General Population Of South Korea Research Articles

Characteristics of Comorbid Physical Disease in Patients With Severe Mental Illness in South Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study (2014-2019).

The purpose of this study was to identify the associations of chronic physical disease between patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and the general population of South Korea. This study was conducted with National Health Insurance Corporation data from 2014 to 2019. A total of 848,058 people were diagnosed with SMI in this period, and the same number of controls were established by matching by sex and age. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with SMI. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associations between comorbid physical disease in patients with SMI and those of the general population. SAS Enterprise Guide 7.1 (SAS Inc, Cary, NC, USA) were used to perform all statistical tests. The analysis revealed significant differences in medical insurance, income level, and Charlson Comorbidity Index weighted by chronic physical disease, between patients with SMI and the general population. Conditional logistic regression analysis between the two groups also revealed significant differences in eight chronic physical diseases except hypertensive disease. This study confirmed the vulnerability of patients with SMI to chronic physical diseases and we were able to identify chronic physical disease that were highly related to patients with SMI.

Migrant well-being and undocumented status in South Korea: a cross-sectional assessment of physical, psychological, social well-being, and health behaviors

BackgroundA high burden of physical, mental, and occupational health problems among migrant workers has been well-documented, but data on undocumented migrant workers are limited and their well-being has rarely been compared to that of the general population.MethodsUsing data from a cross-sectional survey of non-professional migrant workers in South Korea in early 2021, we described their physical, psychological, social well-being and health behaviors across a wide range of outcomes, including self-rated health, occupational injury, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, meal pattern, happiness, mental illness, social support, and social participation. The outcomes were first compared between documented and undocumented migrant workers in generalized linear regressions adjusting for potential confounders. Then, the well-being of the migrant workers was compared against that of the general population using data from the Korean Happiness Survey, which is a nationally representative survey of the South Korean general population conducted in late 2020. The parametric g-formula was performed to adjust for potential confounders.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, the undocumented migrant workers were less likely to be happy or participate in social communities, and much more likely to have anxiety or depression, smoke cigarettes, or engage in heavy alcohol consumption than the documented migrant workers. When compared to the general South Korean population, an evident social gradient emerged for happiness and mental illness; the undocumented experienced the worst outcome, followed by the documented, and then the general population. Also, the undocumented migrant workers were more likely to smoke cigarettes than the general population.ConclusionThe undocumented migrant workers face considerably greater challenges in terms of mental health and happiness, demonstrate higher rates of risky health behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking, and experience a lack of social support and community integration. A stark social gradient in happiness, mental illness, and cigarette smoking exists among the documented, undocumented migrant workers and the general population in South Korea. Socio-structural factors are likely to play a crucial role in contributing to the suboptimal level of overall well-being of undocumented migrant workers. Policy-level interventions as well as interpersonal efforts are in urgent need.

Estimating the prevalence and clinical significance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-obstructive sleep apnea overlap in South Korea

IntroductionConcurrent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are referred to as COPD-OSA overlap. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of COPD-OSA overlap in the general population of South Korea. MethodsData were obtained from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants ≥40 years of age with complete STOP-Bang questionnaire and spirometry data were included. OSA was presumed in individuals with a STOP-Bang score of ≥3. COPD was determined using forced expiratory volume at 1 s/forced vital capacity <0.7. Participants were classified on the basis of the STOP-Bang score and spirometry findings. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and quality of life (using the EuroQoL 5-dimension instrument) were compared between the overlap group and COPD-alone or OSA-alone groups. ResultsAmong the 3157 participants, 6.9 % demonstrated COPD-OSA overlap. Individuals with OSA alone and COPD alone were 31.8 % and 5.2 %, respectively. The overlap group included more males, ever smokers, and frequent alcohol drinkers than the COPD- or OSA-alone groups. The overlap group had more diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke than the COPD-alone group. The risk of anxiety/depression was approximately 2.5 times higher in the overlap group than in the COPD-alone group. COPD-OSA overlap was a significant risk factor for anxiety/depression after adjusting for age, sex, household income, and education levels. ConclusionCOPD-OSA overlap is not rare within the general population of South Korea. Patients with overlap showed more comorbidities and higher levels of anxiety/depression than those in the COPD-alone group.

Life Expectancy of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison With General Population.

This study aimed to analyze the life expectancy and cause of death in osteoarthritis (OA) patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to identify risk factors that affect long-term mortality rate after TKA. Among 601 patients, who underwent primary TKA due to OA by a single surgeon from July 2005 to December 2011, we identified patients who died after the operation using data obtained from the National Statistical Office of Korea. We calculated 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates of the patients and age-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) compared to general population of South Korea according to the causes of death. We also identified risk factors for death. The 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year survival rates were 94%, 84%, and 75%, respectively. The overall age-specific SMR of the TKA cohort was lower than that of the general population (0.69; P < 0.001). Cause-specific SMRs for circulatory diseases, neoplasms, and digestive diseases after TKA were significantly lower than those of the general population (0.65, 0.58, and 0.16, respectively; all P < 0.05). Male gender, older age, lower body mass index (BMI), anemia, and higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were significant factors associated with higher mortality after TKA. TKA is a worthwhile surgery that can improve life expectancy, especially from diseases of the circulatory system, neoplasms, and digestive system, in patients with OA compared to the general population. However, careful follow-up is needed for patients with male gender, older age, lower BMI, anemia, and higher CCI, as these factors may increase long-term mortality risk after TKA. III.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire for Assessing Drug Use Motives in the General Population in South Korea.

