Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives

Original Articles

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

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: 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.

Estimated impact of the national hepatitis B immunization program on acute viral hepatitis B among adolescents in Republic of Korea: Chungman Chae, Sangwoo Tak; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2023;14(2):138-145. Published online March 24, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0321

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Objectives
We aimed to estimate the impact of the national hepatitis B immunization program on the incidence of acute hepatitis B infection among adolescents in South Korea.
Methods
We estimated the counterfactual incidence rate of reported acute hepatitis B among adolescents from 2016 to 2020 compared to the assumption that the national hepatitis B immunization program for children had not been implemented since 1995. The impact of the national hepatitis B immunization program for adolescents was measured by estimating the absolute risk reduction and averted acute hepatitis B infections among adolescents from 2016 to 2020 attributed to the national immunization program.
Results
The relative risk reduction of acute hepatitis B among adolescents was estimated to be 83.5% after implementing the national hepatitis B immunization program. The incidence rate of reported acute hepatitis B infections among adolescents decreased from 0.39 to 0.06 per 100,000 person-years, and 43 acute hepatitis B infections, including 17 symptomatic cases, were averted annually from 2016 to 2020 by the national hepatitis B immunization program.
Conclusion
The national hepatitis B immunization program for children was effective in preventing acute hepatitis B infection among adolescents in South Korea.

The first reported hepatitis E outbreak in a food manufacturing factory: Korea, 2022: Hansol Yeom, Soonryu Seo, Youngsil Yoon, Jaeeun Lee, Myung-Guk Han, Deog-Yong Lee, Sun-Whan Park, Song A Park, Sook-Hyang Jeong, Jin Gwack; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2023;14(1):15-22. Published online February 22, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0305

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Objectives
On February 16, 2022, 12 cases of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection were reported in a food manufacturing factory in Korea. The aim of this study was to identify additional cases and to determine the source of this HEV outbreak. Methods: This study was an in-depth investigation of 12 HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM)-positive cases and their demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics. On-site specimens were collected from the environment and from humans, and a follow-up investigation was conducted 2 to 3 months after the outbreak. Results: Among 80 production workers in the factory, 12 (15.0%) had acute HEV infection, all of whom were asymptomatic. The follow-up investigation showed that 3 cases were HEV IgMpositive, while 6 were HEV IgG-positive. HEV genes were not detected in the HEV IgM-positive specimens. HEV genes were not detected in the food products or environmental specimens collected on-site. HEV was presumed to be the causative pathogen. However, it could not be confirmed that the source of infection was common consumption inside the factory. Conclusion: This was the first domestic case of an HEV infection outbreak in a food manufacturing factory in Korea. Our results provide information for the future control of outbreaks and for the preparation of measures to prevent domestic outbreaks of HEV infection.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and mutations circulating in a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea analyzed using Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing: Hyaekang Kim, Sung Hee Chung, Hyun Soo Kim, Han-Sung Kim, Wonkeun Song, Ki Ho Hong, Jae-Seok Kim; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2022;13(5):360-369. Published online October 11, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0183

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Despite the introduction of vaccines, treatments, and massive diagnostic testing, the evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued to overcome barriers that had slowed its previous spread. As the virus evolves towards increasing fitness, it is critical to continue monitoring the occurrence of new mutations that could evade human efforts to control them. Methods: We performed whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing on 58 SARS-CoV-2 isolates collected during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic at a tertiary hospital in South Korea and tracked the emergence of mutations responsible for massive spikes in South Korea. Results: The differences among lineages were more pronounced in the spike gene, especially in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), than in other genes. Those RBD mutations could compromise neutralization by antibodies elicited by vaccination or previous infections. We also reported multiple incidences of Omicron variants carrying mutations that could impair the diagnostic sensitivity of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based testing. Conclusion: These results provide an understanding of the temporal changes of variants and mutations that have been circulating in South Korea and their potential impacts on antigenicity, therapeutics, and diagnostic escape of the virus. We also showed that the utilization of the nanopore sequencing platform and the ARTIC workf low can provide convenient and accurate SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance even at a single hospital.

