Korean Adults Research Articles

Comparison of Self-Rated Health in Korean and American Older Adults in Two Cross-Sectional Studies

Comparison of Self-Rated Health in Korean and American Older Adults in Two Cross-Sectional Studies

Effects of Voice Therapy using Semi-Occluded Ventilation Mask and Speech Tasks on Adults with Vocal Fatigue

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the vocal changes in adults experiencing subjective vocal fatigue through a three-week intervention employing a semi-occluded ventilation mask (SOVM), which is a type of semi-occluded vocal tract exercise (SOVTE), and Korean speech materials. Methods: We implemented a three-week intervention program using an SOVM and a protocol based on Korean speech materials for 22 Korean adults (5 males and 17 females, aged 25.81 ± 7.31 years) reporting subjective vocal fatigue. The SOVM was fabricated by establishing a semi-occluded environment using a silicone plug with a central hole, which was inserted into the front opening of an air-cushion mask, typically used in medical context. Participants were also instructed to perform home training sessions twice a day until the subsequent intervention. The outcomes of multi-dimensional voice evaluations were compared pre- and post-intervention to assess vocal changes. Results: Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in specific acoustic measurements (jitter percent, shimmer percent, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and cepstral peak prominence of vowel phonation) and the severity indices derived from those acoustic parameters. Additionally, a significant reduction in patient-reported outcome measures was noted following the intervention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that voice intervention using the SOVM and Korean speech materials has the potential to alleviate vocal fatigue and enhance vocal quality in individuals with vocal fatigue complaints.

Effects of Adult Men’s Lifestyle on Scalp Health

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association of dietary habits and general characteristics of adult Korean men with scalp conditions.Methods: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for data analysis, with a <i>p</i>-value of 0.05 indicating significance. Frequency analysis was conducted to investigate participants’ general characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to validate the measurement tool and Cronbach’s α coefficient verified reliability. Cross-tabulation was used to explore dietary habits and differences by general characteristics. Independent sample <i>t</i>-test and one-way analysis of variance were utilized to investigate scalp condition following general characteristics and dietary habits, with the Scheffe test used for post-hoc analysis.Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in dietary habits (<i>p</i><0.05), with the low-intake group demonstrating relatively higher scalp conditions than the high-intake group (M=2.27 vs. M=2.10). Analysis by general characteristics revealed significant differences in age, marital status, occupation, stress, sleep, exercise, shampoo type, and frequency (<i>p</i><0.05).Conclusion: Individuals with healthier dietary habits exhibited better scalp conditions. Poorer scalp conditions were associated with older age, higher stress levels, shorter sleep duration, and poor exercise habits. Balanced dietary habits, effective stress management, improved sleep quality, and regular exercise are required for maintaining a healthy scalp. Further investigation on systematic management is warranted.

Dietary polyamine intake lowers the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related mortality: Follow-up of the Korean National health and nutrition Examination survey 2007–2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship betweendietary polyamine intake and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in Korean population. MethodsA total of 37,715 participants were included in a population-based cohort study. Dietary polyamine intake (µmol/d) were calculated using the average spermidine and spermine content (µmol/g) and daily consumed food components (mg/d) from 12 food groups. Cox proportional hazards examined associations between dietary polyamine and all-cause and CVD-related mortality. ResultsAmong the participants, 2,080 all-cause and 483 CVD-related deaths occurred. The lowest risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality was found in the highest tertile of fruit, vegetables, legume, nut and seafood-derived spermidine and spermine intake, after adjusting covariates. The relationship between dietary polyamine intake and all-cause and CVD-related mortality was more pronounced in men and older individuals than in their counterparts. ConclusionsHigher intake of mediterranean-like diet derived polyamine was associated with lower CVD-related and all-cause mortality in Korean adults.

Factors Related to Health-Related Quality of Life across the Life Cycle in One-Person Households among Korean Adults

Factors Related to Health-Related Quality of Life across the Life Cycle in One-Person Households among Korean Adults

Age-specific association between meal-skipping patterns and the risk of hyperglycemia in Korean adults: a national cross-sectional study using the KNHANES data

BackgroundGlucose metabolism regulation is influenced by age and meal skipping, although research on their interplay with hyperglycemia remains limited. This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between meal-skipping patterns and hyperglycemia risk across distinct age groups in South Korean adults.MethodsUtilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) conducted from 2013 to 2020, comprising 28,530 individuals aged 19 years and older, this study employed multivariable logistic regression models to examine the associations between meal-skipping patterns and the risk of hyperglycemia.ResultsMeal-skipping patterns were categorized into three groups: no skipping (NS), skipping breakfast (SB), and skipping dinner (SD). Age groups were defined as “young” (aged 19–44), “middle-aged” (aged 45–64), and “elderly” adults (over 65 years old). Among “young” adults, SB was associated with a 1.33-fold higher risk of hyperglycemia (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.14–1.54) compared to NS. Conversely, in “elderly” adults, SD was linked to a 0.49-fold reduced risk (95% CI = 0.29–0.82) when compared to NS. Additionally, we observed that the Korean Health Eating Index (KHEI) scores, representing the quality of diet on a scale of 0 to 100, were consistently lower in SB compared to NS across all age groups. Intriguingly, specifically among the “elderly” group, this score was higher in SD compared to NS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates age-specific variations in the association between meal-skipping patterns and the risk of hyperglycemia.

