Epidemiology and Health

Special Article

The Korea National Disability Registration System: Miso Kim, Wonyoung Jung, So Young Kim, Jong Hyock Park, Dong Wook Shin; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023053. Published online May 11, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023053

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Abstract

The Korea National Disability Registration System (KNDRS) was established in 1989 to provide social welfare benefits based on predefined criteria for disability registration and an objective medical assessment using a disability grading system. Disability registration requires (1) a medical examination by a qualified specialist physician and (2) a medical advisory meeting to review the degree of disability. Medical institutions and specialists for the diagnosis of disabilities are legally stipulated, and medical records for a specified period are required to support the diagnosis. The number of disability types has gradually expanded, and 15 disability types have been legally defined. As of 2021, 2.645 million people were registered as disabled, accounting for approximately 5.1% of the total population. Among the 15 disability types, disabilities of the extremities account for the largest proportion (45.1%). Previous studies have investigated the epidemiology of disabilities using data from the KNDRS, combined predominantly with data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Korea has a mandatory public health insurance system that covers the entire Korean population, and the National Health Insurance Services manages all eligibility information, including disability types and severity ratings. In short, the KNDRS-NHIRD is a significant data resource for research on the epidemiology of disabilities.

Summary

Korean summary
한국에서는 장애의 유형과 장애 유형별 장애정도를 장애인 복지법에서 규정하고 있다. 우리는 한국의 장애등록제도의 역사와 장애등록절차 그리고 장애유형별 통계 현황에 대해서 다루고자 한다.

Key Message
In Korea, the types and severity levels of disabilities are legally defined by the Korea National Disability Registration System (KNDRS). We address the history of the KNDRS, disability registration procedures, and current statistics.

Citations

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Increased risk of Parkinson's disease amongst patients with age‐related macular degeneration and visual disability: A nationwide cohort study
Je Moon Yoon, Dong Hui Lim, Jinyoung Youn, Kyungdo Han, Bong Sung Kim, Wonyoung Jung, Yohwan Yeo, Dong Wook Shin, Don‐Il Ham
European Journal of Neurology.2023; 30(9): 2641. CrossRef

Original Articles

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality trends in Spain, 1980-2020: Lucia Cayuela, José Luis López-Campos, Anna Michela Gaeta, Rocio Reinoso-Arija, Aurelio Cayuela; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023036. Published online March 18, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023036

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Abstract Summary PDF: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
In Spain, there has been a recent increase in the mortality rate for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in younger women. This study aimed to analyze trends in the COPD mortality rate in Spain from 1980 to 2020, evaluating any differences between genders and age groups.
METHODS
Death certificates and mid-year population data were obtained from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. For both genders, age group-specific and standardized (overall and truncated) rates were calculated by the direct method using the world standard population. The data were analyzed using the joinpoint regression method.
RESULTS
In both men and women, the number of COPD deaths increased from 1980 to 1999 (average annual increase of 7% in men and 4% in women), while from 1999 onwards, deaths decreased by -1.0% per year in both genders. In women, there was a significant final period of increase in the 55-59 to 70-74 age groups and a slowing of the decline in the over 75 age group. Additionally, an increase in mortality for the truncated rates was observed for women between 2006 and 2020. In men under 70 years of age, there was an initial period in which death rates remained stable or significantly increased, followed by a period in which they decreased significantly.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows age and gender differences in COPD mortality trends in Spain. Although the data show a downward trend, we have identified a worrying increase in the truncated rates in women for the last few years.; Summary

Key Message
Currently, mortality trends for COPD in Spain shows age and gender differences. Although the data show an overall downward trend, we have identified a worrying increase in the truncated rates in women for the last few years. This could be representing the beginning of an epidemic increase in mortality from COPD in women. Consequently, strategies should be strengthened and promoted to prevent smoking in all its forms in the general population, as well as encourage proper cessation treatments.

Perceived usefulness of COVID-19 tools for contact tracing among contact tracers in Korea: Seonyeong Gong, Jong Youn Moon, Jaehun Jung; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022106. Published online November 15, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022106