Neck circumference and incidence of cerebrovascular disease over 12 years among Korean adults: Jae-Seon Han, Yun-Hee Kim; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2022;13(1):71-79. Published online February 8, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0277

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
Neck circumference is associated with a distinctive fat storage process that confers additional metabolic risk. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between baseline neck circumference and the incidence of cerebrovascular disease using a prospective community-based sample of Korean adults over 12 years of follow-up, after controlling for selected covariates. Methods: Participants with non-cerebrovascular disease were divided into 4 groups (Q1–Q4) based on their baseline neck circumference. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the relationship between neck circumference and cerebrovascular disease incidence over a 12-year period. Results: Among this study’s 3,662 participants, 128 (3.50%) developed cerebrovascular disease. The incidence of cerebrovascular disease increased from 2.2% in Q1 to 4.3% in Q2, 2.5% in Q3, and 5.0% in Q4. When compared to Q1, the relative risks of cerebrovascular disease development were 0.57 (95% CI, 0.25–1.31), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.38–1.96), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.30–2.07) in man and 1.86 (95% CI, 0.66–5.20), 3.50 (95% CI, 1.25–9.86), and 4.71 (95% CI, 1.50–14.77) in woman in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, after adjusting for most risk factors related to cerebrovascular disease. Conclusion: The relationship between neck circumference and cerebrovascular disease was stronger in woman than in man, indicating potential differences between the sexes. These results are meaningful for evaluating and surveilling neck circumference as a promising tool for identifying subgroups of vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Citations

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The association of Carbohydrate Quality Index with cardiovascular disease risk factors among women with overweight and obesity: A cross-sectional study
Darya Khosravinia, Farideh Shiraseb, Atieh Mirzababaei, Elnaz Daneshzad, Shahin Jamili, Cain C. T. Clark, Khadijeh Mirzaei
Frontiers in Nutrition.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Laboratory investigations of herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 clinical samples in Korea: Eun Ju Oh, Young Sam Yuk, Jae Kyung Kim; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2021;12(6):385-389. Published online December 1, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0146

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections have been reported in 60% to 95% of the adult population worldwide, making them one of the most common infectious conditions globally. HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide information that could be used to reduce the incidence of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Methods
From September 2018 to December 2020, 59,381 specimens were collected from outpatients across primary and secondary hospitals in Korea who requested U2Bio (Seoul, Korea) to conduct molecular biological testing of their samples for sexually transmitted infections. In this study, the positivity rates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 were analyzed according to age, sex, and specimen type.
Results
In the age-specific analysis of HSV-1, the highest positivity rate (0.58%) was observed in patients under 19 years of age, whereas the lowest positivity rate (0.08%) was observed in patients aged over 70 years. In the age-specific analysis of HSV-2, the highest positivity rate (2.53%) was likewise observed in patients under 19 years of age.
Conclusion
Our study identified differences in the infection rates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 depending on patients’ sex and age. These differences will be useful for improving disease prevention and control measures for HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Trends in recent waterborne and foodborne disease outbreaks in South Korea, 2015–2019: Sang Hyuk Lee, Jae-Won Yun, Ji Hee Lee, Yeon Haw Jung, Dong Han Lee; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2021;12(2):73-79. Published online April 29, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.04

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7 Citations

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study analyzed trends in foodborne and waterborne diseases in South Korea between 2015 and 2019.
Methods
The data consisted of information on outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases reported through the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) system. We analyzed the trends and epidemiological aspects of outbreaks by month, place of occurrence, and causative pathogens in this observational study.
Results
The number of outbreaks has steadily increased over the last 5 years, but the number of cases per outbreak has followed a decreasing trend. Incidence at daycare centers and preschools has been steadily increasing over consecutive years.
Conclusion
The steady number of patients and decreasing number of cases per outbreak, even as the number of outbreaks has been increasing, suggest that the KCDC’s professional management system is operating effectively. It is necessary to continue improving the objectivity and efficiency of the management system and to carefully examine the increasing number of outbreaks in smaller-scale group catering facilities, such as daycare centers and preschools. Outbreaks can be prevented by closely examining those caused by unidentified pathogens and group outbreaks caused by other diseases, identifying problems, and supplementing the management system.

Citations

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Yuhua Yan, Tao Yang, Zisheng Luo, Dong Li, Li Li, Xingyu Lin
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Soyeoun Kim, Jinhyun Kim, Bo Youl Choi, Boyoung Park
Epidemiology and Health.2022; 44: e2022011. CrossRef
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Md-Mafizur Rahman, Sang-Jin Lim, Yung-Chul Park
Animals.2022; 12(8): 979. CrossRef
Trends in Acute Gastroenteritis through the Pathogen Surveillance System in Incheon Metropolitan City, 2018-2021
Jung Hee Kim, Sung Min Song, Ju Hee Kim, Soo Min Lim, Su Jin Park, Hwa Jung Nam, Young Woo Gong, Mun Ju Kwon
Journal of Bacteriology and Virology.2022; 52(2): 54. CrossRef

