 396 instances of Omicron sub-lineage BA.5 in 46 days, and 152 instances of Omicron sub-lineage BA.2.75 over 62 days. One patient with severe illness was confirmed among the BA.5 cases; however, there were no reports of severe illness in the confirmed BA.4 and BA.2.75 cases. The secondary attack risk among household contacts were 19.6% for BA.4, 27.8% for BA.5, and 24.3% for BA.2.75. No statistically significant difference was found between the Omicron sub-lineages.
Conclusion
BA.2.75 did not demonstrate a higher tendency for transmissibility, disease severity, or secondary attack risk within households when compared to BA.4 and BA.5. We will continue to monitor major SARS-CoV-2 variants, and we plan to enhance the disease control and response systems.

Citations

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  • Impact of disease severity, age, sex, comorbidity, and vaccination on secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
    Dewan Md. Sumsuzzman, Yang Ye, Zhen Wang, Abhishek Pandey, Joanne M. Langley, Alison P. Galvani, Seyed M. Moghadas
    BMC Infectious Diseases.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Replication kinetics and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant sublineages recovered in the Republic of Korea
    Jeong-Min Kim, Dongju Kim, Jee Eun Rhee, Cheon Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2024; 15(3): 260.     CrossRef
  • 4,411 View
  • 88 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Vaccine effectiveness and the epidemiological characteristics of a COVID-19 outbreak in a tertiary hospital in Republic of Korea
Seonhee Ahn, Tae Jong Son, Yoonsuk Jang, Jihyun Choi, Young Joon Park, Jiseon Seong, Hyun Hee Kwon, Muk Ju Kim, Donghyok Kwon
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):188-196.
Published online June 8, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0066
Vaccine effectiveness and the epidemiological characteristics of a COVID-19 outbreak in a tertiary hospital in Republic of Korea
Objectives
Healthcare facilities are high-risk sites for infection. This study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in a tertiary hospital after COVID-19 vaccination had been introduced in Republic of Korea. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) and shared anti-infection strategies are also assessed.
Methods
The risk levels for 4,074 contacts were evaluated. The epidemiological characteristics of confirmed cases were evaluated using the chi-square test. The “1 minus relative risk” method was used to determine VE in preventing infection, progression to severe disease, and death. In the largest affected area (the 8th floor), a separate relative risk analysis was conducted. A multivariate logistic regression analysis (with 95% confidence interval [CIs]) was used to identify transmission risk factors with a significance level <10% via the backward elimination method.
Results
In total, 181 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, with an attack rate of 4.4%. Of those cases, 12.7% progressed to severe disease, and 8.3% died. In the cohort isolation area on the 8th floor, where 79.0% of the confirmed cases occurred, the adjusted odds ratio was 6.55 (95% CI, 2.99–14.33) and 2.19 (95% CI, 1.24–3.88) for caregivers and the unvaccinated group, respectively. VE analysis revealed that 85.8% of the cases that progressed to severe disease and 78.6% of the deaths could be prevented by administering a second vaccine.
Conclusion
Caregiver training for infection prevention and control is necessary to reduce infection risk. Vaccination is an important intervention to reduce the risk of progression to severe disease and death.
  • 4,293 View
  • 114 Download
Risk factors for COVID-19 outbreaks in livestock slaughtering and processing facilities in Republic of Korea
Seongju Choi, Tae Jong Son, Yeon-Kyung Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):207-218.
Published online June 8, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0035
Risk factors for COVID-19 outbreaks in livestock slaughtering and processing facilities in Republic of Korea
Objectives
The goal of this study was to help prevent and control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by identifying transmission routes and risk factors in livestock slaughtering and processing facilities (SPFs) and establishing an optimal intervention strategy for outbreaks.
Methods
This case series study was a demographic analysis of patients with confirmed COVID-19 associated with 5 SPFs in Korea between January and June 2021. Additionally, in a retrospective cohort study, the association between COVID-19 infection and risk factors was analyzed for SPFs at which outbreaks occurred.
Results
The COVID-19 attack rates were 11.2%, 24.5%, and 6.8% at 3 poultry SPFs (PSPFs) and 15.5% and 25.2% at 2 mammal SPFs (MSPFs). Regarding spatial risk factors, the COVID-19 risk levels were 12.1-, 5.2-, and 5.0-fold higher in the refrigeration/ freezing, by-product processing, and carcass cutting areas, respectively, than in the office area. The risk of COVID-19 infection was 2.1 times higher among employees of subcontractors than among employees of contractors. The COVID-19 risk levels were 5.3- and 3.0-fold higher in foreign workers than in native Korean workers in the PSPFs and MSPFs, respectively.
Conclusion
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a detailed policy for infectious disease prevention and control intervention is needed, without interrupting economic activities. Thus, we propose an ideal intervention plan to prevent COVID-19 through disinfection and preemptive testing and to block its transmission through effective contact management during outbreaks at SPFs.

Citations

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  • Mitigating COVID-19 in meat processing plants: what have we learned from cluster investigations?
    Pauline Kooh, Yvonnick Guillois, Michel Federighi, Mathilde Pivette, Anne-Laure Maillard, Ngoc-Du Martin Luong, Estelle Chaix
    Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 4,591 View
  • 78 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Short Communication

Correlations between regional characteristics of counties and the ratio of intracounty to extracounty sources of COVID-19 in Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea
Seungmin Jeong, Chaeyun Lim, Sunhak Bae, Youngju Nam, Eunmi Kim, Myeonggi Kim, Saerom Kim, Yeojin Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):219-223.
Published online June 8, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0014
Correlations between regional characteristics of counties and the ratio of intracounty to extracounty sources of COVID-19 in Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the correlations between the regional characteristics of counties in Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea and the ratio of intracounty to extracounty sources of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
Methods
The region of the infectious contact was analysed for each COVID-19 case reported in Gangwon Province between February 22, 2020 and February 7, 2022. The population, population density, area, the proportion of urban residents, the proportion of older adults (>65 years), financial independence, and the number of adjacent counties were assessed for each of the 18 counties in Gangwon Province. Correlation coefficients between regional characteristics and the ratio of intracounty to extracounty infections were calculated.
Results
In total, 19,645 cases were included in this study. The population, population density, proportion of older adults, and proportion of urban residents were significantly correlated with the ratio of intracounty to extracounty infections. A stratified analysis with an age cut-point of 65 years showed that the proportion of older adults had a significant negative correlation with the ratio of intracounty to extracounty infections. In other words, the proportions of extracounty infections were higher in countries with higher proportions of older adults.
Conclusion
Regions with ageing populations should carefully observe trends in infectious disease outbreaks in other regions to prevent possible transmission.