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
In Korea, contact tracing for coronavirus disease 2019 is conducted using information from credit card records, handwritten visitor logs, KI-Pass (QR code), and the Safe Call system after an interview. We investigated the usefulness of these tools for contact tracing.
METHODS
An anonymous survey was conducted for 2 months (July to September 2021) among contact tracers throughout Korea. The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) the usefulness of each tool for contact tracing; (3) the order in which information was checked during contact tracing; and (4) the match rate between tools for contact tracing, screening test rate, response rate, and helpfulness (rated on a Likert scale).
RESULTS
In total, 190 individuals completed the survey. When asked to rate the usefulness of each tool for contact tracing on a Likert scale, most respondents (86.3%) provided positive responses for credit card records, while the most common responses for handwritten visitor logs were negative. The highest percentage of positive responses for helpfulness was found for KI-Pass (91.1%), followed in descending order by credit card records (82.6%), Safe Call (78.2%), and handwritten visitor logs (22.1%).
CONCLUSIONS
Over 80% of participants provided positive responses for credit card records, KI-Pass, and Safe Call data, while approximately 50% provided negative responses regarding the usefulness of handwritten visitor logs. Our findings highlight the need to unify systems for post-interview contact tracing to increase their convenience for contact tracers, as well as the need to improve tools utilizing handwritten visitor logs for digitally vulnerable groups.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 국내 역학조사 담당자들을 대상으로 시행한 설문조사를 중심으로 면담조사 후 추가적으로 실시하는 다양한 접촉자 추적 방법의 유용성에 대한 분석을 목표로 한다. 응답자 중 약 80% 이상이 카드결제기록, KI-Pass, GPS 및 CCTV 정보의 유용성에 대해 긍정적으로 응답하였다. 반면 약 50%는 수기명부의 유용성에 대해 부정적으로 응답하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 역학조사관과 사용자 모두의 편의를 위해 역학조사 방법의 일원화가 필요할 뿐만 아니라 디지털 취약 계층을 위해 수기명부를 대체할 수 있는 시스템의 필요성을 시사한다.

Key Message
We conducted an anonymous online survey to assess the usefulness of tools for contact tracing for COVID-19 in Korea. Over 80% of participants provided positive responses regarding the usefulness of credit card records, KI-Pass, and Safe Call data, while approximately 50% provided negative responses regarding the usefulness of handwritten visitor logs. Our findings highlight the need to unify contact tracing systems to increase their convenience for contact tracers.

COVID-19: Epidemiologic Investigation

Analysis of the on-ship transmission of the COVID-19 mass outbreak on the Republic of Korea Navy amphibious warfare ship: Soo Hyeon Cho, Young-Man Kim, Gyeongyong Seong, Sunkyun Park, Seoncheol Park, Sang-Eun Lee, Young Joon Park; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022065. Published online August 11, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022065

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This investigation was conducted to determine the size and pattern, source, and transmission route of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) amphibious warfare ship.
METHODS
We investigated the characteristics of all crew members and tracked the medical records of the confirmed cases. Fourteen essential ship operation personnel were interviewed. The study design was a retrospective cohort study, and the incidence rate ratio was through a statistical program.
RESULTS
The COVID-19 incidence on the ROKN amphibious warfare ship was 44.7% (38/85). It was estimated that the main propagation route started from the 1st floor worker, which spread to the same floor, and then to other floors. In the case of the working area, the incidence rate of crew members below the 1st floor without ventilation was higher than those on the 2nd or higher floors with natural ventilation.
CONCLUSIONS
This case is the first case of a COVID-19 outbreak on the ROKN amphibious warfare ship, and it is estimated that the incidence rate is high because of the closed and dense environment. To prevent the spread of various respiratory diseases including COVID-19, unified mitigation such as vaccination, observing personal quarantine rules, periodic ventilation, preemptive testing, and blocking transmission through prompt contact management is necessary.; Summary

Korean summary
본 조사는 국내 첫 해군 상륙함 내 코로나19 집단발생의 규모 및 양상, 감염원과 전파경로를 규명하기 위해 수행되었다. 해군 상륙함에서의 발생률은 44.7%였으며 자연 환기가 가능한 2층 이상 근무자에 비해 환기가 불가능한 1층 이하 근무자의 발생률이 높았고 이는 통계적으로 유의했다. 밀폐된 환경에서 밀접한 생활을 하는 해군 상륙함의 특성을 고려하여 개인방역수칙 준수, 주기적 환기, 선제적 검사, 신속한 접촉자 관리 등을 통한 전파 차단이 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

Key Message
This investigation was conducted to determine the size and pattern of the outbreak of the COVID-19 infection, the source of infection and the transmission route on the ROK Navy Amphibious Warfare ship. The incidence on ROKN Amphibious Warfare ship was 44.7% (38/85) and the incidence rate of crew members below the first floor without ventilation was higher than those on the second floor or higher with natural ventilation. To prevent various respiratory diseases including COVID-19, unified mitigation such as vaccination, observing personal quarantine rules, periodic ventilation, preemptive testing, and blocking transmission through prompt contact management is necessary.

Review

Epidemiology of myocardial infarction in Korea: hospitalization incidence, prevalence, and mortality: Rock Bum Kim, Jang-Rak Kim, Jin Yong Hwang; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022057. Published online July 12, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022057

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Abstract

Few studies have comprehensively presented epidemiological indicators of myocardial infarction in Korea. However, multiple published articles and open-source secondary data on the epidemiology of myocardial infarction are now available. This review summarized the hospitalization incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate of myocardial infarction in Korea using articles and open-source data from the Health Insurance Service and the Department of Statistics, surveys of sample populations, registries of patients, and other sources. The epidemiological indicators of myocardial infarction were compared between Korea and other high-income countries. The incidence of hospitalization due to myocardial infarction in Korea was 43.2 cases per 100,000 population in 2016 and has consistently increased since 2011. It was 2.4 times higher among men than among women. The estimated prevalence among adults over 30 years of age ranged from 0.34% to 0.70% in 2020; it was higher among men and increased with age. The mortality in 2020, which was 19.3 per 100,000 population in 2020, remained relatively stable in recent years. Mortality was higher among men than among women. Based on representative inpatient registry data, the proportion of ST-elevated myocardial infarction decreased until recently, and the median time from symptom onset to hospital arrival was approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The hospitalization incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate of myocardial infarction were lower in Korea than in other countries, although there was an increasing trend. Comprehensive national-level support and surveillance systems are needed to routinely collect accurate epidemiological indicators.

