Epidemiology and Health

Original Articles

Association of group-level segregation with cardiovascular health in older adults: an analysis of data from the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project: Sung-Ha Lee, Hyeok-Hee Lee, Kiho Sung, Yoosik Youm, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023041. Published online April 4, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023041

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Abstract Summary PDF: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The adverse health effects of individual-level social isolation (e.g., perceived loneliness) have been well documented in older adults. However, little is known about the impact of collective-level social isolation on health outcomes. We sought to examine the association of group-level segregation with cardiovascular health (CVH) in older adults.
METHODS
From the prospective Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project database, we identified 528 community-dwelling older adults who were aged ≥60 years or were married to those aged ≥60 years. Participants who belonged to smaller social groups separate from the major social group were defined as group-level-segregated. The CVH score was calculated as the number of ideal non-dietary CVH metrics (0-6), as modified from the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7. Using ordinal logistic regression models, we assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between group-level segregation and CVH.
RESULTS
Of the 528 participants (mean age, 71.7 years; 60.0% female), 108 (20.5%) were segregated at baseline. In the crosssectional analysis, group-level segregation was significantly associated with lower odds of having a higher CVH score at baseline after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and cognitive function (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43 to 0.95). Among 274 participants who completed an 8-year follow-up, group-level segregation at baseline was marginally associated with lower odds of having a higher CVH score at 8 years (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.02).
CONCLUSIONS
Group-level segregation was associated with worse CVH. These findings imply that the social network structure of a community may influence its members’ health status.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 “한국인의 사회적 삶, 건강과 노화에 대한 조사”(Korean Social Life, Health and Aging Project, KSHAP)에서 측정한 한 지역 내의 사회적 연결망 자료를 이용하여 사회적 분리와 심혈관 건강 사이의 관계를 살펴보았다. 그 결과, 사회적 분리는 비만, 고혈압, 콜레스테롤, 흡연, 음주 신체적 활동 등을 종합한 ‘라이프 심플 7’ 지표와 부정적인 관련성을 보였으며, 8년 후 추적 조사에서도 이 패턴이 유지되었다. 본 연구 결과는 사회적, 집단적 분리 현상이 신체적 건강에도 악영향을 초래할 수 있음을 시사한다.

Key Message
Using the prospective Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP) database, we discovered that group-level segregation was significantly associated with worse cardiovascular health (CVH). Also, we observed a tendency for baseline group-level segregation to be linked to worse CVH after an 8-year follow-up period. These findings emphasize the significance of group-level segregation as a potential contributing factor in the health outcomes of older adults.

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in obesity among Korean adolescents: the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) 2006 to 2020: Eunji Kim, Ga Bin Lee, Dong Keon Yon, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023033. Published online March 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023033

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study investigated recent trends in the prevalence of obesity among Korean adolescents and explored socioeconomic disparities in obesity.
METHODS
This study used annual self-reported data on height, weight, and socioeconomic information from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey from 2006 to 2020. With a 95.8% response rate, the sample consisted of 818,210 adolescents. Obesity prevalence was calculated according to 4 socioeconomic indicators (household income, father’s educational attainment, mother’s educational attainment, and urbanicity). Socioeconomic inequality was quantified using the relative index of inequality (RII).
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of obesity increased, doubling from 5.9% in 2006 to 11.7% in 2020. Boys and high school students showed a higher prevalence. The RIIs in household income and parental educational attainments significantly increased with time, indicating a growing inequality in obesity. Socioeconomic disadvantages had a greater influence on obesity among girls. The most recent RII values for boys were 1.25 for income, 1.79 for the father’s education, and 1.45 for the mother’s education, whereas the corresponding values for girls were 2.49, 3.17, and 2.62, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight growing inequalities in adolescent obesity according to household income and parental educational attainments, especially for girls and middle schoolers.; Summary

Korean summary
2006년부터 2020년까지 청소년 비만의 유병은 증가 추세에 있을 뿐 아니라, 가정의 경제상태, 부모의 학력수준에 따른 비만의 위험 격차도 점점 심해지는 추세를 보였다. 특히, 남학생과 고등학생의 비만 유병률이 높게 나타났으나, 사회경제적 지표에 따른 비만의 불평등 격차는 여학생과 중학생에서 높게 나타났다.

Key Message
Not only the prevalence but also socioeconomic inequality in adolescent obesity increased between 2006 and 2020. The potential impact of socioeconomic disparity on obesity was greater in girls and middle school students than their counterparts.