Brief Report

Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2: Distribution of Clades in the Republic of Korea in 2020: Ae Kyung Park, Il-Hwan Kim, Junyoung Kim, Jeong-Min Kim, Heui Man Kim, Chae young Lee, Myung-Guk Han, Gi-Eun Rhie, Donghyok Kwon, Jeong-Gu Nam, Young-Joon Park, Jin Gwack, Nam-Joo Lee, SangHee Woo, Jin Sun No, Jaehee Lee, Jeemin Ha, JeeEun Rhee, Cheon-Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2021;12(1):37-43. Published online February 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.1.06

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Abstract PDF

Since a novel beta-coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in December 2019, there has been a rapid global spread of the virus. Genomic surveillance was conducted on samples isolated from infected individuals to monitor the spread of genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Korea. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency performed whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in Korea for 1 year (January 2020 to January 2021). A total of 2,488 SARS-CoV-2 cases were sequenced (including 648 cases from abroad). Initially, the prevalent clades of SARS-CoV-2 were the S and V clades, however, by March 2020, GH clade was the most dominant. Only international travelers were identified as having G or GR clades, and since the first variant 501Y.V1 was identified (from a traveler from the United Kingdom on December 22^nd, 2020), a total of 27 variants of 501Y.V1, 501Y.V2, and 484K.V2 have been classified (as of January 25^th, 2021). The results in this study indicated that quarantining of travelers entering Korea successfully prevented dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Korea.

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Rapid Emergence of the Omicron Variant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Korea
Ae Kyung Park, Il-Hwan Kim, Chae Young Lee, Jeong-Ah Kim, Hyeokjin Lee, Heui Man Kim, Nam-Joo Lee, SangHee Woo, Jaehee Lee, JeeEun Rhee, Cheon-Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim
Annals of Laboratory Medicine.2023; 43(2): 211. CrossRef
A Seroprevalence Study on Residents in a Senior Care Facility with Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection
Heui Man Kim, Eun Ju Lee, Sang Won O, Yong Jun Choi, Hyeokjin Lee, Sae Jin Oh, Jeong-Min Kim, Ae Kyung Park, Jeong-Ah Kim, Chae young Lee, Jong Mu Kim, Hanul Park, Young Joon Park, Jeong-Hee Yu, Eun-Young Kim, Hwa-Pyeong Ko, Eun-Jin Kim
Viral Immunology.2023; 36(3): 203. CrossRef
Genomic evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfection in the Republic of Korea
Ae Kyung Park, Jee Eun Rhee, Il‐Hwan Kim, Heui Man Kim, Hyeokjin Lee, Jeong‐Ah Kim, Chae Young Lee, Nam‐Joo Lee, SangHee Woo, Jaehee Lee, Jin Sun No, Gi‐Eun Rhie, Seong Jin Wang, Sang‐Eun Lee, Young Joon Park, Gemma Park, Jung Yeon Kim, Jin Gwack, Cheon‐K
Journal of Medical Virology.2022; 94(4): 1717. CrossRef
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.619 and B.1.620 Lineages, South Korea, 2021
Ae Kyung Park, Il-Hwan Kim, Heui Man Kim, Hyeokjin Lee, Nam-Joo Lee, Jeong-Ah Kim, SangHee Woo, Chae young Lee, Jaehee Lee, Sae Jin Oh, JeeEun Rhee, Cheon-Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim
Emerging Infectious Diseases.2022; 28(2): 415. CrossRef
Humoral and Cellular Responses to COVID-19 Vaccines in SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Naïve and -Recovered Korean Individuals
Ji-Young Hwang, Yunhwa Kim, Kyung-Min Lee, Eun-Jeong Jang, Chang-Hoon Woo, Chang-Ui Hong, Seok-Tae Choi, Sivilay Xayaheuang, Jong-Geol Jang, June-Hong Ahn, Hosun Park
Vaccines.2022; 10(2): 332. CrossRef
Increase in Viral Load in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Infection in the Republic of Korea
Jeong-Min Kim, Jee Eun Rhee, Myeongsu Yoo, Heui Man Kim, Nam-Joo Lee, Sang Hee Woo, Hye-Jun Jo, Donghyok Kwon, Sangwon Lee, Cheon Kwon Yoo, Eun-Jin Kim
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Molecular Dynamics Studies on the Structural Stability Prediction of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Including Multiple Mutants
Kwang-Eun Choi, Jeong-Min Kim, Jee Eun Rhee, Ae Kyung Park, Eun-Jin Kim, Cheon Kwon Yoo, Nam Sook Kang
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2022; 23(9): 4956. CrossRef
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Journal of Clinical Virology.2022; 157: 105319. CrossRef
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Sung-mok Jung, Kyungmin Huh, Munkhzul Radnaabaatar, Jaehun Jung
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Original Article