Citations

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  • Identifying Tourism Patterns in Post-Pandemic South Korea : Insights from Social Network Analysis
    Mir Park, Ducksu Seo
    Journal of Korea Planning Association.2024; 59(2): 19.     CrossRef
  • 3,716 View
  • 58 Download
  • Crossref

Original Articles

Effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Honam region of the Republic of Korea
In-Sook Shin, Yong-Pyo Lee, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jae-Young Lee, Jong-Ha Park, Yoon-Seok Chung
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(3):197-206.
Published online June 8, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0308
Effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Honam region of the Republic of Korea
Objectives
In 2021, the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed among people living in the Honam region (Gwangju, Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeju) of the Republic of Korea. And we investigated changes in the dominant virus strain.
Methods
This study used the data provided by the Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety for individuals ≥12 years old in the Honam region, and the Integrated Disease and Health Management System of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for COVID-19-vaccinated individuals as of December 31, 2021. Statistical analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS ver. 23.0. The occurrence of confirmed cases by vaccination status, the relative risk, and vaccine effectiveness by vaccine type were calculated.
Results
In 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination rate in Honam was 88.6%. The overall vaccine effectiveness (after 2 and 3 doses) was 98.7% (p<0.001). and the breakthrough infection rate was 0.16%. From week 21 to week 27 of 2021 (June 27 to July 3), the genome sequencing results were mostly alpha variants. The Delta variant emerged as the dominant variant after 27 weeks and the Omicron variant was found at 50 weeks (December 5–11).
Conclusion
Vaccine effectiveness changed with the outbreak of new variants of the virus as well as over time as antibody levels decreased. that the prevention effectiveness of vaccination in Honam was >98%, and the effect among persons who received 2 doses was >90% regardless of the vaccine type. Although vaccine effectiveness decreased because of reduced antibody levels over time (as observed in breakthrough infections), receiving a booster dose restored the neutralizing antibody levels.
  • 4,918 View
  • 96 Download
The incidence and clinical characteristics of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination in Republic of Korea adolescents from July 2021 to September 2022
Objectives
Age-specific information regarding myocarditis/pericarditis in adolescents following mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Asia remains insufficient. This study investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of myocarditis/pericarditis in Republic of Korea adolescents after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination.
Methods
This retrospective descriptive study utilized patient data from the Korea Immunization Management System. Incidence rates were calculated according to age and sex. Clinical characteristics (symptoms/signs, laboratory values, and imaging results) were compared between mild and severe cases.
Results
Between July 19, 2021 and September 30, 2022, 3,728,224 individuals aged 12 to 19 years received 6,484,165 mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, and 173 cases met the case definition for myocarditis/pericarditis: 151 mild (87.3%) and 22 severe (12.7%). The incidence was 3.8-fold higher in males than in females. Troponin I/ troponin T was elevated in 96% of myocarditis cases, demonstrating higher sensitivity than creatine kinase-myocardial band (67.6%) or C-reactive protein (75.2%). ST-segment or Twave on electrography abnormalities were found in 60.3% (85/141). Paroxysmal/sustained atrial/ventricular arrhythmias were more common in severe than in mild cases (45.5% vs. 16.8%, p=0.008). Edema on T2-weighted magnetic imaging occurred in 21.6% (8/37) and 62.5% (5/8) of mild and severe cases, respectively (p=0.03). Abnormal pericardial fluid collection or pericardial inflammation was found in 75.4% of pericarditis cases (49/65).
Conclusion
Myocarditis/pericarditis occurred in rare cases following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. Most cases were mild, but the incidence was higher in adolescent males and after the second dose. As bivalent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mRNA vaccination started in Republic of Korea in October 2022, the post-vaccination incidence of myocarditis/pericarditis should be closely monitored, considering clinical characteristics.

Citations

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  • Factors associated with carditis adverse events following SARS-COV-2-19 vaccination
    Kyung Hyun Min, Jun Hyeob Kim, Jin Yeon Gil, Jun Hyuk Park, Ji Min Han, Kyung Eun Lee
    Epidemiology and Infection.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Unique Features and Collateral Immune Effects of mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccines: Plausible Mechanisms of Adverse Events and Complications
    János Szebeni
    Pharmaceutics.2025; 17(10): 1327.     CrossRef
  • Responses to Common Misconceptions Relating to COVID-19 Variant-Adapted mRNA Vaccines
    George Kassianos, Pauline MacDonald, Ivan Aloysius, Shanti Pather
    Vaccines.2024; 12(1): 57.     CrossRef
  • Comparative safety of monovalent and bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccines in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea
    Mijeong Ko, Seontae Kim, Seok-Kyoung Choi, Seung Hwan Shin, Yeon-Kyeng Lee, Yunhyung Kwon
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2024; 15(4): 364.     CrossRef
  • Epidemiological Characteristics and Outcome of Myocarditis and Pericarditis Temporally Associated With BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents: Korean National Surveillance
    Bin Ahn, Seung Hwan Shin, Myung-Jae Hwang, HyoSug Choi, Sara Na, Sangshin Park, Jue Seong Lee, Young June Choe, Yoonsun Yoon, Kyoungsan Seo, Jong Hee Kim, Hyun Mi Kang
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • To become a more stronger and safer country
    Jong-Koo Lee
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2023; 14(2): 67.     CrossRef
  • 9,727 View
  • 281 Download
  • 6 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Risk factors for deaths associated with COVID-19 according to the cause of death classification in Republic of Korea
Na-Young Kim, Seong-Sun Kim, Hyun Ju Lee, Dong Hwi Kim, Boyeong Ryu, Eunjeong Shin, Donghyok Kwon
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(2):89-99.
Published online April 18, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0312
Risk factors for deaths associated with COVID-19 according to the cause of death classification in Republic of Korea
Objectives
This study aimed to classify coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related deaths according to whether COVID-19 was listed as the cause of death, and to investigate the differences in demographic characteristics and risk factors for COVID-19 death classifications.
Methods
A total of 5,625 deaths in South Korea among patients with confirmed COVID-19 from January 20, 2020 to December 31, 2021 were selected. Excluding false reports and unnatural deaths, 5,597 deaths were analyzed. Based on death report data, deaths were classified according to whether the cause of death was listed as COVID-19 (CD) or not (NCD). The epidemiological characteristics and causes of deaths were investigated using descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to analyze the risk factors.
Results
The case fatality ratio was 0.89% and increased with age. Additionally, 96.4% of the subjects had an underlying disease, and 53.4% died in winter. The proportion of NCDs was 9.3%, of whom 19.1% died at home and 39.0% were confirmed to have COVID-19 after death. Malignant neoplasms (102/416 vs. 637/4,442; OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.36−2.16; p<0.001) were significantly associated with NCD.
Conclusion
This is the first study to analyze risk factors by cause of death using COVID-19 death report data in South Korea. These results are expected to be used as evidence for establishing a death monitoring system that can collect timely information in a new infectious disease pandemic.