Age at first childbirth and the risk of hypertriglyceridemia among Korean women: Hye Rin Choi, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023010. Published online December 29, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023010

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to investigate the association of age at first childbirth with the risk of hypertriglyceridemia among Korean women.
METHODS
This study used data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study–Cardiovascular Disease Association Study. In total, 16,747 women were included in the cross-sectional analysis, and 6,250 women were included in the longitudinal analysis. The participants were divided based on their age at first childbirth (<20, 20-24, 25-29, and ≥30 years). Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as triglyceride levels of ≥150 mg/dL.
RESULTS
The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for prevalent hypertriglyceridemia was 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.40) in women whose first childbirth was before 20 years of age, compared to those whose first childbirth was at 25-29 years of age, after adjustment for age, study site, body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol consumption, carbohydrate intake, income, marital status, education, parity, usage of oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement status. During a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 1,770 women developed hypertriglyceridemia. Compared with women who gave birth to their first child between 25 years and 29 years of age, those giving birth to their first child before 20 years of age had a higher risk for incident hypertriglyceridemia in later life (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.57).
CONCLUSIONS
Giving birth to one’s first child before the age of 20 years was associated with an increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia among Korean women.; Summary

Korean summary
한국인유전체역학조사사업의 농촌기반 코호트 자료를 분석한 결과, 20세 이전에 초산을 경험한 한국 여성에서 25-29세에 경험한 군에 비해 고중성지방혈증에 걸릴 위험이 증가하였음 폐경 후 여성을 한정하여 보았을 때도 20세 이전 초산과 고중성지방혈증 간의 유의한 관련성을 보였음 여성의 출산 등 여성력이 심혈관계 질환 발생의 위험요인으로 작용할 수 있으며, 출산력에 따른 혈중 중성지방수치 관리 전략 마련이 필요함

Key Message
Among Korean women, having their first child before the age of 20 was associated with an increased risk of hypertriglyceridemia. Targeted preventive actions should be developed for those women who give birth at an early age in order to manage their blood triglyceride levels.

Application of a joint latent space item response model to clustering stressful life events and the Beck Depression Inventory-II: results from Korean epidemiological survey data: Hyun Joo Kim, Ye Jin Jeon, Hyeon Chang Kim, Ick Hoon Jin, Sun Jae Jung; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022093. Published online October 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022093

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
According to previous findings, stressful life events (SLEs) and their subtypes are associated with depressive symptoms. However, few studies have explored potential models for these events and incidental symptoms of depression.
METHODS
Participants (3,966 men; 5,709 women) were recruited from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort. SLEs were measured using a 47-item Life Experiences Survey (LES) with a standardized protocol. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Joint latent space item response models were applied by gender and age group (<50 vs. ≥50 years old).
RESULTS
Among the LES items, death or illness of close relatives, legal problems, sexual difficulties, family relationships, and social relationships shared latent positions with major depressive symptoms regardless of gender or age. We also observed a gender-specific domain: occupational and family-related items.
CONCLUSIONS
By projecting LES and BDI-II data onto the same interaction map for each subgroup, we could specify the associations between specific LES items and depressive symptoms.; Summary

Korean summary
- 본 연구는 성별, 연령에 따른 생활스트레스 항목과 Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) 로 측정한 우울증상 사이의 연관성을 Joint Latent space item response model (LSIRM) 방법을 사용하여 탐색하고자 하였다. - 한국 성인 인구집단 (3,966 남성; 5,709 여성)을 대상으로 연구를 수행한 결과, 생활스트레스 항목 중 가족 혹은 가까운 주변인의 죽음 혹은 질환, 법적인 문제, 성적 어려움, 가족 혹은 사회적 관계는 성별, 연령에 무관하게 우울 증상과 연관성이 있었으며, 직업, 일부 가족 관련 항목에서 성별 특이적인 연관성을 관찰하였다.

Key Message
- In this study, we used a joint latent space item response model (LSIRM) to project stressful life events and depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) onto an interaction map, which represents the interaction of BDI-II items and underlying traits with each SLE, while accounting for heterogeneity by sex and age group. - Among the LES items, death/illness of close relatives, legal problems, sexual difficulties, family relationships, and social relationships shared latent positions with major depressive symptoms regardless of sex or age group. But, in occupational and family-related items, sex-specific associations were observed.

COVID-19: Special Article

Obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia in Korean adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a special report of the 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Ga Bin Lee, Yoonjung Kim, Suyeon Park, Hyeon Chang Kim, Kyungwon Oh; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022041. Published online April 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022041

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We investigated trends in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Korean adult population.

METHODS

Data from 60,098 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey between 2011 and 2020 aged ≥19 were used. The age-standardized prevalence and annual percent changes (APCs) were calculated for obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2), hypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or under treatment), diabetes (hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, physician diagnosis, or under treatment), and hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL or under treatment).