Summary

Korean summary
○우리나라의 심근경색증 발생률은 2016년 기준 인구 10만명 당 43.2명으로 추정되며 2011년 이후 증가하고 있음. ○ 30세 이상 인구에서 심근경색증 유병률은 0.34% (건강보험청구데이터) 또는 1.0% (국민건강영양조사)로 추정됨. ○ 전체인구에서 심근경색증으로 인한 사망률은 2019년 인구 10만명 당 18.8명으로 최근 큰 변화가 없거나 약간 감소하는 추세임.

Key Message
This review article showed the hospitalized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and features on patient registry of myocardial infarction in Korea from published articles and opened data sources.

Citations

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Prognostic role of sarcopenia on major adverse cardiac events among patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective cohort study
Mi Hwa Won, Kyeong Ho Yun, Heeseon Kim, Youn-Jung Son
European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the intervention effect of curcumin on rodent models of myocardial infarction
Bing-Yao Pang, Ya-Hong Wang, Xing-Wang Ji, Yan Leng, Hou-Bo Deng, Li-Hong Jiang
Frontiers in Pharmacology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Articles

Effect modification of consecutive high concentration days on the association between fine particulate matter and mortality: a multi-city study in Korea: Hyungryul Lim, Sanghyuk Bae, Jonghyuk Choi, Kyung-Hwa Choi, Hyun-Joo Bae, Soontae Kim, Mina Ha, Ho-Jang Kwon; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022052. Published online June 9, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022052

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Although there is substantial evidence for the short-term effect of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on daily mortality, few epidemiological studies have explored the effect of prolonged continuous exposure to high concentrations of PM_2.5. This study investigated how the magnitude of the mortality effect of PM_2.5 exposure is modified by persistent exposure to high PM_2.5 concentrations.
METHODS
We analyzed data on the daily mortality count, simulated daily PM_2.5 level, mean daily temperature, and relative humidity level from 7 metropolitan cities from 2006 to 2019. Generalized additive models (GAMs) with quasi-Poisson distribution and random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool city-specific effects. To investigate the effect modification of continuous exposure to prolonged high concentrations, we applied categorical consecutive-day variables to the GAMs as effect modification terms for PM_2.5.
RESULTS
The mortality risk increased by 0.33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.50), 0.47% (95% CI, -0.09 to 1.04), and 0.26% (95% CI, -0.08 to 0.60) for all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, respectively, with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM_2.5 concentration. The risk of all-cause mortality per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM_2.5 on the first and fourth consecutive days significantly increased by 0.63% (95% CI, 0.20 to 1.06) and 0.36% (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.70), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
We found increased risks of all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortality related to daily PM_2.5 exposure on the day when exposure to high PM_2.5 concentrations began and when exposure persisted for more than 4 days with concentrations of ≥35 μg/m3. Persistently high PM_2.5 exposure had a stronger effect on seniors.; Summary

Korean summary
한국의 7개 대도시를 배경으로 수행한 본 시계열 연구를 통하여 2006년부터 2019년까지의 기간 동안에 초미세먼지의 단기 노출이 일별 사망률을 증가시키며, 교호작용모형을 통해 일평균 35 μg/m3 이상의 고농도 지속기간이 처음 시작되는 날과 넷째 지속일에 이러한 사망효과가 커짐을 보고하였다. 이러한 고농도 지속기간의 교호작용은 65세 이상 연령군에서 더욱 두드러졌다.

Key Message
With our Korean multi-city study design from 2006 to 2019, the short-term effects of PM2.5 on mortality were greater when the high PM2.5 concentration duration began during the day and lasted for approximately 4 days, and the elderly may be more affected by persistently high PM2.5.

Gender differences in under-reporting hiring discrimination in Korea: a machine learning approach: Jaehong Yoon, Ji-Hwan Kim, Yeonseung Chung, Jinsu Park, Glorian Sorensen, Seung-Sup Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021099. Published online November 17, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021099