Citations

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  • A Meta-Analysis of the Association between Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms and SARS-COV-2 Risk/Severity in the Korean Population
    T.-Th.-D. Nguyen, M. Zayed, D.-I. Choi, Ch.-S. Lee, B.-H. Jeong
    Russian Journal of Genetics.2025; 61(8): 997.     CrossRef
  • 4,392 View
  • 124 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Analysis of pregnant women with critically severe COVID-19 in Republic of Korea from February 2020 and December 2021
Ji Joo Lee, Sang-Eun Lee, Yeonjung Kim, Young-Joon Park
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(2):129-137.
Published online April 5, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0025
Analysis of pregnant women with critically severe COVID-19 in Republic of Korea from February 2020 and December 2021
Objectives
This study aimed to describe the characteristics and risk factors for severe disease in pregnant women infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea to the predominant period of the Delta variant.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and December 2021. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare severe and mild cases after adjusting for pregnant women’s age, nationality, infection route, outbreak area, infection period, symptoms, underlying disease, smoking status, trimester, and COVID-19 vaccination status.
Results
In total, 2,233 pregnant women were diagnosed with COVID-19 by December 2021. Among these, 96.7% had mild symptoms, 3.3% had severe symptoms, and 0.04% died. The risk factors for severe disease in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 were being in the age group of 35 to 45 years, having hyperlipidemia, being in the second or third trimester of pregnancy at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, being infected during the Delta-predominant period, and having a fever (≥38 °C) at diagnosis. Furthermore, 47.1% of patients in the mild group and 84.9% of patients in the severe group had 3 or more risk factors.
Conclusion
Pregnant women with COVID-19 mainly experienced mild symptoms, but those with risk factors were at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Therefore, treatment and follow-up management should be thoroughly implemented.
  • 3,634 View
  • 88 Download
COVID-19 outbreak in a religious village community in Republic of Korea and risk factors for transmission
Jiae Shim, Eunju Lee, Eunyoung Kim, Yeonhwa Choi, Giseok Kang, Bryan Inho Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(2):110-118.
Published online April 5, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0002
COVID-19 outbreak in a religious village community in Republic of Korea  and risk factors for transmission
Objectives
This study aimed to assess the scale and transmission patterns of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a religious village community in South Korea, to determine the risk factors of transmission, and to evaluate vaccine effectiveness.
Methods
An epidemiological survey was conducted, and data were collected and analyzed from 602 villagers in the religious village community. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for COVID-19 transmission and to evaluate vaccine effectiveness.
Results
The outbreak attack rate was 72.1% (434/602). The attack rate was high among women in their 60s, the unemployed, residents living near religious facility (<500 m), and the unvaccinated. Age, the distance between religious facility and residences, and the absence of vaccination were identified as risk factors for transmission. Vaccine effectiveness was 49.0%, and the highest effectiveness was seen in the age group of 59 years or younger (65.8%).
Conclusion
This village community was isolated, with little communication with the outside world. However, the frequency of close contact between residents was relatively high, contributing to the spread of COVID-19 in the village even with relatively short exposure. Vaccination rates in the village community were also lower than those in the general public. Public health authorities should consider the potential impact of cultural factors, including religion, that could lead to the exponential spread of COVID-19 in closed village communities.

Citations

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  • Impact of disease severity, age, sex, comorbidity, and vaccination on secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
    Dewan Md. Sumsuzzman, Yang Ye, Zhen Wang, Abhishek Pandey, Joanne M. Langley, Alison P. Galvani, Seyed M. Moghadas
    BMC Infectious Diseases.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Quantitative analysis of self-reporting and contact tracing in heterogeneous risk groups: a stochastic modeling study of the COVID-19 outbreak in Daegu, Korea
    Jiwon Han, Eunok Jung
    BMC Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Trends of fear and anger on YouTube during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea
    Jae-Joon Lee, Jongwoo Kim, Soo-Kyoung Lee
    BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 5,131 View
  • 102 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Vaccine hesitancy in patients with COVID-19 who have back pain
Askeri Türken, Haşim Çapar
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(2):100-109.
Published online March 24, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0003
Vaccine hesitancy in patients with COVID-19 who have back pain
Objectives
Musculoskeletal pain is among the most common symptoms in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it has placed a significant burden on health worldwide during the pandemic. This study explored vaccine hesitancy and associated factors in patients with positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test results who were hospitalized and had back pain.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 hospitalized COVID-19 patients over 18 years of age. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with IBM SPSS ver. 25.0.
Results
COVID-19 patients who were married considered COVID-19 vaccinations riskier than unmarried COVID-19 patients. Patients who had not been vaccinated expressed higher levels of distrust towards COVID-19 vaccines than patients who had been vaccinated. Participants had relatively little hesitation toward the Sinovac vaccine. High vaccine confidence was found in all participants regardless of vaccination status. Those who had not received the COVID-19 vaccine reported higher risk perceptions than those who had received at least 1 dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion
Measurements of the hesitancy of vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients or members of society towards vaccines can be an important parameter for health authorities to find solutions.

Citations

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  • COVID-19 VE DAVRANIŞSAL İKTİSAT: KÜRESEL BİR PANDEMİ SIRASINDA İNSAN DAVRANIŞINI ANLAMAK
    İlknur ARSLAN ARAS
    Sağlık ve Sosyal Refah Araştırmaları Dergisi.2024; 6(1): 97.     CrossRef
  • 8,263 View
  • 105 Download
  • Crossref

Special Article

A framework for nationwide COVID-19 vaccine safety research in the Republic of Korea: the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Committee
Na-Young Jeong, Hyesook Park, Sanghoon Oh, Seung Eun Jung, Dong-Hyun Kim, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Hee Chul Han, Jong-Koo Lee, Jun Hee Woo, Byung-Joo Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(1):5-14.
Published online February 28, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0026
A framework for nationwide COVID-19 vaccine safety research in the Republic of Korea: the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Committee
With the introduction of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) commissioned the National Academy of Medicine of Korea to gather experts to independently assess post-vaccination adverse events. Accordingly, the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Committee (CoVaSC) was launched in November 2021 to perform safety studies and establish evidence for policy guidance. The CoVaSC established 3 committees for epidemiology, clinical research, and communication. The CoVaSC mainly utilizes pseudonymized data linking KDCA’s COVID-19 vaccination data and the National Health Insurance Service’s claims data. The CoVaSC’s 5-step research process involves defining the target diseases and organizing ad-hoc committees, developing research protocols, performing analyses, assessing causal relationships, and announcing research findings and utilizing them to guide compensation policies. As of 2022, the CoVaSC completed this research process for 15 adverse events. The CoVaSC launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center in September 2022 and has been reorganized into 4 divisions to promote research including international collaborative studies, long-/short-term follow-up studies, and education programs. Through these enhancements, the CoVaSC will continue to swiftly provide scientific evidence for COVID-19 vaccine research and compensation and may serve as a model for preparing for future epidemics of new diseases.