RESULTS

Over the past decade (2011-2020), the age-standardized APCs (95% confidence intervals) for obesity, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia were 3.0% (2.1 to 3.8), 0.1% (-1.3 to 1.5), 1.5% (-1.0 to 4.0) and 8.0% (5.7 to 10.3), respectively, in men; and -0.2% (-1.5 to 1.2), -0.5% (-1.9 to 0.9), -0.1% (-2.3 to 2.2) and 5.9% (3.9 to 8.0), respectively, in women. In 2020 compared to the previous 3 years (2017-2019), obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia increased in men (6.0, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.8%p, respectively), but an increase was not apparent in women (2.5, -1.1, 0.8, and 0.7%p, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in major chronic diseases was observed in Korean adults, especially men, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to reduce the burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the future, effective intervention strategies need to be developed according to the characteristics of the target groups.

Summary

Korean summary
한국인의 비만, 고혈압, 당뇨 및 고지혈증 유병률은 지난 10년간 전반적으로 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 특히, 코로나 19가 유행한 2020년에 남성의 주요 만성질환 유병률은 지난 3년 평균치와 비교하였을 때 모두 유의하게 증가하였다. 반면, 여성에서 만성질환 유병률의 뚜렷한 증가는 관찰되지 않았다.

Key Message
During COVID-19 pandemic, the overall increase in major chronic diseases was observed in Korean adults, and this trend was prominent in men. Accordingly, target-specific intervention strategies need to be developed to reduce the burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the future.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Sleep Deficit as a Risk Factor for Hypertension in Korean Adults
Mi-Joon Lee, Bum-Jeun Seo, Inmyung Song
Sustainability.2023; 15(3): 2586. CrossRef
Gene–Nutrient Interactions in Obesity: COBLL1 Genetic Variants Interact with Dietary Fat Intake to Modulate the Incidence of Obesity
Junkyung Kwak, Dayeon Shin
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2023; 24(4): 3758. CrossRef
Identifying the Associations of Nightly Fasting Duration and Meal Timing with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Data from the 2016–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey
Junkyung Kwak, Kyeong-A Jang, Haeng-Ran Kim, Min-Sook Kang, Kyung Won Lee, Dayeon Shin
Nutrients.2023; 15(6): 1385. CrossRef
Changes in the Prevalences of Obesity, Abdominal Obesity, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Korean Children during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Kyungchul Song, Juyeon Yang, Hye Sun Lee, Su Jin Kim, Myeongseob Lee, Junghwan Suh, Ahreum Kwon, Ho-Seong Kim, Hyun Wook Chae
Yonsei Medical Journal.2023; 64(4): 269. CrossRef
Revisiting the Diabetes Crisis in Korea: Call for Urgent Action
Jun Sung Moon
The Journal of Korean Diabetes.2023; 24(1): 1. CrossRef
Changes in dietary habits and chronic diseases before and after COVID-19 by regions using data from the 2018-2020 Korea Community Health Survey and Consumer Behavior Survey for Foods: a cross-sectional study
Surim Park, Eun-hee Jang, Seungmin Lee
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2023; 28(2): 124. CrossRef
Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in obesity among Korean adolescents: the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) 2006 to 2020
Eunji Kim, Ga Bin Lee, Dong Keon Yon, Hyeon Chang Kim
Epidemiology and Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Changes in food and nutrient intakes in Korean adults before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic : data from the 2011-2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Kyungwon Oh, Suyeon Park, Sihyun Park, Sungha Yun, Hongseok Choi, Eun Kyeong Jeong
Epidemiology and Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence and management of hypertension in Korean adults
Hyeon Chang Kim
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2022; 65(10): 633. CrossRef
Association between Mental Health and Hand Hygiene Practices in Adults with Hypertension and Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The 2020 Korea Community Health Survey
Pius Kim, Hae Ran Kim
Healthcare.2022; 10(10): 1912. CrossRef

COVID-19: Original Article

Socioeconomic inequality in compliance with precautions and health behavior changes during the COVID-19 outbreak: an analysis of the Korean Community Health Survey 2020: Ga Bin Lee, Sun Jae Jung, Yang Yiyi, Jea Won Yang, Hoang Manh Thang, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022013. Published online January 9, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022013

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study examined socioeconomic inequalities in compliance with precautions and health behavior changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak using a representative Korean sample.

METHODS

This exploratory study utilized around 210,000 participants aged ≥25 years in the Korean Community Health Survey 2020. Socioeconomic status was measured with educational attainment and household income. Outcomes included non-compliance with 8 precaution measures and deterioration in 6 health behaviors. The relative inequality index (RII) was calculated to quantify the degree of inequality by education and income level. RII values >1.0 indicate that deprived people have a higher frequency of health problems, and RII values <1.0 conversely indicate a higher frequency of health problems in more advantaged groups.