Predictors Affecting the Elderly’s Use of Emergency Medical Services: Ju Moon Park, Aeree Sohn; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2020;11(4):209-215. Published online August 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.4.10

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Abstract PDF

Objectives

Elderly adults are the demographic most likely to utilize emergency medical services (EMS). This study aimed to examine the difference in EMS utilization in subgroups of the elderly population by assessing the predictors for using EMS.

Methods

Using both descriptive and logistic regression analyses, this study analyses data from the 2014 Korean Health Panel Survey (n = 3,175).

Results

It was observed that certain predisposing factors such as age, sex, and marital status were significant predictors of EMS utilization. However, differences in EMS need do not fully account for the original differences observed between subgroups of elderly Koreans. While health status and disability were important predictors of elderly Koreans using EMS, place of residence did not account for subgroup differences. Nonetheless, place of residence remained particularly important predictors of EMS utilization for the elderly.

Conclusion

Emergency needs and resource availability are 2 main determinants for elderly Koreans using EMS. In addition, it was observed that the demographic subgroup profile of unmarried/divorced/separated/widowed men who were aged 75 and older was least likely to utilize EMS. Improving their resource availability to meet their EMS needs should be a top priority for national policy making to narrow elderly population subgroup differences.

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Social Factors Contributing to Healthcare Service Requirements during the First COVID-19 Lockdown among Older Adults
Ohad Shaked, Liat Korn, Yair Shapiro, Avi Zigdon
Healthcare.2022; 10(10): 1854. CrossRef
Socio-demographic characteristics and their relation to medical service consumption among elderly in Israel during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 as compared to the corresponding period in 2019
Ohad Shaked, Liat Korn, Yair Shapiro, Gideon Koren, Avi Zigdon, Aviad Tur-Sinai
PLOS ONE.2022; 17(12): e0278893. CrossRef

Short Communication

Detection of Novel Coronavirus on the Surface of Environmental Materials Contaminated by COVID-19 Patients in the Republic of Korea: Sang-Eun Lee, Deog-Yong Lee, Wook-Gyo Lee, ByeongHak Kang, Yoon Suk Jang, Boyeong Ryu, SeungJae Lee, Hyunjung Bahk, Eungyu Lee; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2020;11(3):128-132. Published online May 8, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.3.03

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21 Citations

Abstract PDF

This study aimed to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces frequently touched by COVID-19 patients, and assess the scope of contamination and transmissibility in facilities where the outbreaks occurred. In the course of this epidemiological investigation, a total of 80 environmental specimens were collected from 6 hospitals (68 specimens) and 2 “mass facilities” (6 specimens from a rehabilitation center and 6 specimens from an apartment building complex). Specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction targeting of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and envelope genes, were used to identify the presence of this novel coronavirus. The 68 specimens from 6 hospitals (A, B, C, D, E, and G), where prior disinfection/cleaning had been performed before environmental sampling, tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. However, 2 out of 12 specimens (16.7%) from 2 “mass facilities” (F and H), where prior disinfection/cleaning had not taken place, were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase, and envelope genes. These results suggest that prompt disinfection and cleaning of potentially contaminated surfaces is an effective infection control measure. By inactivating SARS-CoV-2 with disinfection/cleaning the infectivity and transmission of the virus is blocked. This investigation of environmental sampling may help in the understanding of risk assessment of the COVID-19 outbreak in “mass facilities” and provide guidance in using effective disinfectants on contaminated surfaces.

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Anxiao Zhang, Qi Zhen, Chi Zheng, Jing Li, Yue Zheng, Yiming Du, Qiong Huang, Qi Zhang
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Anforderungen an die Hygiene bei der Reinigung und Desinfektion von Flächen

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Montse Marquès, José L. Domingo
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Original Articles

The Association Between Lung Function and Type 2 Diabetes in Koreans: Do-Youn Lee, Seung-min Nam; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2020;11(1):27-33. Published online February 28, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.1.05

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1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Objectives

This study was performed to test the association between lung function and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korean patients.