Citations

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  • Risk of anxiety disorders and insomnia following COVID-19 vaccination
    Haerin Cho, Joon Hyung Jung, Hwoyeon Seo, Won Chul Shin, Jung-Ick Byun, Suvin Park, Na-Young Jeong, Sanghoon Oh, Nam-Kyong Choi
    Journal of Psychiatric Research.2026; 192: 109.     CrossRef
  • Active Surveillance for COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Using Sequential Analysis in Korea: Population-Based Retrospective Observational Study
    Na-Young Jeong, Haerin Cho, Heehyun Won, Suvin Park, Joongyub Lee, Hyesook Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
    JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.2026; 12: e75094.     CrossRef
  • Risk of Kawasaki Disease/Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Korean Children: A Self-Controlled Case Series Study
    Suyeon Kim, Hwa Yeon Ko, Jeongin Oh, Dongwon Yoon, Ju Hwan Kim, Young June Choe, Ju-Young Shin
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The association between acute transverse myelitis and COVID‐19 vaccination in Korea: Self‐controlled case series study
    Eunsun Lim, Yoo Hwan Kim, Na‐Young Jeong, Su‐Hyun Kim, Heehyun Won, Jong‐Seok Bae, Nam‐Kyong Choi
    European Journal of Neurology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Coronavirus disease vaccine linked menstrual changes: mobile application study
    Sung Eun Kim, Joseph J. Noh, Yoo-Young Lee
    Obstetrics & Gynecology Science.2025; 68(2): 155.     CrossRef
  • Multilevel analysis of individual, household, and community factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention: evidence from the 2021 Korea Community Health Survey
    Ji-seon Seong, Jong-Yeon Kim
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2025; 16(2): 169.     CrossRef
  • Association between COVID-19 vaccination and first healthcare utilization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study
    Sang Hyuk Kim, Seung-Hun You, Ju Won Lee, Eunji Kim, Youlim Kim, Hyun Lee, Sun-Young Jung, Ji-Yong Moon
    Vaccine.2025; 61: 127367.     CrossRef
  • Evaluating Vaccine Safety Through the Vaccine Safety Datalink: A Comprehensive Review of Research Contributions
    Eunsun Lim, Na-Young Jeong, Heehyun Won, Nam-Kyong Choi
    Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics.2025; 50(2): 113.     CrossRef
  • COVID-19 vaccination and the risk of abnormal uterine bleeding: A nationwide self-controlled case series study
    Na-Young Jeong, SiHyun Cho, Eunsun Lim, Jung Ryeol Lee, Jae Yen Song, Joong Shin Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
    Vaccine.2025; 63: 127619.     CrossRef
  • Risk of new-onset seizures following immunization against COVID-19: a self-controlled case-series study
    Hwa Yeon Ko, Dongwon Yoon, Ju Hwan Kim, Han Eol Jeong, Seung Bong Hong, Won-Chul Shin, Ju-Young Shin
    Epidemiology and Health.2025; 47: e2025024.     CrossRef
  • Risk of encephalitis and meningitis after COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea: a self-controlled case series analysis
    Ju Hwan Kim, Dongwon Yoon, Hwa Yeon Ko, Kyungyeon Jung, Jun-Sang Sunwoo, Won Chul Shin, Jung-Ick Byun, Ju-Young Shin
    BMC Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center: a cornerstone for strengthening safety evidence for COVID-19 vaccination in the Republic of Korea
    Na-Young Jeong, Hyesook Park, Sanghoon Oh, Seung Eun Jung, Dong-Hyun Kim, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Hee Chul Han, Jong-Koo Lee, Jun Hee Woo, Jaehun Jung, Joongyub Lee, Ju-Young Shin, Sun-Young Jung, Byung-Joo Park, Nam-Kyong Choi
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2024; 15(2): 97.     CrossRef
  • A Causality Assessment Framework for COVID-19 Vaccines and Adverse Events at the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center
    Seyoung Kim, Jeong Ah Kim, Hyesook Park, Sohee Park, Sanghoon Oh, Seung Eun Jung, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Jong Koo Lee, Hee Chul Han, Jun Hee Woo, Byung-Joo Park, Nam-Kyong Choi, Dong-Hyun Kim
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • To become a more stronger and safer country
    Jong-Koo Lee
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2023; 14(2): 67.     CrossRef
  • Risk of lymphadenopathy from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Korea: a self-controlled case series analysis
    Mi-Sook Kim, Bongyoung Kim, Jeong Pil Choi, Nam-Kyong Choi, Jung Yeon Heo, Jun Yong Choi, Joongyub Lee, Sang Il Kim
    Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023090.     CrossRef
  • 8,408 View
  • 206 Download
  • 16 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Brief Report

Early countermeasures to COVID-19 at long-term care facilities in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
Hye-Jin Kim, Jieun Kim, Yoon Suk Jang, Hanul Park, Jong Mu Kim, Young Joon Park, So-Yeon Ryu, Jun Hwi Cho, So Yeong Park, Sang-Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(1):59-65.
Published online February 1, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0293
Early countermeasures to COVID-19 at long-term care facilities in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has continued since its first detection in the Republic of Korea on January 20, 2020. This study describes the early countermeasures used to minimize the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks during cohort quarantine and compares the epidemiological characteristics of 2 outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Gwangju Metropolitan City in summer 2020. Methods: An epidemiological investigation was conducted via direct visits. We investigated epidemiological characteristics, including incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates, for all residents and staff members. Demographic characteristics were analyzed using a statistical program. Additionally, the method of managing infection in LTCFs is described. Results: Residents and caregivers had high incidence rates in LTCF-A and LTCF-B, respectively. LTCF-B had a longer quarantine period than LTCF-A. The attack rate was 20.02% in LTCF-A and 27.9% in LTCF-B. The mortality rate was 2.3% (1/43) in LTCF-B, the only facility in which a COVID-19 death occurred. Conclusion: Extensive management requires contact minimization, which involves testing all contacts to mitigate further transmission in the early stages of LTCF outbreaks. The findings of this study can help inform and prepare public health authorities for COVID-19 outbreaks, particularly for early control in vulnerable facilities.