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to examine gender differences in under-reporting hiring discrimination by building a prediction model for workers who responded “not applicable (NA)” to a question about hiring discrimination despite being eligible to answer.
METHODS
Using data from 3,576 wage workers in the seventh wave (2004) of the Korea Labor and Income Panel Study, we trained and tested 9 machine learning algorithms using “yes” or “no” responses regarding the lifetime experience of hiring discrimination. We then applied the best-performing model to estimate the prevalence of experiencing hiring discrimination among those who answered “NA.” Under-reporting of hiring discrimination was calculated by comparing the prevalence of hiring discrimination between the “yes” or “no” group and the “NA” group.
RESULTS
Based on the predictions from the random forest model, we found that 58.8% of the “NA” group were predicted to have experienced hiring discrimination, while 19.7% of the “yes” or “no” group reported hiring discrimination. Among the “NA” group, the predicted prevalence of hiring discrimination for men and women was 45.3% and 84.8%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This study introduces a methodological strategy for epidemiologic studies to address the under-reporting of discrimination by applying machine learning algorithms.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 한국노동패널조사(7차년도)에 포함된 3576명의 임금근로자의 자료를 이용해 성별에 따른 구직 과정 경험한 차별에 대한 과소보고의 규모를 확인하고자 하였다. 질문에 “예” 또는 “아니요”라고 응답한 임금근로자 3479명 데이터를 이용하여 고용 시 차별경험을 예측하는 머신러닝 모형을 구축하였고, 이를 활용해 이미 직장에서 일하고 있는 상태임에도 “해당사항 없음”이라고 응답한 임금근로자 97명이 차별을 경험했는지 여부를 예측하였다. 분석결과, “해당사항 없음”이라고 답한남성 근로자 64명 중 29명(45.3%), 여성 근로자 33명 중 28명(84.8%)가 실제로 차별을 경험한 것으로 추정되었다.

Key Message
We examined gender differences in under-reporting hiring discrimination for wage workers who responded “not applicable(NA)” to a question about hiring discrimination despite being eligible to answer “yes” or “no.” Using data from 3,576 wage workers of the Korea Labor and Income Panel Study, we estimated the prevalence of hiring discrimination among those who answered “NA,” based on the best-performing machine learning prediction model for “yes” or “no” group. Among the “NA” group, the predicted prevalence of hiring discrimination for men and women was 45.3% and 84.8%, respectively.

Joint association of aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities with metabolic syndrome : the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2015: Jungjun Lim, Soyoung Park, Joon-Sik Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021096. Published online November 6, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021096

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The study aimed to examine whether simultaneously meeting the combined guidelines of accelerometer-assessed moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and self-reported muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) was associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome (MetS) than meeting neither or 1 of the guidelines among the Koreans.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis included 1,355 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014-2015). Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations across groups of MVPA-MSA guideline adherence (meeting neither [reference]; meeting MVPA only; meeting MSA only; meeting both MVPS and MSA) with MetS components (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], hypertension, and hyperglycemia). The odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for covariates (e.g., sex, age, body mass index, and accelerometer wearing time).

RESULTS

MSA only significantly reduced the OR for abdominal obesity (OR, 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 0.91). Meeting both MVPA and MSA reduced the OR for hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.88) and low HDL-C (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.68). Compared to meeting neither, MVPA only (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.89) and both MVPA and MSA (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.76) significantly reduced the OR for MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined MVPA-MSA was more beneficially associated with MetS prevalence than MVPA only and MSA only. Considering that more than 85% of Korean adults do not meet both the MVPA and MSA guidelines, public health actions to promote adherence should be supported.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 2014-2015 국민건강영양조사 자료의 가속도계 자료와 신체활동 설문지를 활용하여 한국 성인의 유산소 신체활동과 근력강화운동 지침 충족 여부에 따른 대사증후군의 오즈비를 확인하였다. 그 결과, 유산소 신체활동과 근력강화운동 지침을 모두 충족한 한국 성인은 둘 중 하나의 지침만을 충족하거나, 모두 충족하지 않는 성인에 비해 더 낮은 오즈비를 나타내었다.

Key Message
In this study, the 2014-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, the odds ratio of metabolic syndrome was confirmed according to the guidelines for aerobic physical activities and muscle-strengthening activities were met in Korean adults. As a result, Korean adults who met both the guidelines for aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities showed a lower odds ratio than adults who met only one of the guidelines or did not meet both guidelines.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The effect of Tabata-style functional high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic health and physical activity in female university students
Yining Lu, Huw D. Wiltshire, Julien Steven Baker, Qiaojun Wang, Shanshan Ying
Frontiers in Physiology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Association of Aerobic and Muscle-strengthening Activities with AIP in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2019
Jungjun Lim, Yang Hei, Yeonsoo Kim
Journal of Korean Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women.2022; 36(3): 245. CrossRef
Current status of health promotion in Korea
Soo Young Kim
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2022; 65(12): 776. CrossRef
Aerobic or Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity: Which Is Better for Health?
Angelique G. Brellenthin, Jason A. Bennie, Duck-chul Lee
Current Sports Medicine Reports.2022; 21(8): 272. CrossRef

Epidemiology and treatment status of hepatitis C virus infection among people who have ever injected drugs in Korea: a prospective multicenter cohort study from 2007 to 2019 in comparison with non-PWID: Kyung-Ah Kim, Gwang Hyun Choi, Eun Sun Jang, Young Seok Kim, Youn Jae Lee, In Hee Kim, Sung Bum Cho, Moran Ki, Hwa Young Choi, Dahye Paik, Sook-Hyang Jeong; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021077. Published online October 6, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021077

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Abstract Summary PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Injection drug use is a major risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; however, limited data on this topic are available in Korea. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, treatment uptake, and outcomes of HCV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID).