Methods

Data from the 6^th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013 to 2015) was used in this study. There were 3,466 individuals aged between 40 and 80 years, with T2DM, who had a smoking and alcohol status listed, and blood analysis (including blood pressure), were included in this study. Lung function, measured by spirometer ventilatory dysfunction was categorized into 3 patterns: normal, restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, and obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (OVD).

Results

Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, individuals with restrictive ventilatory dysfunction had an increased odds ratio (OR 1.615, 95% CI 1.137–2.294) for T2DM compared with individuals with normal ventilatory function, whereas OVD had no increase in the odds ratio (OR 1.169, 95 % CI 0.857–1.594). Model 1, which adjusted for age and gender, showed that the probability of having restrictive disorder was 1.559 times (95% CI 1.617–2.082) higher for prediabetes patients, and 2.320 times (95% CI 1.611–3.343) higher for T2DM patients, compared to normal individuals. For Model 4, which was fully adjusted for variables, the probability of having a restrictive disorder was 1.837 times higher for T2DM patients (95% CI 1.260–2.679).

Conclusion

Restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, but not OVD, was associated independently with T2DM.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of Pulmonary Function Decline over Time with Longitudinal Change of Glycated Hemoglobin in Participants without Diabetes Mellitus
Wen-Hsien Lee, Da-Wei Wu, Ying-Chih Chen, Yi-Hsueh Liu, Wei-Sheng Liao, Szu-Chia Chen, Chih-Hsing Hung, Chao-Hung Kuo, Ho-Ming Su
Journal of Personalized Medicine.2021; 11(10): 994. CrossRef

Estimation of the Size of Dengue and Zika Infection Among Korean Travelers to Southeast Asia and Latin America, 2016–2017: Chaeshin Chu, Een Suk Shin; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2019;10(6):394-398. Published online December 31, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2019.10.6.10

3,253 View
55 Download

Abstract PDF: Objectives
To estimate the number and risk of imported infections resulting from people visiting Asian and Latin American countries.
Methods
The dataset of visitors to 5 Asian countries with dengue were analyzed for 2016 and 2017, and in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, imported cases of zika virus infection were also reported. For zika virus, a single imported case was reported from Brazil in 2016, and 2 imported cases reported from the Maldives in 2017. To understand the transmissibility in 5 Southeast Asian countries, the estimate of the force of infection, i.e., the hazard of infection per year and the average duration of travel has been extracted. Outbound travel numbers were retrieved from the World Tourism Organization, including business travelers.
Results
The incidence of imported dengue in 2016 was estimated at 7.46, 15.00, 2.14, 4.73 and 2.40 per 100,000 travelers visiting Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, respectively. Similarly, 2.55, 1.65, 1.53, 1.86 and 1.70 per 100,000 travelers in 2017, respectively. It was estimated that there were 60.1 infections (range: from 16.8 to 150.7 infections) with zika virus in Brazil, 2016, and 345.6 infections (range: from 85.4 to 425.5 infections) with zika virus in the Maldives, 2017.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes that dengue and zika virus infections are mild in their nature, and a substantial number of infections may go undetected. An appropriate risk assessment of zika virus infection must use the estimated total size of infections.

The Effects of the Korean Medicine Health Care Program on Stroke-Related Factors and Self-Care Enhancement: Kyoung-Oh Chang, Jung-Hye Lim; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2019;10(5):307-314. Published online October 31, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2019.10.5.07

3,937 View
173 Download

Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study was performed to examine the effects of the Korean medicine healthcare program on stroke-related factors and self-care enhancement.
Methods
This study was a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design study (N = 58 participants), with 28 in the treatment group (Korean medicine health care program) and 30 in the control group (no intervention). The program was conducted twice a week for 2 hours, for a total of 12 weeks.
Results
There were statistically significant differences in systolic (p = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.006), cholesterol (p < 0.001), blood glucose (p < 0.001), self-esteem (p = 0.001), self-efficacy (p < 0.001), health perception (p < 0.001), and the health behavior (p < 0.001) between the experimental group and the control group.
Conclusion
Thus, the Korean medicine healthcare program was effective in managing stroke-related factors and enhancing self-care, and should be actively used to develop community health promotion strategies to prevent strokes and prepare long-term measures.