Citations

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  • Healthcare workers' views on the response to COVID-19 in long-term care hospitals in Korea: a mixed-method study
    Eun Kyoung Yun, In Seo La, Sunmi Kim, Seongyu Han, Hyungran Lee
    Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 4,674 View
  • 117 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Original Articles

Association between face covering policies and the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 in European countries
Sookhyun Kim, Jiyoung Oh, Sangwoo Tak
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(1):31-39.
Published online February 1, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0287
Association between face covering policies and the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 in European countries
Objectives
This study was conducted to determine the impact of the strengthening or relaxation of face covering mandates on the subsequent national case incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Europe as the full vaccination rate was increasing.
Methods
European countries in which case incidence increased for 3 consecutive weeks were monitored and analyzed using COVID-19 incidence data shared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The epidemic trend of COVID-19 in Europe was compared with that of countries elsewhere in the world based on WHO weekly epidemiological reports from June 20 to October 30, 2021. In addition, this study provided insight into the impact of government mask mandates on COVID-19 incidence in Europe by measuring the index scores of those facial covering policies before and after mandate relaxation or strengthening. The effects of the vaccination rate and the speed of vaccination on COVID-19 incidence were also analyzed.
Results
The incidence of COVID-19 after the relaxation of face covering mandates was significantly higher than before relaxation. However, no significant difference was observed in vaccination rate between countries with increased and decreased incidence. Instead, rapid vaccination delayed the resurgence in incidence.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that face covering policies in conjunction with rapid vaccination efforts are essential to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Citations

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  • Toward resilience for public health emergency response system during COVID-19: qualitative comparative analyses of 40 countries
    Lingzhi Li, Yifan Tang, Mengxia Zhu, Yudi Chen, Peng Cui
    Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Non-pharmaceutical interventions in containing COVID-19 pandemic after the roll-out of coronavirus vaccines: a systematic review
    Xiaona He, Huiting Chen, Xinyu Zhu, Wei Gao
    BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 6,522 View
  • 103 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Evaluation and follow-up of pain, fatigue, and quality of life in COVID-19 patients
Sevda Adar, Petek Şarlak Konya, Ali İzzet Akçin, Ümit Dündar, Neşe Demirtürk
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023;14(1):40-50.
Published online February 1, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0275
Evaluation and follow-up of pain, fatigue, and quality of life in COVID-19 patients
Objectives
We evaluated pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and observed them over a period of 3 months. We also investigated the relationship of these symptoms to age, sex, disease severity, and levels of anxiety and depression. Methods: The study included 100 confirmed COVID-19 patients (i.e., positive on a polymerase chain reaction test) between the ages of 18 and 75 years. Pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), fatigue (fatigue severity scale), anxiety, and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scales) were evaluated on the first day of hospitalization and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. The short form-12 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life at the 1-month and 3-month followups. Results: No differences were found in pain, fatigue, anxiety levels, depression levels, and quality of life according to disease severity. High VAS scores at hospital admission were related to continued pain at the 3-month follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 1.067; p<0.001). High VAS (OR, 1.072; p=0.003) and anxiety levels (OR, 1.360; p=0.007) were related to severe fatigue at the 3-month evaluation. Conclusion: Pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression appear to be long-term sequelae of COVID-19 and can affect quality of life. High VAS and anxiety levels were found to be associated with long-term fatigue.

Citations

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  • Estimating the prevalence of persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID-19 syndrome): a regional cross-sectional study protocol
    Lindybeth Sarmiento Varón, Hermy Alvarez, Leyla Carolina Huirimilla Casanova, Maria Paz Díaz Mora, Luis Alfredo Muñoz Cuevas, Jorge Gonzalez-Puelma, Karena Espinoza, Lidia Amarales, Jonathan Lühr Henriquez, Felipe Retamal-Matus, Roberto Uribe-Paredes, Cri
    BMJ Open.2025; 15(5): e093844.     CrossRef
  • Changes in prevalence of anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients during a two-year recovery period: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Qingxiang Shang, Ke Xu, Hong Ji, Qigang Dai, Hao Ju, Haodi Huang, Jianli Hu, Changjun Bao
    Journal of Psychosomatic Research.2024; 178: 111602.     CrossRef
  • The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Post-COVID-19 Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Wangjuan Hu, Rongzhu Tang, Siyuan Gong, Jihong Liu, Jia Li, Chunlian Liao
    Cureus.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Predicting higher risk factors for COVID-19 short-term reinfection in patients with rheumatic diseases: a modeling study based on XGBoost algorithm
    Yao Liang, Siwei Xie, Xuqi Zheng, Xinyu Wu, Sijin Du, Yutong Jiang
    Journal of Translational Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Covid-19 Salgını Sürecinde Sağlık Personelinin Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyi, Yaşam Kalitesi ve Yorgunluk Düzeyi Arasındaki İlişki
    Kağan Üstün, Zeynep Yıldız Kızkın, Masoud Amır Rashedı Bonab, Mehmet Armağan, Yusuf Hasırcı, Tuğba Kuru Çolak
    Sakarya Üniversitesi Holistik Sağlık Dergisi.2023; 6(3): 419.     CrossRef
  • 5,732 View
  • 129 Download
  • 4 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Brief Report

The effectiveness of Paxlovid treatment in long-term care facilities in South Korea during the outbreak of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2
Hanul Park, Young Joon Park, Hye Young Lee, Mi Yu, Yeong-Jun Song, Sang Eun Lee, Ji-Joo Lee, Eun-Sol Lee, Yeonjung Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(6):443-447.
Published online December 23, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0262
The effectiveness of Paxlovid treatment in long-term care facilities in South Korea during the outbreak of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2
Objectives
On November 5, 2021, Pfizer Inc. announced Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir +ritonavir) asa treatment method that could reduce the risk of hospitalization or death for patients withconfirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: From February 6, 2022 to April 2, 2022, the incidence of COVID-19 and the effectsof treatment with Paxlovid were analyzed in 2,241 patients and workers at 5 long-term carefacilities during the outbreak of the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndromecoronavirus 2 in South Korea.Results: The rate of severe illness or death in the group given Paxlovid was 51% lower thanthat of the non-Paxlovid group (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI],0.24−0.98). Compared to unvaccinated patients, patients who had completed 3 doses of thevaccine had a 71% reduced rate of severe illness or death (aRR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13−0.64) and a65% reduced death rate (aRR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15−0.79).Conclusion: Patients given Paxlovid showed a lower rate of severe illness or death and alower fatality rate than those who did not receive Paxlovid. Patients who received 3 dosesof the vaccine had a lower rate of severe illness or death and a lower fatality rate than theunvaccinated group.