Estimated pulse wave velocity as a forefront indicator of developing metabolic syndrome in Korean adults.

The predictive value of the estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) for the development of metabolic syndrome has not yet been extensively explored. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating ePWV as a potential predictor of metabolic syndrome development in middle-aged Korean adults. Using prospective data obtained from the Ansan-Ansung cohort database, participants without metabolic syndrome at baseline were studied. ePWV was calculated using specific equations based on age and blood pressure. The primary outcome was the incidence of metabolic syndrome during a median follow-up period of 187 months. Among the 6,186 participants, 2,726 (44.1%) developed metabolic syndrome during the follow-up period. ePWV methvalues were categorized into tertiles to assess their predictive value for the development of metabolic syndrome. An ePWV cut-off of 7.407 m/s was identified as a predictor of metabolic syndrome development, with a sensitivity of 0.743 and a specificity of 0.464. Participants exceeding this cut-off, especially those in the third tertile (8.77-14.63 m/s), had a notably higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Specifically, the third tertile exhibited a 52.8% cumulative incidence compared with 30.8% in the first tertile. After adjustments, those in the third tertile faced a 1.530-fold increased risk of metabolic syndrome (95% confidence interval, 1.330-1.761). ePWV is a significant predictor of the development of metabolic syndrome. This finding underscores the potential of ePWV as a cardiometabolic risk assessment tool and can thus provide useful information for primary prevention strategies.

Neural network model for prediction of possible sarcopenic obesity using Korean national fitness award data (2010–2023)

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by concomitant sarcopenia and obesity and presents a high risk of disability, morbidity, and mortality among older adults. However, predictions based on sequential neural network SO studies and the relationship between physical fitness factors and SO are lacking. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for SO in older adults by focusing on physical fitness factors. A comprehensive dataset of older Korean adults participating in national fitness programs was analyzed using sequential neural networks. Appendicular skeletal muscle/body weight was defined as SO using an anthropometric equation. Independent variables included body fat (BF, %), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and various physical fitness factors. The dependent variable was a binary outcome (possible SO vs normal). We analyzed hyperparameter tuning and stratified K-fold validation to optimize a predictive model. The prevalence of SO was significantly higher in women (13.81%) than in men, highlighting sex-specific differences. The optimized neural network model and Shapley Additive Explanations analysis demonstrated a high validation accuracy of 93.1%, with BF% and absolute grip strength emerging as the most influential predictors of SO. This study presents a highly accurate predictive model for SO in older adults, emphasizing the critical roles of BF% and absolute grip strength. We identified BF, absolute grip strength, and sit-and-reach as key SO predictors. Our findings underscore the sex-specific nature of SO and the importance of physical fitness factors in its prediction.

Sex differences in age-varying trends of depressive symptoms, substance use, and their associations among South Korean adults: A Time-Varying Effect Modeling (TVEM) analysis of a nationwide sample

BackgroundThis study investigated sex differences in the age-varying trends of depressive symptoms, substance use, and their relationships throughout the adult lifespan. Using a nationwide sample from South Korea, this study aimed to confirm existing patterns and identify unique characteristics specific to the South Korean context. MethodTime-Varying Effect Modeling (TVEM) was applied to data from 17,484 participants (9987 women and 7497 men) in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. ResultsConsistent with global trends, the results revealed a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among women and a greater prevalence of substance use among men. However, the findings also illuminated unique patterns within the South Korean context. Substance use among South Korean men peaked during their 40s, whereas South Korean women consistently exhibited lower rates of substance use. Additionally, a stronger association between depressive symptoms and substance use was identified in women compared to men. LimitationsThe study used cross-sectional data, limiting the analysis of temporal dynamics between depressive symptoms and substance use. Additionally, TVEM cannot distinguish between aging and cohort effects. Furthermore, the assessments of depressive symptoms and substance use were based on self-report. Finally, the study did not include adolescents or sex and gender minorities in its sample. ConclusionsThese results emphasize the need for targeted interventions, particularly among women in their 20s and older adulthood, where there is a heightened co-occurrence of depressive symptoms and substance use. These findings also highlight the importance of sex- and culture-sensitive approaches tailored to the South Korean context.