A Preliminary Study to Determine Comprehensive Research and Development Plans for Promoting Mental Health Services: Chul Eung Kim, Young-Mi Ko, Sang-Uk Lee, SungKu Choi, Kiwan Han, Se Jin Park, MinKyung Jo, Yu Kyong Park, Hye Young Lee, Subin Park; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2018;9(6):314-324. Published online December 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2018.9.6.05

5,900 View
60 Download

Abstract PDF: Objectives
The aim of this study was to analyze research and development projects in mental health services in Korea, using priority evaluation of mental health promotion policies to determine direction of the service.
Methods
An online survey was conducted that targeted experts in the mental health service regarding promotion of mental health in Korea in 2016. The survey was based on 32 policy projects that resulted from 12 strategies according to 4 policy objectives.
Results
Analysis of 32 mental health projects were assessed regarding the possibility of technology development success, magnitude of the ripple effect, and necessity of a national response. It was observed that 3 policy projects relevant to suicide, had a high relative priority. This was followed by policies for improvement of health insurance and the medical benefit cost system, and policies for reinforcement of crisis psychological support such as those for disaster victims.
Conclusion
The prioritization of mental health services should place an emphasis on promotion of a healthy mental lifestyle, rehabilitation support for patients with serious mental illness, and reinforcement of social safety networks for suicide prevention.

Army Soldiers’ Knowledge of, Attitude Towards, and Preventive Behavior Towards Tuberculosis in Korea: Yun Choi, Geum Hee Jeong; Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2018;9(5):269-277. Published online October 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2018.9.5.09

5,448 View
142 Download
6 Citations

Abstract PDF

Objectives

The aim of this study was to gather information about Korean Army soldiers’ attitude towards tuberculosis to enable the development of an informed educational program and potential intervention plans.

Methods

There were 500 male soldiers serving in the Korean Army who responded to questionnaires regarding knowledge of, attitudes towards, and preventive behavior towards tuberculosis. The questionnaires were collected between September 10 until October 1, 2014. Participants’ characteristic that influenced differences in knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behavior towards tuberculosis were compared by t test. Variables that influenced preventive behavior were identified by multiple regression analysis.

Results

The mean scores assessing knowledge of, attitude, and preventive behavior towards tuberculosis were 11.64 (± 4.03) out of 20 points, 3.21 (± 0.38) out of 4 points, and 2.88 (± 0.42) out of 4 points, respectively. Non-smokers were more knowledgeable about tuberculosis than smokers. Participants who had family or friends with tuberculosis had better knowledge and a more productive attitude to tuberculosis. Participants who were educated or obtained information about tuberculosis, received better scores in all areas of knowledge, attitude and preventive behavior compared to other participants. Non-smoking, family or friends who have had tuberculosis, obtaining information about tuberculosis, and positive attitudes towards treatment and preventive education had an explanatory power of 24.6% with regard to preventive behavior against tuberculosis.

Conclusion

More relatable, systemized education should be provided regularly to improve soldiers’ knowledge of, attitudes towards, and prevention against tuberculosis in the Republic of Korea Army.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Tingkat Pengetahuan Keluarga Tinggal Serumah Tentang Pencegahan Penularan Pasien Tuberkulosis Paru
Komang Yuliani, I Dewa Agung Ketut Sudarsana
Journal Nursing Research Publication Media (NURSEP.2023; 2(1): 47. CrossRef
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventative Behavior Toward Tuberculosis in University Students in Indonesia
Irma Melyani Puspitasari, Rano Kurnia Sinuraya, Arini Nurhaqiqi Aminudin, Rika Rahmi Kamilah
Infection and Drug Resistance.2022; Volume 15: 4721. CrossRef
The Relationship between Health Literacy and Preventive Behaviors of Soldiers
Javad Azimzadeh, Maryam Nezamzadeh, Fatemeh Kalroozi, Seyyed Amir Hossein Pishgooie
Military Caring Sciences.2021; 8(2): 109. CrossRef
Factors Affecting Preventive Behavior related to Tuberculosis among University Students in Korea: Focused on Knowledge, Attitude and Optimistic Bias related to Tuberculosis
Myung Soon Kwon, Yun Choi
Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursi.2020; 27(3): 236. CrossRef
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice on tuberculosis among teacher trainees of Samtse College of Education, Bhutan
Thinley Dorji, Tandin Tshering, Kinley Wangdi, Ritesh G. Menezes
PLOS ONE.2020; 15(11): e0241923. CrossRef
The Infectivity of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Korean Army Units: Evidence from Outbreak Investigations
Chang-gyo Yoon, Dong Yoon Kang, Jaehun Jung, Soo Yon Oh, Jin Beom Lee, Mi-Hyun Kim, Younsuk Seo, Hee-Jin Kim
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases.2019; 82(4): 298. CrossRef

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