Citations

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  • Tracking SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air: Lessons from a COVID-19 outbreak in an infirmary unit
    Shuk-Ching Wong, Jonathan Hon-Kwan Chen, Pui-Hing Chau, Wai-On Tam, Germaine Kit-Ming Lam, Lithia Lai-Ha Yuen, Wan-Mui Chan, Allen Wing-Ho Chu, Jonathan Daniel Ip, Hoi-Wah Tsoi, Simon Yung-Chun So, Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Kelvin Kai-Wang To
    American Journal of Infection Control.2025; 53(3): 348.     CrossRef
  • Efficacy and safety of antiviral treatments for symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients: Systematic review and network meta-analysis
    Meital Zur, Thalia Peselev, Stav Yanko, Victoria Rotshild, Ilan Matok
    Antiviral Research.2024; 221: 105768.     CrossRef
  • Clinical Effectiveness of Ritonavir-Boosted Nirmatrelvir—A Literature Review
    Sydney Paltra, Tim O. F. Conrad
    Advances in Respiratory Medicine.2024; 92(1): 66.     CrossRef
  • Effectiveness of nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir on severe outcomes of COVID‐19 in the era of vaccination and Omicron: An updated meta‐analysis
    Sien Ombelet, Diego Castanares‐Zapatero, Fabian Desimpel, Frank Hulstaert, Sabine Stordeur, Dominique Roberfroid
    Journal of Medical Virology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Epidemiological evolution and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the European Union and worldwide and effects of control strategies on them: An ecological study
    J.A. Caylà, J.M. Bellmunt, J.M. Jansà, A. Marco, J.P. Millet
    Medicina de Familia. SEMERGEN.2024; 50(6): 102274.     CrossRef
  • Clinical real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A meta-analysis
    Chienhsiu Huang, Sufang Kuo, Lichen Lin
    Tungs' Medical Journal.2024; 18(Suppl 1): S35.     CrossRef
  • Comparing the effectiveness of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir in non‐hospitalized and hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with type 2 diabetes: A target trial emulation study
    Eric Y. F. Wan, Zoey C. T. Wong, Vincent K. C. Yan, Celine S. L. Chui, Francisco T. T. Lai, Xue Li, Ian C. K. Wong, Esther W. Y. Chan
    Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.2024; 26(10): 4653.     CrossRef
  • COVID‐19 infection in patients with haematological malignancies: A single‐centre survey in the latest Omicron wave in China
    Xiaolu Zhu, Qian Jiang, Jin Lu, Yuqian Sun, Xiaosu Zhao, Shenmiao Yang, Feifei Tang, Wenjing Yu, Ting Zhao, Xiaohong Liu, Jinsong Jia, Wenbing Duan, Lijuan Hu, Jing Wang, Yang Liu, Nan Peng, Xuelin Dou, Rui Ma, Qiang Fu, Huifang Wang, Kaiyan Liu, Xiaojun
    British Journal of Haematology.2023; 202(1): 31.     CrossRef
  • The association mental health of adolescents with economic impact during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2020 Korean nationally representative survey
    Hanul Park, Kang-Sook Lee
    BMC Public Health.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Efficacy and safety of paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) in the treatment of COVID‐19: An updated meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
    Haokun Tian, Changsen Yang, Tiangang Song, Kechen Zhou, Lequan Wen, Ye Tian, Lirui Tang, Weikai Xu, Xinyuan Zhang
    Reviews in Medical Virology.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Real-World Effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Its Acceptability in High-Risk COVID-19 Patients
    Min-Kyung Kim, Kyung-Shin Lee, Sin Young Ham, Youn Young Choi, Eunyoung Lee, Seungjae Lee, Bora Lee, Jaehyun Jeon, BumSik Chin, Yeonjae Kim, Gayeon Kim, Hee-Chang Jang, Jae-Phil Choi, Sang-Won Park
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Effectiveness of Molnupiravir Treatment in Patients with COVID-19 in Korea: A Propensity Score Matched Study
    Hye Rim Park, Min-Gyu Yoo, Jong Mu Kim, Soon Jong Bae, Hyungmin Lee, Jungyeon Kim
    Infection & Chemotherapy.2023; 55(4): 490.     CrossRef
  • Nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir for preventing and treating COVID-19
    Stefanie Reis, Maria-Inti Metzendorf, Rebecca Kuehn, Maria Popp, Ildiko Gagyor, Peter Kranke, Patrick Meybohm, Nicole Skoetz, Stephanie Weibel
    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 7,780 View
  • 262 Download
  • 10 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Original Articles

mRNA vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant transmission from home care cases to household contacts in South Korea
Hanul Park, Young Joon Park, Sang Eun Lee, Min Jei Lee, Hyungtae Ahn
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(6):435-442.
Published online November 28, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0243
mRNA vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant transmission from home care cases to household contacts in South Korea
Objectives
Household contacts of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) areexposed to a high risk of viral transmission, and secondary incidence is an important indicatorof community transmission. This study analyzed the secondary attack rate and mRNA vaccineeffectiveness against transmission (VET) for index cases (patients treated at home) confirmedto be infected with the Delta and Omicron variants.Methods: The subjects of the study were 4,450 index cases and 10,382 household contacts.Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the secondary attack rate byvaccination status, and adjusted relative risk and 95% confidence intervals were identified.Results: The secondary attack rate of the Delta variant was 27.3%, while the secondary attackrate of the Omicron variant was 29.8%. For the Delta variant, groups with less than 90 daysand more than 90 days after 2 doses of mRNA vaccination both showed a VET of 37%. For theOmicron variant, a 64% VET was found among those with less than 90 days after 2 doses ofmRNA vaccination.Conclusion: This study provides useful data on the secondary attack rate and VET of mRNAvaccines for household contacts of COVID-19 cases in South Korea.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  Crossref logo
  • Impact of disease severity, age, sex, comorbidity, and vaccination on secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
    Dewan Md. Sumsuzzman, Yang Ye, Zhen Wang, Abhishek Pandey, Joanne M. Langley, Alison P. Galvani, Seyed M. Moghadas
    BMC Infectious Diseases.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Child Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Throughout the Pandemic: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    Eugene Kwon, Gabriel Blank, Samantha Starkey, Cassidy Chapman, Conné Lategan, Hennady Shulha, Vanessa Kitchin, Sarah Silverberg, Laura Sauvé, Manish Sadarangani
    Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.2025; 44(7): 696.     CrossRef
  • Household secondary attack rates and risk factors during periods of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variant predominance in the Republic of Korea
    Jin Lee, Mijeong Ko, Seontae Kim, Dosang Lim, Gemma Park, Sang-Eun Lee
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2023; 14(4): 263.     CrossRef
  • 8,831 View
  • 200 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • Crossref
Time-series comparison of COVID-19 case fatality rates across 21 countries with adjustment for multiple covariates
Yongmoon Kim, Bryan Inho Kim, Sangwoo Tak
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(6):424-434.
Published online November 28, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0212
Time-series comparison of COVID-19 case fatality rates across 21 countries with adjustment for multiple covariates
Objectives
Although it is widely used as a measure for mortality, the case fatality rate (CFR) ofcoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can vary over time and fluctuate for many reasons otherthan viral characteristics. To compare the CFRs of different countries in equal measure, weestimated comparable CFRs after adjusting for multiple covariates and examined the mainfactors that contributed to variability in the CFRs among 21 countries.Methods: For statistical analysis, time-series cross-sectional data were collected from OurWorld in Data, CoVariants.org, and GISAID. Biweekly CFRs of COVID-19 were estimated bypooled generalized linear squares regression models for the panel data. Covariates includedthe predominant virus variant, reproduction rate, vaccination, national economic status,hospital beds, diabetes prevalence, and population share of individuals older than age 65. Intotal, 21 countries were eligible for analysis.Results: Adjustment for covariates reduced variation in the CFRs of COVID-19 across countriesand over time. Regression results showed that the dominant spread of the Omicron variant,reproduction rate, and vaccination were associated with lower country-level CFRs, whereasage, the extreme poverty rate, and diabetes prevalence were associated with higher countrylevel CFRs.Conclusion: A direct comparison of crude CFRs among countries may be fallacious, especiallyin a cross-sectional analysis. Our study presents an adjusted comparison of CFRs over timefor a more proper comparison. In addition, our findings suggest that comparing CFRs amongdifferent countries without considering their context, such as the epidemic phase, medicalcapacity, surveillance strategy, and socio-demographic traits, should be avoided.