METHODS

We used the data from the Korea HCV cohort, which prospectively enrolled patients with HCV infection between 2007 and 2019. Clinical data and results of a questionnaire survey on lifetime risk factors for HCV infection were analyzed according to a self-reported history of injection drug use (PWID vs. non-PWID group).

RESULTS

Among the 2,468 patients, 166 (6.7%) were in the PWID group, which contained younger patients (50.6±8.2 vs. 58.2±13.1 years) and a higher proportion of male (81.9 vs. 48.8%) than the non-PWID group. The distribution of PWID showed significant regional variations. Exposure to other risk factors for HCV infection was different between the groups. The proportion of patients with genotype non-2 infection was higher in the PWID group. Treatment uptake was higher in the PWID group in the interferon era; however, it was comparable between the groups in the direct-acting antiviral era. The rate of sustained virological response did not significantly differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

As of 2019, PWID constituted a minority of HCV-infected people in Korea. The epidemiological characteristics, but not treatment uptake and outcomes, were different between the PWID and non-PWID groups. Therefore, active HCV screening and treatment should be offered to PWID in Korea.

Summary

Korean summary
1. 국내 C형간염 환자 중 정맥주사 사용자의 비율은 6.7%로 서구에 비하면 낮은 편이며, 지역별로 차이가 있다. 2. C형간염 환자 중 정맥주사 사용자는 비사용자에 비하여 연령, 성별 및 C형간염 위험 요인 노출 등에서 상이한 역학적 특성을 보인다. 3. 정맥주사 사용자의 C형간염 치료 수용률이나 치료 성공률은 비사용자와 비슷하다.

Key Message
As of 2019, PWID comprised a minority (6.7%) of all HCV-infected people in South Korea. The epidemiological features of the PWID group were different from those of the non-PWID group in terms of age, sex and exposure to risk factors of HCV infection. However, the treatment uptake and outcomes were not significantly different between these 2 groups in DAA era. Therefore, considering the global and national increase in the number of PWID and the contribution of PWID to new cases of HCV infection, active screening and treatment should be offered to PWID in Korea.

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Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis C among pregnant women in China: a cross-sectional study
Sun He, Gao Shuang, Wu Yinglan, Wang Lan, Wang Wei, Wang Ailing, Wang Changhe, Wang Xiaoyan, Gao Qun, Lu Zechun, Huang Dongxu, Wang Yu, Mo Phoenix Kit Han, Chen Zhongdan, Polin Chan, Wang Qian
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Words are not just words: how the use of media language in the COVID-19 era affects public health: Georgios P. Georgiou; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021072. Published online September 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021072

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Language can shape the way we perceive the world. In this paper, we investigated how exposure to media texts containing alarming and militaristic language affects peoples’ notions regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the consequences of this effect for public health.

METHODS

After reading a passage including either alarming and militaristic or neutral terminology on COVID-19, participants completed a questionnaire in which they answered 4 questions on a 7-point Likert scale. The questions assessed participants’ notions on the end of the pandemic, vaccine effectiveness, and the consequences of COVID-19 for economies and mental health. Ordinal regression models in R were used for the analysis.

RESULTS

Individuals who were exposed to alarming and militaristic language expressed more pessimistic notions regarding COVID-19 than those who were exposed to more neutral language. However, both groups of individuals had similar notions regarding vaccine effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The media should redefine the language they use for the description of the pandemic, considering that the extensive use of alarming and militaristic terminology may have a negative impact on public health.

Summary

Key Message
This study shows that exposure to alarming and militaristic terminology creates pessimistic notions about COVID-19. The media should avoid the extensive use of such terminology for the description of the pandemic, as this can negatively affect public health.

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Examining the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and self-harm death counts in four Canadian provinces
Shelly Isnar, Mark Oremus
Psychiatry Research.2022; 310: 114433. CrossRef
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Our Language Use?
Francesca Pisano, Alessio Manfredini, Daniela Brachi, Luana Landi, Lucia Sorrentino, Marianna Bottone, Chiara Incoccia, Paola Marangolo
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(21): 13836. CrossRef

Data Profile

Data resource profile: the Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey: Yeon-Kyeng Lee, Sung Ok Hong, Soo-Jung Park, Mijin Park, Kyunghae Wang, Mini Jo, Jeongah Oh, Sin Ae Lee, Hyeon Ju Lee, Jungeun Oh, Dosang Lim, Sanghui Kweon, Youngtaek Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021052. Published online August 17, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021052

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Abstract

The Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey (KNHDIS), which was started in 2005, is a national probability survey of general hospitals in Korea with 100 or more beds conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The KNHDIS captures approximately 9% of discharged cases from sampled hospitals using a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling scheme, among which 13% are injury related cases, defined as S00-T98 (injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes) using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes. The KNHDIS collects information on characteristics of injury-related discharges in order to understand the scale of injuries, identify risk factors, and provide data supporting prevention policies and intervention strategies. The types of data captured include the hospitals’ information, detailed clinical information, and injury-related codes such as the mechanism, activities undertaken when injured (sports, leisure activities, work, treatment, and education), external causes of the injury, and location of the occurrence of the injury based on the International Classification of External Causes of Injuries. Furthermore, the means of transportation, risk factors for suicide, and toxic substances are recoreded. Annual reports of the KNHDIS are publicly accessible to browse via the KDCA website (http://www.kdca.go.kr) and microdata are available free of charge upon request via email (kcdcinjury@korea.kr).