RESULTS

People with lower education or income levels tended to have higher rates of non-compliance with COVID-19 safety precautions (RII range, 1.20 to 3.05). Lower education and income levels were associated with an increased smoking amount (RII=2.10 and 1.67, respectively) and sleep duration changes (RII=1.21 and 1.36, respectively). On the contrary, higher education and income levels were associated with decreased physical activity (RII=0.59 and 0.77, respectively) and increased delivery food consumption (RII=0.27 and 0.37, respectively). However, increased alcohol drinking was associated with lower education and income levels in younger men (RII=1.73 and 1.31, respectively), but with higher levels in younger women (RII=0.73 and 0.68, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the need to develop customized strategies, considering the characteristics of the target population, to decrease the burden and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Summary

Korean summary
코로나19 유행기간 동안 예방지침 준수율과 건강관련 생활습관이 나빠지는 정도는 사회경제적 수준에 따라 차이가 있다. 전반적으로 코로나19 예방지침 준수율은 높았지만, 사회경제수준이 낮을수록 예방지침 준수율도 낮아지는 경향을 보였다. 하지만, 사회경제수준과 생활습관 악화의 관계는 성, 연령, 생활습관의 종류에 따라 달랐다.

Key Message
This study of a representative Korean sample found that socioeconomic inequalities existed in compliance with COVID-19 precautions and in health behavior deterioration. There is a need to develop target group-specific strategies to reduce health inequalities and the long-term health burden of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of Depression With Precautionary Behavior Compliance, COVID-19 Fear, and Health Behaviors in South Korea: National Cross-sectional Study
Hyerine Shin, Ji-Su Kim, HyunHae Lee
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.2023; 9: e42677. CrossRef
Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in obesity among Korean adolescents: the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) 2006 to 2020
Eunji Kim, Ga Bin Lee, Dong Keon Yon, Hyeon Chang Kim
Epidemiology and Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors associating to the increased smoking time among South Korean male workers during COVID-19 pandemic
Mi Young Kwon, Myong Sun Cho
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2022; 39(2): 53. CrossRef
Trust and compliance: Milieu-specific differences in social cohesion during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Tim Schröder, Anne Speer, Patrick Sachweh, Olaf Groh-Samberg
Frontiers in Sociology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Editorial

Happy New Year 2022 from Epidemiology and Health (epiH): Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022001. Published online December 28, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022001

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Korean summary

Key Message

Original Articles

Late eating, blood pressure control, and cardiometabolic risk factors among adults with hypertension: results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2018: Jee-Seon Shim, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021101. Published online November 24, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021101

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Despite growing concerns regarding the timing of eating, little is known about the association between late eating and health. This study aimed to investigate whether late eating is associated with blood pressure (BP) control and cardiometabolic risk factors among Korean adults with hypertension.
METHODS
Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2018 were used. Adults with hypertension aged 30-79 years (n=13,361) were included in this study. Dietary intake and information on meal timing were assessed using 1-day 24-hour recall. Late eating was defined as after the median midpoint between the times of the first and the last eating episode during the recall day. Logistic and linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of late eating with BP control and cardiometabolic risk factors.
RESULTS
Among late eaters, there were more men than women. Compared to early eaters, late eaters were younger, had a higher body mass index (BMI) and unhealthier habits, and their overall dietary quality score was lower. A negative association between late eating and BP control was found in a univariate model (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94 to 1.12), but this association disappeared after adjustment for confounders (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.12). Late eating was independently associated with higher BMI (p=0.03) and blood triglyceride concentration (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results do not support a link between late eating and BP control among adults with hypertension, but suggest that late eating is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors.; Summary

Korean summary
식사시간이 건강에 미치는 영향에 대한 관심이 증가하고 있지만, 이에 대한 근거는 많지 않다. 이 연구는 국민건강영양조사 자료를 활용하여 고혈압이 있는 성인의 늦은 식사와 혈압 조절, 심장대사 위험인자의 연관성을 분석하였다. 늦은 식사와 혈압 조절의 독립적 연관성은 찾지 못했지만, 늦은 식사는 높은 체질량지수, 혈중 지질 농도와 연관성을 보여 식사 시간 조정이 고혈압 환자의 예후 개선을 위한 유용한 대책이 될 수 있으리라는 근거를 지지한다.

Key Message
This study investigated whether late eating is associated with blood pressure (BP) control and cardiometabolic risk factors among Korean adults with hypertension using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2018. We did not find an independent association between late eating and BP control among Korean adults with hypertension, but found that late eating was significantly associated with higher BMI and a higher blood concentration of triglycerides, independent of potential confounders. Our findings support the suggestion that a time-based dietary approach can be used as a useful strategy to improve the prognosis of adults with hypertension.