Citations

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  • From mono to multi-causality: Towards a comprehensive perspective on understanding death
    Peter Harteloh
    Health Policy.2024; 147: 105121.     CrossRef
  • Comments on the article "Time-series comparison of COVID-19 case fatality rates across 21 countries with adjustment for multiple covariates"
    Gaetano Perone
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2023; 14(2): 146.     CrossRef
  • 8,594 View
  • 148 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Review Article

SARS-CoV-2 in brief: from virus to prevention
Hassan Karami, Zeinab Karimi, Negin Karami
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(6):394-406.
Published online November 28, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0155
The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), ahighly transmissible virus with a likely animal origin, has posed major and unprecedentedchallenges to millions of lives across the affected nations of the world. This outbreak firstoccurred in China, and despite massive regional and global attempts shortly thereafter, itspread to other countries and caused millions of deaths worldwide. This review presents keyinformation about the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease (namely,coronavirus disease 2019) and briefly discusses the origin of the virus. Herein, we also brieflysummarize the strategies used against viral spread and transmission.

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    Nourhan G. Naga, Enas A. Nawar, A’laa A. Mobarak, Aya G. Faramawy, Hend M. H. Al-Kordy
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    Radu Lefter, Prairna Balyan, Ioana-Miruna Balmus, Abdellah Ech-Chahad, Ahmad Ali, Alin Ciobica, Antoneta Dacia Petroaie, Gabriela Halitchi, Bogdan Novac, Catalina Ionescu, Fatima Zahra Kamal
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    GyeJeong Yeom, Jiyun Park
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    Gobena Ameni, Aboma Zewude, Begna Tulu, Milky Derara, Berecha Bayissa, Temesgen Mohammed, Berhanu Adenew Degefa, Mohamed Elfatih Hamad, Markos Tibbo, Robert Barigye
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Original Article

Clinical outcomes of remdesivir-treated COVID-19 patients in South Korea
Mi Yu, Bryan Inho Kim, Jungyeon Kim, Jin Gwack
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(5):370-376.
Published online October 18, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0138
Objectives
This study analyzed the clinical outcomes of remdesivir treatment in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in South Korea.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study involved the secondary analysis of epidemiological data. Among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from July 2, 2020 to March 23, 2021 (12 AM), 4,868 who received oxygen therapy and were released from isolation after receiving remdesivir treatment were assigned to the treatment group, and 6,068 patients who received oxygen therapy but not remdesivir were assigned to the untreated group. The study subjects included children under the age of 19. The general characteristics and severity were compared between the groups. Differences in the time to death and mortality were also compared.
Results
In the untreated group, the hazard ratio [HR] for mortality was 1.59 among patients aged ≥70 years and 2.32 in patients with severe disease in comparison to the treatment group. In a comparison of survival time among patients with severe disease aged ≥70 years, the HR for mortality before 50 days was 2.09 in the untreated group compared to the treatment group.
Conclusion
Patients with remdesivir treatment showed better clinical outcomes in this study, but these results should be interpreted with caution since this study was not a fully controlled clinical trial.

Citations

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  • The Role of Multidimensional Prognostic Index to Identify Hospitalized Older Adults with COVID-19 Who Can Benefit from Remdesivir Treatment: An Observational, Prospective, Multicenter Study
    Carlo Custodero, Nicola Veronese, Eva Topinkova, Helena Michalkova, Maria Cristina Polidori, Alberto Cella, Alfonso J. Cruz-Jentoft, Christine A. F. von Arnim, Margherita Azzini, Heidi Gruner, Alberto Castagna, Giovanni Cenderello, Romina Custureri, Tania
    Drugs & Aging.2023; 40(7): 643.     CrossRef
  • Remdesivir: A Review in COVID-19
    Hannah A. Blair
    Drugs.2023; 83(13): 1215.     CrossRef
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  • 2 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Brief Reports

Adverse events of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Korean children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years
Seontae Kim, Yeseul Heo, Soon-Young Seo, Do Sang Lim, Enhi Cho, Yeon-Kyeng Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(5):382-390.
Published online October 14, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0233
Objectives
This study aimed to identify potential safety signals and adverse events following the primary Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination series among children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea. Methods: Adverse events reported through the COVID-19 vaccination management system (CVMS, a web-based passive vaccine safety surveillance system) and adverse events and health conditions collected from a text message-based survey were analyzed. Results: A total of 14,786 adverse events among 5 to 17-year-old children and adolescents were reported in the CVMS; 14,334 (96.9%) were non-serious and 452 (3.1%) were serious, including 125 suspected cases of acute cardiovascular injury and 101 suspected cases of anaphylaxis. The overall reporting rate was lower in 5 to 11-year-old children (64.5 per 100,000 doses) than in 12 to 17-year-old adolescents (300.5 per 100,000 doses). The text message survey identified that local and systemic adverse events after either dose were reported less frequently in 5 to 11-year-old children than in 12 to 17-year-old adolescents (p<0.001). The most commonly reported adverse events were pain at the injection site, myalgia, headache, and fatigue/tiredness. Conclusion: The overall results are consistent with the results of controlled trials; serious adverse events were extremely rare among 5 to 17-year-old children and adolescents following Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. Adverse events were less frequent in children aged 5 to 11 years than in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.