Summary

Korean summary
퇴원손상심층조사는 손상발생 규모 및 손상 퇴원환자의 발생 추이를 파악하고자 2005년 도입된국가 단위 통계를 산출하는 표본 조사 사업이다. 본 연구는 퇴원손상심층조사의 표본설계, 조사방법, 조사항목과 함께 그간의 조사결과의 활용도 등 성과에 대해 살펴보았다. 조사결과는 국가 손상예방관리를 위한 기초자료로 활용되고 있으며, 조사 원자료는 공개하고 있다.

Key Message
The Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey (KNHDIS), started in 2005, is a national probability survey of general hospitals in Korea with 100 or more beds conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The KNHDIS collects information on characteristics of injury-related discharges to understand the scale of injuries, identify risk factors, and provide data supporting prevention policies. The data captured including the hospitals’ information, and injury-related codes based on the International Classification of External Causes of Injuries. Annual reports of the KNHDIS are publicly accessible from KDCA website and microdata are available upon request via email.

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Predictive model for early functional outcomes following acute care after traumatic brain injuries: A machine learning-based development and validation study
Meng Zhang, Moning Guo, Zihao Wang, Haimin Liu, Xue Bai, Shengnan Cui, Xiaopeng Guo, Lu Gao, Lingling Gao, Aimin Liao, Bing Xing, Yi Wang
Injury.2023; 54(3): 896. CrossRef
Area-Level Socioeconomic Inequalities in Intracranial Injury-Related Hospitalization in Korea: A Retrospective Analysis of Data From Korea National Hospital Discharge Survey 2008–2015
Hang A Park, Federico E. Vaca, Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Hyesook Park, Ju Ok Park
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
The Association between Comorbidities and Comorbid Injuries on Treatment Outcome in Pediatric and Elderly Patients with Injuries in Korea: An Observational Study
Kyunghee Lee, Jieun Hwang
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(10): 6277. CrossRef

Original Articles

Epidemiological distribution of primary central nervous system tumors in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia: a local registry from neuroscience-affiliated centers: Maher Kurdi, Nadeem Shafique Butt, Saleh Baeesa, Badrah Alghamdi, Yazid Maghrabi, Anas Bardeesi, Rothaina Saeedi, Ahmed I. Lary; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021037. Published online May 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021037

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Abstract Summary PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a major and growing global healthcare challenge. Western Saudi Arabia has an inconsistent data registry; therefore, the epidemiology of CNS tumors is unclear across the country. This study is aimed to assemble the epidemiological matrix of CNS tumors in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using clinical data obtained from 3 neuroscience centers in Western Saudi Arabia in the period 2014-2019. The sample size included 663 adult and pediatric cases from the local and expatriate populations diagnosed with CNS tumors. The distributions of age, sex, clinical presentation, tumor location, type of surgery, histological subtype, genetic characteristics, and recurrence rate were explored.

RESULTS

The analysis included 500 adult cases and 163 pediatric cases up to 18 years of age with a male-to-female ratio of 1.16. The mean age at diagnosis was 38.0±22.6 years. The supratentorium was the most common location (n=515, 77.7%). Most patients presented with headache (n=298, 44.9%), followed by a focal neurological deficit (19.9%). The most common primary CNS tumor was glioblastoma (n=234, 35.3%), followed by meningioma (n=100, 15.1%). The recurrence rate after surgery was estimated to be 40.9% among all CNS tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first tumor registry of Western Province of Saudi Arabia that describes the distribution of primary CNS tumors and highlights their epidemiological matrix. Several incidence trends in terms of histological type, age group, sex, location, and recurrence were determined, and some genetic characteristics were recognized.

Summary

Key Message
Incidence, prevalence and the recurrence of CNS tumors vary according to histological type, age at diagnosis, sex, and available treatments. Further research should be performed to identify potential risk factors for CNS tumors in Saudi Arabia. Genome technology provides an opportunity to relate incidence rates with risk factors.