The effects of information-seeking behaviours on prevention behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating effects of anxiety and fear in Korea: Kwanghyun Kim, Jisu Yang, Ye Jin Jeon, Yu Jin Lee, Youngrong Lee, Hyeon Chang Kim, Karestan Koenen, Yong-Chan Kim, Sun Jae Jung; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021085. Published online October 19, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021085

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Identifying determinants of prevention behaviours during the emergence of a new infectious disease is important. We investigated the associations between information-seeking and prevention behaviours during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and mediating effects of psychiatric factors.

METHODS

In total, 1,970 participants from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Etiology Research Center cohort participated in an online survey 55 days after the first COVID-19 case in Korea was diagnosed. Time spent seeking information related to COVID-19; information sources; psychiatric factors, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and the fear of COVID-19; and prevention behaviours were examined. The mediating effect of psychiatric factors was estimated using mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Time spent seeking information and information sources affected several behavioural responses. In men, anxiety mediated associations between information-seeking and prevention behaviours, including purchasing sanitary supplies (effect size [ES], 0.038; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002 to 0.095) and hoarding (ES, 0.029; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.068). The fear of COVID-19 also mediated associations between information-seeking and prevention behaviours including refraining from going out (men: ES, 0.034; 95% CI, 0.009 to 0.068; women: ES, 0.052; 95% CI, 0.030 to 0.080), wearing face masks (men: ES, 0.085; 95% CI, 0.031 to 0.184), avoiding public transportation (men: ES, 0.020; 95% CI, 0.000 to 0.044; women: ES, 0.031; 95% CI, 0.015 to 0.051), hoarding (women: ES, 0.051; 95% CI, 0.029 to 0.792), and trying alternative remedies (men: ES, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.004 to 0.053). Depressive symptoms and PTSS did not have any mediating effects.

CONCLUSIONS

While the availability of information related to COVID-19 can help prevent infections, it can also promote anxiety and fear, leading to negative behaviours such as hoarding and trying unverified alternative treatments.

Summary

Korean summary
-본 연구는 한국인에서 코로나-19 관련 정보탐색이 예방 행동과 상관관계가 있는지를 확인하고 불안, 공포, 우울을 비롯한 심리 상태가 이 상관관계를 매개하는 메커니즘으로 작용하는지를 확인하고자 하였다. - 본 코호트 연구에서 정보 탐색 시간이 길어질수록 예방 행동을 취하는 빈도가 증가하였으며 불안 및 코로나-19에 대한 공포가 이 둘 사이의 상관관계를 일부 매개하였다. - 정보탐색이 증가할수록 외출 자제, 마스크 착용, 대중교통 이용 자제와 같은 권장되는 예방 행동을 취할 가능성도 증가하였지만 사재기를 하거나 검증되지 않은 대체요법에 의지하는 등 권장되지 않는 예방 행동을 취할 가능성 또한 같이 증가하였다.

Key Message
In this study, we tried to test the association between information-seeking behavior and preventive measures during COVID-19 pandemic. We also tried to understand whether psychologic factors such as anxiety, fear against COVID-19 and depression mediate the association. We found that time used for searching COVID-19-related information is positively associated with preventive behaviors, and that anxiety and fear mediate the association. Information seeking increased the probability of utilizing recommended prevention strategy such as wearing facial masks and refraining from going out, but also promoted prevention behavior not recommended by government officials such as hoarding and trying alternative remedies.

Citations

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Coronavirus disease 2019 information-seeking behavior globally: a systematic review
Tadele Fentabil Anagaw, Habtamu Alganeh Guadie
SAGE Open Medicine.2023; 11: 205031212311535. CrossRef
Assessing Knowledge, Preventive Practices, and Depression Among Chinese International Students and Local Korean Students in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-Sectional Study
Xiaoxu Jiang, Bo Zhao, Eun Woo Nam, Fanlei Kong
Frontiers in Psychiatry.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between fear of COVID-19 and hoarding behavior during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of mental health status
Ye Zhao, Yang Yu, Ruofan Zhao, Yiming Cai, Shuai Gao, Ye Liu, Sheng Wang, Huifeng Zhang, Haiying Chen, Youdong Li, Haishui Shi
Frontiers in Psychology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Fear of COVID-19 and Prevention Behaviors: Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis
Katherine M Anderson, Jamila K Stockman
JMIR Formative Research.2022; 6(11): e35730. CrossRef

Association between a family history of diabetes and carotid artery atherosclerosis in Korean adults: Sun Young Shim, Ga Bin Lee, Jee-Seon Shim, Sun Jae Jung, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021049. Published online August 3, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021049

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the association between a family history of diabetes and atherosclerosis remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the association between a family history of diabetes and increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, in a middle-aged Korean population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 3,974 community-dwelling adults (1,404 male and 2,570 female) aged 30-64 years from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort. The presence of a family history of diabetes was assessed through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Carotid IMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography, and increased IMT was defined as a value in the top quartile of the IMT values of all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent associations between a family history of diabetes and increased IMT.