The Effects of Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale on Health Behavior among Korean Adults: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021)

The Effects of Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale on Health Behavior among Korean Adults: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021)

Association between Allergic Rhinitis-Related Factors and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korean Adults over 40: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)

Association between Allergic Rhinitis-Related Factors and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korean Adults over 40: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)

Association of loneliness with mental disorders in Korean adults: national mental health survey of Korea 2021.

Loneliness is a risk factor for mental and physical disorders. Rapid individualization, with increasing associated social burden, is a contributing factor to loneliness among Koreans. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between loneliness and mental disorders, as well as to determine whether long-term loneliness is a factor predicting the occurrence of mental disorders in adults. The National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021, a nationally representative survey on mental disorders, was conducted. Responses from 5511 participants were collected using the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, Structured Clinical Interview for Internet Gaming Disorder, and the World Health Organization Adult Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) self-report scale. Loneliness and its duration were investigated among these participants. Loneliness was reported by approximately 2.9% of the general population. Loneliness was associated with an increased adulthood prevalence of alcohol use disorders, nicotine use disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adult ADHD, and internet gaming disorders. Long-term loneliness was significantly associated with an elevated risk of alcohol use disorders, nicotine use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Internet gaming disorder was associated with loneliness lasting > 1 year. Various adult psychiatric disorders were associated with loneliness. The significant dose-effect relationship indicated the importance of early detection of and intervention for loneliness to reduce its negative consequences on mental health.

Self-reported sensory impairment and social participation among Korean older adults: mediating roles of cognitive function and digital technology use

Objectives This study investigates the correlation between self-reported sensory impairment, cognitive function, digital technology use, and social participation among older adults in South Korea. Method Data from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, comprising a nationally representative sample of 7849 individuals aged 65 years or older, were analyzed. A serial mediation analysis (Model = 6) was conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results Following adjustment for covariates, cognitive function and digital technology use serially mediated the relationship between self-reported sensory impairment and social participation among older adults (B = −0.0020, SE = 0.0005, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.0030, −0.0010]). Specifically, self-reported sensory impairment exhibited a negative correlation with cognitive function (B = −0.3277, SE = 0.0753, p < .001), which was positively associated with digital technology use (B = 0.0763, SE = 0.0056, p < .001), subsequently linking to enhanced social participation (B = 0.0784, SE = 0.0037, p < .001). Conclusion Through cross-sectional analysis, this study confirms that self-reported sensory impairment in older adults may precede cognitive decline, hindering digital technology use and reducing social participation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing cognitive decline, while age-friendly digital devices may alleviate cognitive burden and promote social engagement.

A Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model from Healthy Korean Adults: A Single Center Cohort Study

A Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model from Healthy Korean Adults: A Single Center Cohort Study

The structure of emotion regulation strategies among Korean adults

Emotion regulation is a fundamental process that involves monitoring, evaluating, and modifying emotional responses to achieve personal goals. Recently, a growing body of research has challenged the exclusive focus on individual emotion regulation strategies due to conceptual and empirical overlaps among them. This study explored the higher-order factor structure of emotion regulation strategies within the South Korean cultural context. Through a survey of 450 Korean adults and utilizing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we examined the structure of emotion regulation strategies. Our results indicate that a four-factor model fit the data best. Regarding maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, our study identified two higher-order factors: disengagement and cognitive perseverance strategies. Notably, we also found two higher-order factors of adaptive strategies in the South Korean context: acceptance-based regulation and effortful cognitive regulation factors. Through the examination of the fitness of the structure of emotion regulation strategies from a Western sample to a South Korean sample, this study adds to the body of research on emotion regulation, highlighting the significance of targeting higher-order emotion regulation factors in cognitive behavioral therapy.

Association between Weight Changes over a 4-Year Period and Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Cohort.

The relationship between weight change and quality of life remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether changes in body weight among participants in different baseline body mass index categories are associated with physical and mental health functioning. We conducted an analysis involving 5,106 adults who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, a cohort comprising Korean adults aged 40 to 69 years. We categorized participants into three groups based on body weight change, and physical and mental health were assessed using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey in year 4. We employed logistic regression analysis to assess the association between body weight change and poor functioning at year 4. We also utilized a generalized estimating equation to determine the relationship between weight changes and mental component summary (MCS) scores over the study period for each weight group. Weight gain in both the normal weight (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.11; P=0.01) and overweight groups (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05-2.91; P=0.03) was associated with poor MCS. Normal weight weight-losers were associated with a greater increase (2.69 points; 95% CI, 0.50-4.88) in MCS compared to weightmaintainers. Significant differences in mean MCS were observed for overweight weight-losers, obese weight-gainers, and underweight weight-gainers when compared to weight maintainers in each respective weight group. Different patterns of relationships between weight change and mental health-related quality of life were observed. Hence, it is crucial to focus on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults when assessing body weight changes.