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Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Gliomas as a Predictive Factor for Tumor Recurrence – A Clinicopathological Study
Basant H. Sayed, Samia M. Gabal, Ahmed M. Abdalaziz, Dalia Abd El-Kareem
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.2023; 11(A): 221. CrossRef
Epidemiological Trends in Childhood Cancer in Saudi Arabia
Nazim Faisal Hamid, Fayez Muawwadh Albalawi, Abdulrahman Abdullah Aloufi, Rawapy Ali Hamas, Nasser Awadh H Alanazi, Tariq Hulayyil Alanazi
Clinical Cancer Investigation Journal.2022; 11(5): 42. CrossRef

Inherently high uncertainty in predicting the time evolution of epidemics: Seung-Nam Park, Hyong-Ha Kim, Kyoung Beom Lee; Epidemiol Health. 2021;43:e2021014. Published online February 8, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2021014

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Abstract Summary PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Amid the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its high infectivity, we have relied on mathematical models to predict the temporal evolution of the disease. This paper aims to show that, due to active behavioral changes of individuals and the inherent nature of infectious diseases, it is complicated and challenging to predict the temporal evolution of epidemics.

METHODS

A modified susceptible-exposed-infectious-hospitalized-removed (SEIHR) compartment model with a discrete feedback-controlled transmission rate was proposed to incorporate individuals’ behavioral changes into the model. To figure out relative uncertainties in the infection peak time and the fraction of the infected population at the peak, a deterministic method and 2 stochastic methods were applied.

RESULTS

A relatively small behavioral change of individuals with a feedback constant of 0.02 in the modified SEIHR model resulted in a peak time delay of up to 50% using the deterministic method. Incorporating stochastic methods into the modified model with a feedback constant of 0.04 suggested that the relative random uncertainty of the maximum fraction of infections and that of the peak time for a population of 1 million reached 29% and 9%, respectively. Even without feedback, the relative uncertainty of the peak time increased by up to 20% for a population of 100,000.

CONCLUSIONS

It is shown that uncertainty originates from stochastic properties of infections. Without a proper selection of the evolution scenario, active behavioral changes of individuals could serve as an additional source of uncertainty.

Summary

Korean summary
이 논문은 감염병에 대응하는 개인의 능동적 행동 변화와 감염병의 고유한 특성 때문에 그 진행을 예측하는 것은 복잡하고 도전적인 작업이라는 것을 보이기 위한 것이다. 이런 행동 변화를 고려하기 위하여 감염률에 피드백 제어를 줄 수 있는 SEIHR 수정 모델을 제안하였다. 최대 감염까지 경과 시간과 최대 감염률의 상대 불확도를 계산하기 위하여 하나의 결정론적 방법과 두 가지의 확률론적 방법 적용하였다. 감염병 예측의 불확도는 감염의 확률론적 성질에 기인하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 적절한 진행의 시나리오를 설정하지 못할 경우 개인의 능동적 행동 변화가 추가적인 불확도 요인이 될 것이다.

Key Message
This paper is to show that, due to active behavioral changes of individuals and inherent natures of infectious diseases, it is complicated and challenging to predict the temporal evolutions. A modified-SEIHR compartment model with a discretely feedback-controlled transmission rate was proposed to incorporate the behavioral changes of individuals into the model. To figure out relative uncertainties in the infection peak times and the fraction of the infected population at the peak, a deterministic method and two stochastic methods were applied. It is shown that the uncertainty of the prediction originates from stochastic properties of the infections. Without a proper selection of the evolution scenarios, the active behavioral changes of individuals could cause an additional uncertainty.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Evolution and consequences of individual responses during the COVID-19 outbreak
Wasim Abbas, Masud M. A., Anna Park, Sajida Parveen, Sangil Kim, Siew Ann Cheong
PLOS ONE.2022; 17(9): e0273964. CrossRef

An alarmingly high and increasing prevalence of obesity in Jordan: Kamel Ajlouni, Yousef Khader, Anwar Batieha, Hashem Jaddou, Mohammed El-Khateeb; Epidemiol Health. 2020;42:e2020040. Published online June 6, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2020040

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Abstract PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Jordan, to assess related trends, and to determine associated factors and comorbidities.

METHODS

A multipurpose national household survey of Jordanian adults was conducted over a 4-month period in 2017. Data were collected using a structured validated questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements including waist circumference (WC; measured midway between the iliac crest and the lower rib margin), body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were obtained to categorize participants with regard to overweight and obesity.

RESULTS

This study included 4,056 persons (1,193 men and 2,863 women) aged 18 years to 90 years (mean±standard deviation, 43.8±14.2 years). According to the International Diabetes Federation WC criteria, the age-standardized prevalence of obesity was 60.4% among men and 75.6% among women, while approximately three-quarters of men and women were overweight or obese as defined by BMI. The age-adjusted odds of obesity in 2017 were approximately twice those in 2009 in men (odds ratio [OR], 1.98) and women (OR, 1.96). In the multivariate analysis, age, region of residence, and marital status were significantly associated with obesity in both genders. Obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after adjusting for age.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of obesity in Jordan is high and increasing, and obesity is associated with other metabolic abnormalities. Well-defined programs to control and prevent obesity, as well as intersectoral action, are urgently required to reverse current trends.