Citations

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  • The descriptive epidemiology of adverse events following two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in Curaçao, the Caribbean
    Jonathan Lambo, Sirving Keli, Shaheen Khan Kaplan, Temiloluwa Njideaka-Kevin, Sireesha Bala Arja, Alaa Khedir Omer Altahir, Itunu Olonade, Rohit Kumar
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    Yongyeon Choi, Jue Seong Lee, Young June Choe, Hyeran Lee, Yoonsun Yoon, Seung Hwan Shin, Myung-Jae Hwang, HyoSug Choi, Sara Na, Jong Hee Kim, Hyun Mi Kang, Bin Ahn, Kyoungsan Seo, Sangshin Park
    Pediatric Cardiology.2025; 46(8): 2193.     CrossRef
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    Phyumar Soe, Otto G. Vanderkooi, Manish Sadarangani, Monika Naus, Matthew P. Muller, James D. Kellner, Karina A. Top, Hubert Wong, Jennifer E. Isenor, Kimberly Marty, Hennady P. Shulha, Gaston De Serres, Louis Valiquette, Allison McGeer, Julie A. Bettinge
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    Seok-Kyoung Choi, Seontae Kim, Mijeong Ko, Yeseul Heo, Tae Eun Kim, Yeonkyeong Lee, Juyeon Jang, Eunok Bahng
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2024; 15(6): 542.     CrossRef
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    Yeon-Kyeng Lee, Yunhyung Kwon, Yesul Heo, Eun Kyoung Kim, Seung Yun Kim, Hoon Cho, Seontae Kim, Mijeong Ko, Dosang Lim, Soon-Young Seo, Enhi Cho
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    Sumayyah Ebrahim, Ntombifuthi Blose, Natasha Gloeck, Ameer Hohlfeld, Yusentha Balakrishna, Rudzani Muloiwa, Andy Gray, Andy Parrish, Karen Cohen, Ruth Lancaster, Tamara Kredo, Julia Robinson
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Presumed population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea, April 2022
Eun Jung Jang, Young June Choe, Seung Ah Choe, Yoo-Yeon Kim, Ryu Kyung Kim, Jia Kim, Do Sang Lim, Ju Hee Lee, Seonju Yi, Sangwon Lee, Young-Joon Park
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(5):377-381.
Published online October 14, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0209
Presumed population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea, April 2022
Objectives
We estimated the overall and age-specific percentages of the Korean population with presumed immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) as of April 2022 using the national registry.
Methods
We used the national coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination registry from South Korea, as described to define individuals with a previous history of COVID-19 infection, vaccination, or both, as persons with presumed immunity.
Results
Of a total of 53,304,627 observed persons, 24.4% had vaccination and infection, 58.1% had vaccination and no infection, 7.6% had infection and no vaccination, and 9.9% had no immunity. The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged at a time when the presumed population immunity ranged from 80% to 85%; however, nearly half of the children were presumed to have no immunity.
Conclusion
We report a gap in population immunity, with lower presumed protection in children than in adults. The approach presented in this work can provide valuable informed tools to assist vaccine policy-making at a national level.

Citations

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  • Realistic Estimation of COVID-19 Infection by Seroprevalence Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: An Experience From Korea Metropolitan Area From January to May 2022
    In Hwa Jeong, Jong-Hun Kim, Min-Jung Kwon, Jayoung Kim, Hee Jin Huh, Byoungguk Kim, Junewoo Lee, Jeong-hyun Nam, Eun-Suk Kang
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    JiWoo Sim, Euncheol Son, Young June Choe
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    Su-Jung Nam, Tae-Young Pak
    SSM - Population Health.2023; 22: 101411.     CrossRef
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    Jee Min Kim, Ji Yoon Han, Seung Beom Han
    Postgraduate Medicine.2023; 135(7): 727.     CrossRef
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  • 100 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • Crossref

Review Article

India’s efforts to achieve 1.5 billion COVID-19 vaccinations: a narrative review
Kapil Singh, Ashwani Verma, Monisha Lakshminarayan
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(5):316-327.
Published online October 14, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0104
India’s efforts to achieve 1.5 billion COVID-19 vaccinations: a narrative review
The initial case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in India was reported on January 30, 2020, and subsequently, the number of COVID-19-infected patients surged during the first wave of April 2020 and the second wave in the same month of 2021. The government of India imposed a strict nationwide lockdown in April 2020 and extended it until May 2020. The second wave of COVID-19 in India overwhelmed the country’s health facilities and exhausted its medical and paramedical workforce. This narrative review was conducted with the aim of summarizing the evidence drawn from policy documents of governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as capturing India's COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The findings from this review cover the Indian government's vaccination initiatives, which ranged from steps taken to combat vaccine hesitancy to vaccination roadmaps, deployment plans, the use of digital health technology, vaccination monitoring, adverse effects, and innovative strategies such as Har Ghar Dastak and Jan Bhagidari Andolan (people’s participation). These efforts collectively culminated in the successful administration of more than 1.8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines in India. This review also provides insights into other countries’ responses to COVID-19 and guidance for future pandemics.

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Original Article
The role of risk perception, risk communication, and demographic factors in COVID-19 preventive behaviors: an online survey in Iran
Mansour Rezaei, Nader Rajabi Gilan, Ali Almasi, Mehdi Khezeli, Fatemeh Jamshidi Nazar, Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari, Yahya Salimi, Farid Najafi, Neda Sarabi, Shahram Saeidi, Saeid Saeidi
Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022;13(4):282-289.
Published online August 31, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0345
Objectives
This study investigated preventive behaviors toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related factors in a Kurdish Iranian sample.
Methods
This online survey was conducted among the population aged 18 and above in Kermanshah Province, in western Iran, in April 2020. Samples were invited and recruited through social media. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 4 sections (questions on demographic variables, risk perception, risk communication, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors) and analyzed using Stata ver. 8.
Results
The Pearson correlation test showed that risk communication was significantly correlated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r=0.320, p<0.01). In the final model, where the explanatory power increased with the entry of the risk communication variable, the variables explained a total of 14% of variance in COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Sex (β=−0.482), risk perception (β=0.047), and risk communication (β=0.662) were significant determinants.
Conclusion
Risk communication and risk perception related to COVID-19, as well as being a woman, were determinants of COVID-19 preventive behaviors.

Citations

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    Laleh Hassani, Reihaneh Taheri Kondar, Sajjad Narimani, Amin Ghanbarnejad
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    Yiyun Shou, Louise M. Farrer, Amelia Gulliver, Eryn Newman, Philip J. Batterham, Michael Smithson
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    Mehdi Khezeli, Asghar Tavan, Sajjad Narimani, Vahideh Hoseini, Elham Zare Hosseinzadeh, Parisa Motamedi
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    Suphunnika Termmee, Bing Wang
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