The 10-Item Version Singelis’s Self-Construal Scale (SCS-Short Version) for Korean Adults: Psychometric Properties, Measurement Invariance with European Americans, and Associations with Social Anxiety

The 10-Item Version Singelis’s Self-Construal Scale (SCS-Short Version) for Korean Adults: Psychometric Properties, Measurement Invariance with European Americans, and Associations with Social Anxiety

Exploring Loneliness among Korean Adults: A Concept Mapping Approach.

In South Korea, the proportion of adults experiencing severe loneliness has been increasing rapidly. Accordingly, this study examines the elements of loneliness experienced by Korean adults and investigates their structural relevance using concept mapping. Korean adults (47) were recruited for individual in-depth interviews based on their scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The interviews yielded 80 unique statements, which were then evaluated using multidimensional scaling and a hierarchical cluster analysis. A cluster map of loneliness was derived, with three clusters: (1) emotional distress due to the actual or anticipated absence of connection in relationships, (2) emotional distance from oneself or from others in a relationship, and (3) powerlessness and emptiness due to being directionless. Two dimensions distinguished these clusters: the lack of a sense of connection or self-assurance, and an inward or outward focus. These findings reveal that loneliness encompasses more than unmet relational needs; it also involves self-attentional focus, indicating a need to reconceptualize the notion of loneliness. The study's implications extend to counseling theory and practices by highlighting the importance of addressing both relational connections and self-perceptions in interventions for loneliness. By expanding the understanding of loneliness through empirical data, this research provides a more comprehensive framework for addressing loneliness.

Impact of unmet health-related need on suicidal behavior in Korean adults: a retrospective nationwide cohort study

We aimed to evaluate the association of unmet health-related need with suicidal behaviors among Korean adults. We included 26,219 adults (13,937 men and 17,788 women) aged ≥ 19 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2020). Suicidal behavior included suicidal plan and attempt. We analyzed the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of suicidal behaviors according to unmet health-related need via multivariable logistic regression analysis and performed stratified analyses according to sex, age, income, education, and type of insurance. Of the participants, 9.6% had unmet health-related need. Suicidal plans and attempts had 1.3% and 0.5% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of suicidal plans and attempts was 0.9% and 0.4% among participants without unmet health-related need and 3.1% and 1.0% among those with such need, respectively. The odd ratios of suicidal plans and attempts increased significantly among participants with unmet health-related need compared to those without. In subgroup analysis, most subgroups showed similar results, except for suicidal plan and attempt in the 45–64 age group, high education, and medical care and suicidal attempt in 19–44 age group, low-income, and unmarried. Unmet health-related need was independently associated with suicidal plan and attempt. A policy alternative is needed for these associations.

Optimal Systolic Blood Pressure for the Prevention of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Older Adults With Hypertension: Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Target systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels for older adults with hypertension vary across countries, leading to challenges in determining the appropriate SBP level. This study aims to identify the optimal SBP level for minimizing all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older Korean adults with hypertension. This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Service database. We included older adults aged 65 years or older who were newly diagnosed with hypertension and underwent a National Health Insurance Service health checkup in 2003-2004. We excluded patients who had a history of hypertension or CVD, were not prescribed medication for hypertension, had missing blood pressure or any other covariate values, and had fewer than 2 health checkups during the follow-up period until 2020. We categorized the average SBP levels into 6 categories in 10 mm Hg increments, from <120 mm Hg to ≥160 mm Hg; 130-139 mm Hg was the reference range. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between SBP and all-cause and CVD mortalities, and subgroup analysis was conducted by age group (65-74 years and 75 years or older). A total of 68,901 older adults newly diagnosed with hypertension were included in this study. During the follow-up period, 32,588 (47.3%) participants had all-cause mortality and 4273 (6.2%) had CVD mortality. Compared to older adults with SBP within the range of 130-139 mm Hg, individuals who fell into the other SBP categories, excluding those with SBP 120-129 mm Hg, showed significantly higher all-cause and CVD mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that older adults aged 65-74 years had higher all-cause and CVD mortality rates according to SBP categories than those aged 75 years or older. The SBP levels within the range of 120-139 mm Hg were associated with the lowest all-cause and CVD mortality rates among older Korean adults with hypertension. It is recommended to reduce SBP to <140 mm Hg, with 120 mm Hg as the minimum value for SBP, for older Korean adults with hypertension. Additionally, stricter SBP management is required for adults aged 65-74 years.