RESULTS

A family history of diabetes was significantly associated with increased carotid IMT (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.48) after adjusting for sex; age; body mass index; systolic blood pressure; total cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1c levels; smoking; alcohol consumption; exercise; use of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antilipidemic drugs; and a family history of hypertension. The positive association remained significant after excluding participants with diabetes (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.47).

CONCLUSIONS

A family history of diabetes was positively associated with increased carotid IMT, even in participants without diabetes. Therefore, information on a family history of diabetes may help identify individuals at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Summary

Korean summary
한국의 30–64세 성인에게서 당뇨병 가족력이 있는 경우, 본인의 당뇨병 여부와 무관하게 경동맥 내중막 두께가 증가된 경향을 보였다. 이 결과는 당뇨병 가족력에 대한 정보를 파악하는 것은 죽상경화성 심혈관 질환의 위험이 높은 개인을 식별하는 데 도움이 될 수 있음을 시사한다.

Key Message
The family history of diabetes was positively associated with an increase in intima-media thickness of the carotid artery, even among people with normal fasting glucose levels. This suggests that asking for a family history of diabetes can help identify people at high risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Citations

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The association between grip strength and incident carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older adults: The TCLSIH cohort study
Bei Zhang, Xuena Wang, Yeqing Gu, Qing Zhang, Li Liu, Ge Meng, Hongmei Wu, Shunming Zhang, Tingjing Zhang, Huiping Li, Juanjuan Zhang, Shaomei Sun, Xing Wang, Ming Zhou, Qiyu Jia, Kun Song, Jian Huang, Junsheng Huo, Bing Zhang, Gangqiang Ding, Kaijun Niu
Maturitas.2023; 167: 53. CrossRef
The Relationship between Family History of Diabetes and Diabetes by BMI and Age in Korean Men and Women
Eunna Ko, Jae Woong Sull
Biomedical Science Letters.2021; 27(4): 317. CrossRef

Exploring the associations between cardiovascular health measured with the CANHEART model and early cognitive impairment in a middle-aged population in Korea: Ye Jin Jeon, Ji Heon Lee, Hyeon Chang Kim, Sun Jae Jung; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021044. Published online July 13, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021044

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Both cardiovascular health (CVH) and inflammation are associated with cognition, and inflammation is also associated with CVH. However, limited information has been reported on these factors in the Korean population. The objective of our study was to investigate the influence of inflammation on the association between CVH and cognition using a cross-sectional design.
METHODS
Data were obtained from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center baseline study. Participants who completed fasting serum analysis, questionnaires, and cognitive function tests were included in the analysis, whereas those with a history of autoimmune disease were excluded. The CVH in Ambulatory Care Research Team health index metrics, including smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, obesity, history of hypertension, and diabetes, were used to assess CVH. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Estimation for Dementia Screening. Inflammatory status was assessed based on a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test.
RESULTS
Among 2,622 total participants (mean age, 57.2 years; 1,792 women), 13%, 58%, and 29% had poor, intermediate, and ideal CVH, respectively. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CVH was significantly associated with cognitive function only in women. A stratified analysis showed that cognitive impairment due to CVH was not associated with hs-CRP levels. When the same analyses were conducted for each CVH component, the only component affecting the association was hypertension history in men.
CONCLUSIONS
CVH is not significantly associated with cognitive decline in the middle-aged Korean population. Inflammation did not play a significant modifying role in this relationship.; Summary

Korean summary
• 본 연구는 심뇌혈관 및 대상질환원인연구센터(Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center, CMERC) 코호트의 기반조사 데이터를 활용하여, 심혈관계건강과 인지기능 사이의 연관성을 한국 도시거주 중년인구에서 확인하고, 염증 지표인 고감도C반응단백 (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hs-CRP) 수준에 따른 차이를 탐색하였다. • 남성과 여성 모두에서 CANHEART health index가 낮은 집단에서 인지기능이 평균적으로 더 낮았으나, 통계적으로 유의하지는 않았다. • 염증 수준에 따른 심혈관계건강과 인지기능 사이의 연관성은 해당 연구에서는 확인할 수 없었다.

Key Message
In the Korean middle-aged population, poor cardiovascular health (CVH) assessed by CANHEART health index was associated with low cognitive function, but not statistically significant. Further investigation is suggested to develop CVH index specified in Korean populations and to estimate the association between CVH and cognitive function in larger population.

Stressful life events and serum triglyceride levels: the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort in Korea: Naharin Sultana Anni, Sun Jae Jung, Jee-Seon Shim, Yong Woo Jeon, Ga Bin Lee, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021042. Published online June 9, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021042

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367 Download
2 Citations

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Elevated serum triglyceride levels are a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. A number of studies have demonstrated a positive association between psychological stress and serum triglyceride levels. However, there is limited evidence regarding the impact of stressful life events (SLEs) on serum triglyceride levels in the healthy population. Therefore, we evaluated the independent association between SLEs and serum triglyceride levels in a middle-aged Korean population.