Summary

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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on obesity among adults in Jordan
Taha Rababah, Muhammad Al-U'datt, Malak M. Angor, Sana Gammoh, Rana Rababah, Ghazi Magableh, Ali Almajwal, Yara AL-Rayyan, Numan AL-Rayyan
Frontiers in Nutrition.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Profiling Cardiometabolic Health in Jordan: A Call to Action to Improve Cardiovascular Health
Khalid Sawalha, Reda Asad, Fuad Habash, Angel López-Candales
Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Are There Any Correlations between Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium Intake and Coronary and Obesity Indices?
Buthaina Alkhatib, Lana M. Agraib, Anfal Al-Dalaeen, Islam Al-Shami
Journal of the American Nutrition Association.2023; : 1. CrossRef
Energy and macronutrient intakes in Jordan: a population study
Huda Al Hourani, Buthaina Alkhatib, Islam Al-Shami, Amin N. Olaimat, Murad Al-Holy, Narmeen Jamal Al-Awwad, Mahmoud Abughoush, Nada A. Saleh, Dima AlHalaika, Omar Alboqai, Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
What is a “high” prevalence of obesity? Two rapid reviews and a proposed set of thresholds for classifying prevalence levels
Tim Lobstein, Jo Jewell
Obesity Reviews.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Unhealthy Dietary Habits and Obesity: The Major Risk Factors Beyond Non-Communicable Diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, Marwa M. S. Abbass
Frontiers in Nutrition.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Changing Trends in Estrogen Receptors/Progesterone Receptors/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Prevalence Rates Among Jordanian Patients With Breast Cancer Over the Years
Anas M. Alsughayer, Tamara Z. Dabbagh, Rashid H. Abdel-Razeq, Ghada N. Al-Jussani, Salam Alhassoon, Maher A. Sughayer
JCO Global Oncology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Healthy nutritional behavior during COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study
Hayder Al-Domi, Anfal AL-Dalaeen, Sara AL-Rosan, Nour Batarseh, Hala Nawaiseh
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN.2021; 42: 132. CrossRef
Overweight and Obesity among Adults in Iraq: Prevalence and Correlates from a National Survey in 2015
Supa Pengpid, Karl Peltzer
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(8): 4198. CrossRef
Underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan: prevalence and correlates from a national survey in 2018
Supa Pengpid, Karl Peltzer
Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
The Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Women in Jordan: A Risk Factor for Developing Chronic Diseases
Mona Bustami, Khalid Z Matalka, Eyad Mallah, Luay Abu-Qatouseh, Wael Abu Dayyih, Nour Hussein, Nayef Abu Safieh, Yousef Elyyan, Nagham Hussein, Tawfiq Arafat
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.2021; Volume 14: 1533. CrossRef
Obesity Measures as Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases among the Jordanian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hana Alkhalidy, Aliaa Orabi, Khadeejah Alnaser, Islam Al-Shami, Tamara Alzboun, Mohammad D. Obeidat, Dongmin Liu
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(22): 12187. CrossRef
Review of the Nutrition Situation in Jordan: Trends and Way Forward
Narmeen Jamal Al-Awwad, Jennifer Ayoub, Rawhieh Barham, Wafaa Sarhan, Murad Al-Holy, Mahmoud Abughoush, Huda Al-Hourani, Amin Olaimat, Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
Nutrients.2021; 14(1): 135. CrossRef

Major enteropathogens in humans, domestic animals, and environmental soil samples from the same locality: prevalence and transmission considerations in coastal Odisha, India: Arpit Kumar Shrivastava, Nirmal Kumar Mohakud, Swagatika Panda, Saumya Darshana Patra, Subrat Kumar, Priyadarshi Soumyaranjan Sahu; Epidemiol Health. 2020;42:e2020034. Published online May 26, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2020034

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

Objectives
Regions with limited sanitation facilities have higher rates of infections with various enteric pathogens. It is therefore important to identify different hosts and their relative contribution to pathogen shedding into the environment, and to assess the subsequent health risks to humans.

Methods

In this study, human faecal (n=310), animal faecal (n=150), and environmental (soil) samples (n=40) were collected from the same locality and screened for selected enteric pathogens by immunochromatography and/or polymerase chain reaction.

Results

At least 1 microbial agent was detected in 49.0%, 44.7%, and 40.0% of the samples from human, animals, and soil, respectively. Among humans, rotavirus was predominantly detected (17.4%) followed by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (15.4%), Shigella (13.8), and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (9.7%). Among animals, STEC was detected most frequently (28.0%), and EPEC was the major enteric pathogen detected in soil (30.0%). The detection rate of rotavirus was higher among younger children (≤2 years) than among older children. Single infections were more commonly detected than multiple infections in humans (p<0.01), unlike the observations in animal and soil samples. For diarrhoeagenic E. coli and Shigella, most of the human and animal isolates showed close relatedness, suggesting possible cross-infection between humans and domesticated animals in the area studied.

Conclusions

The present study provides an improved understanding of the distribution of major enteric pathogens coexisting in humans and animals in the region, thereby suggesting a high potential for possible transmission among livestock and communities residing in the studied locality.

Summary

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Habibu Tijjani, Adamu Matinja, Marwanatu Yahya, Emmanuel Aondofa, Akibu Sani
Natural Resources for Human Health.2022; 2(2): 246. CrossRef

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