METHODS

We analyzed a sample of 2,963 people (aged 30-64 years; 36% men) using baseline data from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center (CMERC) cohort study. The Korean version of the Life Experience Survey questionnaire was used to measure the presence and positive/negative impact of SLEs. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as a fasting serum triglyceride level of ≥ 150 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Of the 2,963 participants, 33.1% reported at least 1 SLE over the past 6 months and 24.8% had hypertriglyceridemia. Even after adjusting for potential confounders, the serum triglyceride level was significantly associated with the total number of SLEs in men (3.333 mg/dL per event; p= 0.001), but not in women (0.451 mg/dL per event, p= 0.338). Hypertriglyceridemia was also associated with having 4 or more SLEs with positive effects (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; 95% CI, 1.02 to 6.46) and 4 or more SLEs with negative effects (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16 to 3.41) in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SLEs may increase the risk of hypertriglyceridemia in middle-aged men.

Summary

Korean summary
30-64세 중년 남성에서 스트레스성 생활 사건(stressful life events)를 많이 경험한 경우 혈청 중성지방 농도가 높은 경향이 관찰되었다. 스트레스성 질환의 적절한 관리가 이상지질혈증같은 만성대사질환 예방에 도움이 될 수 있음을 시사하는 결과이다.

Key Message
Stressful life events can be linked to hypertriglyceridemia among middle-aged men. This suggests that proper management of stressful events can help prevention of metabolic disorders such as abnormal blood lipids.

Citations

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“γάλα ἀντὶ αἵματος”—An Unwonted Hagiographic Topos
Dragoş Boicu
Religions.2022; 13(7): 613. CrossRef
Age Stratification in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Heart Failure
Camron Edrissi, Chase Rathfoot, Krista Knisely, Carolyn Breauna Sanders, Richard Goodwin, Samuel I. Nathaniel, Thomas Nathaniel
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2022; 12(1): 38. CrossRef

Gender role stereotypes, patriarchal attitudes, and cognitive function in the elderly rural Korean population: a cross-sectional study: Hye Rin Choi, Byeonggwan Ha, Ye Jin Jeon, Yoosik Youm, Hyeon Chang Kim, Sun Jae Jung; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021023. Published online April 7, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021023

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1 Citations

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We analyzed whether gender role stereotypes (GRS) and patriarchal attitudes are associated with cognitive function in an elderly community.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 580 people enrolled in the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. The degrees to which respondents held stereotypical beliefs about gender roles and had patriarchal mindsets were measured using a questionnaire. Based on participants’ responses, we divided respondents into 2 groups—those with conservative mindsets and those with open mindsets—according to the median score for each of the 2 variables. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Korean version (MMSE-K). Cognitive impairment was defined as an MMSE-K score ≤21 points. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for gender, age, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, and social network size. Age and lifestyle factors were stratified.

RESULTS

Compared to those with open mindsets, those with conservative mindsets regarding gender roles and patriarchal norms had adjusted odds ratios of 1.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 3.19) and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.79) for cognitive impairment, respectively. In the stratified analysis, subgroups with younger age and a good lifestyle maintained a protective association with cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

GRS and a patriarchal mindset were marginally significantly associated with cognitive impairment among women later in life.

Summary

Korean summary
농촌지역에 거주하는 노년기 인구 580명 대상으로 성 역할 고정관념 또는 가부장적 사고가 인지기능과 연관성이 있는지 로지스틱 회귀분석을 통해 알아보았다. 분석결과, 보수적인 성 역할 고정관념과 가부장적 사고를 가진 여성에서 개방적인 사고를 가진 여성보다 인지기능이 통계적으로 유의하게 저하된 결과를 얻었다.

Key Message
We investigated whether gender role stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes are associated with cognitive function in the elderly rural Korean population. Compared to women with open attitudes, those with conservative attitudes regarding gender roles and patriarchal norms had marginally significant higher odds ratios for cognitive impairment. Thus, gender role stereotypes and a patriarchal mindset were marginally significantly associated with cognitive impairment among women later in life.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Examining the gender equity outlook and patriarchal beliefs of police constables in Allahabad, India: A machine learning approach
Saumya Tripathi
Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Association of social network size and composition with physical activity in Korean middle-aged adults: Moon Su Kwak, So Mi Jemma Cho, Jee-Seon Shim, Dae Jung Kim, Yoosik Youm, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2020;42:e2020070. Published online November 25, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2020070

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Physical activity (PA) is an established protective factor for many chronic diseases. Numerous studies have established positive relationships between social networks and PA. Accordingly, this study examined the relationship between social network structures (specifically the network size and the number and proportion of same-sex alters) and self-reported PA in Korean middle-age adults, where the term “alter” refers to a respondent’s social network members.
METHODS
We analyzed 8,092 participants of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort. We assessed the association between each network structure variable and PA level using a linear regression model. Then, we employed logistic regression to evaluate associations between social network structure and adherence to guideline-recommended exercise levels. Socio-demographic factors and health status measures were used as covariates.
RESULTS
In both sexes, the social network size and proportion of same-sex network members showed positive relationships with total and moderate-to-vigorous PA. Notably, female participants with a greater number of kin were more likely to satisfy the recommended amount of total PA.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that large scale, same-sex intervention programs can help to achieve recommended PA regimens.; Summary

Korean summary
이 연구는 30-64세 중년의 한국인 8,092(남자 2,805, 여자 5,207)명에서 사회연결망 특성과 신체활동량의 관련성을 평가했다. 남녀 모두에서 사회연결망의 크기가 클수록, 연결망내 동성인 사람의 비중이 높을수록 신체활동량이 많았다. 사회연결망 크기와 연결망내 동성인 사람의 비중은 권장 신체활동량을 충족률과도 양의 관련성을 보였다. 반면, 연결망내 친족의 비중이 높은 경우는 오히려 권장신체활동량을 충족할 가능성이 낮았다.

Key Message

Comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed measurements of physical activity according to socio-demographic characteristics in Korean adults: Seung Won Lee, Jee-Seon Shim, Bo Mi Song, Ho Jae Lee, Hye Yoon Bae, Ji Hye Park, Hye Rin Choi, Jae Won Yang, Ji Eun Heo, So Mi Jemma Cho, Ga Bin Lee, Diana Huanan Hidalgo, Tae-Hoon Kim, Kyung Soo Chung, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2018;40:e2018060. Published online November 29, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2018060

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Abstract Summary PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Previous studies have shown relatively low correlations between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed physical activity (PA). However, this association differs by socio-demographic factors, and this relationship has not been fully investigated in the general population. Thus, we investigated the correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA and whether it differed by demographic and socioeconomic factors among the Korean general population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 623 participants (203 men and 420 women) aged 30 to 64 years, who completed a PA questionnaire and wore a wrist-worn accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist for 7 days. We examined the agreement for metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) between the 2 measures and calculated Spearman correlation coefficients according to demographic and socioeconomic factors.

RESULTS

The kappa coefficient between tertiles of self-reported and accelerometer-assessed total MET-min/wk was 0.16 in the total population, suggesting overall poor agreement. The correlation coefficient between the 2 measurements was 0.26 (p<0.001) in the total population, and the correlation tended to decrease with increasing age (p for trend <0.001) and depression scores (p for trend <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a low correlation between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA among healthy Korean adults, and the correlation decreased with age and depression score. When studying PA using accelerometers and/or questionnaires, age and depression need to be considered, as should differences between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed PA.

Summary

Korean summary
역학연구에서 신체활동량 측정에 가장 많이 사용되는 설문조사와 가속도계 착용법인데, 두 가지 방법으로 측정한 신체활동량은 상관성이 그리 높지 않으며, 대상자 특성에 따라서도 일치도가 다른 것으로 보고되고 있다. 따라서, 비교적 건강한 중년의 한국 성인을 대상으로 자가설문과 가속도계 조사를 사용해 측정한 신체활동량의 관련성을 조사해보았다. 이 연구는 전향적 코호트 연구의 기반조사 결과를 이용한 단면연구로, 지역사회 거주하는 30-64세 성인 623명(남성203명, 여성 420명)을 대상으로 하였으며, 신체활동을 자가보고 설문조사와 3축 가속도계를 7일간 손목에 연속착용하여 측정하고 두 방법으로 측정한 신체활동량을 비교하였다. 전체 대상자에서 두 방법으로 측정한 신체활동량 삼분위(tertile) 값의 일치도를 조사했을 때 Kappa 통계량은 0.16 이었으며 Spearman 상관계수는 0.26 (p<0.001)이었다. 나이가 많을수록 우울증상이 많을수록 두 방법 간 일치도와 상관성이 낮아지는 경향을 보였다.

Key Message

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Kelly R. Evenson, Elissa Scherer, Kennedy M. Peter, Carmen C. Cuthbertson, Stephanie Eckman, Zulkarnain Jaafar
PLOS ONE.2022; 17(11): e0276890. CrossRef
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Association between social network structure and physical activity in middle-aged Korean adults
So Mi Jemma Cho, Hokyou Lee, Jee-Seon Shim, Yoosik Youm, Sun Jae Jung, Dae Jung Kim, Hyeon Chang Kim
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