Drug use is increasing in South Korea, necessitating evidence-based policy interventions. However, there is a dearth of reliable tools for identifying the personal and psychological factors that drive drug use among Korean adults. In this study, we developed and validated an instrument based on a motivational model to measure drug use motivation in the Korean context. A survey was administered online to 250 Korean adults aged 19-59. Of the initial 37 potential items evaluated, 23 were retained after exploratory factor analysis. Based on their relevance and factor loadings, the final scale consisted of 15 items distributed across five distinct factors: enhancement, coping, social, positive expectancy, and negative expectancy. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the strong fit of the five-factor model. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by the significant correlations between the five factors and the selected criterion variables. This instrument can be used in research initiatives related to drug addiction and can provide basic data for policy interventions intended to curb drug addiction problems in South Korea. The novelty and broad applicability of this instrument make it invaluable for exploring the psychological underpinnings of drug use in South Korea.

Validation study of the Korean version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS-7) and psychometric comparison of different rating scales

We aimed to explore the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS-7) among the general population and compare the psychometric properties of the CAS-7 with major rating scales for viral anxiety according to the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This anonymous online survey was conducted among the general population in South Korea during November 9–15, 2021, and 400 people participated. The survey form included demographic characteristics and rating scales, including the CAS-7, Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), and GAD-7. The single-factor structure of CAS-7 showed good fits for the model and convergent validity with other viral anxiety scales. When comparing psychometric properties, the CAS-7 and SAVE-6 scales were more sensitive than CAS, which was the most discriminating as well as the most difficult. CAS, FCV-19S, and GAD-7 provided more information and were more efficient than CAS-7 and SAVE-6. The Korean version of the CAS-7 is a valid and reliable rating scale for measuring viral anxiety. The viral anxiety rating scale can be applied depending on the objective of assessment in this pandemic.

Psychometric properties of the Korean version of questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population.

We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population in South Korea. In addition, we investigated how the various sections interacted with each other and with viral anxiety and depression, and ultimately affected adherence to physical distancing. An anonymous online survey was conducted among members of the general population in South Korea between 10 and 18 January 2022. We recruited 400 respondents and measured their demographic information, symptoms, and responses to questions about COVID-19. First, we examined the reliability and validity of the questionnaires, which included questions about people's adherence to physical distancing guidelines and COVID-19-related health beliefs. Second, we examined the relationship between physical distancing and viral anxiety or depression, as assessed using the six-item Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE-6) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). All 400 participants (204 men, age 41.6 ± 10.8) completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit for adherence to physical distancing (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.019, RMSEA = 0.000, and SRMR = 0.034) and health beliefs about COVID-19 (CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.030, and SRMR = 0.052). It also showed good reliability for Factor I (Cronbach's α = 0.826) and Factor II (α = 0.740). Four categories of the COVID-19 health beliefs questionnaire also showed good reliability for perceived susceptibility (α = 0.870), perceived severity (α = 0.901), perceived benefit (α = 0.935), and barriers to following physical distancing (α = 0.833). Structural equation models showed that the effects of health beliefs and viral anxiety and depression were mediated mostly by personal injunctive norms. Goodness-of-fit measures indicated a good fit. (Chi-square = 24.425, df = 7, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.966; RMSEA = 0.079). The Korean version of the COVID-19 adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs questionnaires showed good reliability and validity in the Korean general population. In addition, the effects of health beliefs, along with viral anxiety and depression, were mainly mediated by personal injunctive norms.

Determinants of adherence to public health and social measures (PHSM) against COVID-19 among the general population in South Korea: A national survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created devastating health, social, economic, and political effects that will have long-lasting effects. Public health efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are the priority of national policy to respond to it globally. The public health and social measures (PHSM) are shown to be effective when used alone or in combination with other measures, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. However, there is insufficient evidence on the status of compliance of PHSM in the general population for the prevention of COVID-19 in public areas, including Korea. The aim of this study is to assess the level of compliance with the recommended PHSM against COVID-19 infection and its predictors among the general population using national data. This study is a secondary data analysis using an Infectious Disease Prevention Behaviors in Community Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) between October 12 and October 30, 2020. The primary study was cross-sectional, using stratified sampling with an adjusted proportional allocation method to select representative samples and secure the stability of samples. The data were collected through a phone interview conducted by trained enumerators using a structured questionnaire. The PHSM was measured using a 10-item Comprehensive Infectious Disease Preventive Behavior (CIDPB) scale and each of the socio-cognitive factors, such as perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, perceived severity of COVID-19 infection, perceived confidence in performing preventive behaviors related to COVID-19, information comprehensive ability, and trust in information from the KDCA, were measured. A total of 4,003 cases were included in the final analysis. A Tobit regression and decision tree were performed to identify the predictors of preventive measures and the targeted group for intervention. We discovered that women had a 1.34 point higher CIDPB score than men (P<.001). Compared to the group aged 19-29 years, those aged 50-59 years and those older than 60 years scored 1.89 and 2.48 points higher on the CIDPB (P<.001) respectively. The perceived severity of infection, confidence in preventive behaviors, information comprehensive ability, and trust in information from the KDCA were significant positive determinants related to the CIDPB (P<.001) while the perceived susceptibility to infection showed a significant negative relationship with the CIDPB (P<.001). Being female, older in age, having a lower income, and socio-cognitive factors were found to be significant determinants to adhere to PHSM. The findings suggest tailored interventions for the targeted groups; specifically, the most active age group at work indicating the highest potential to spread infection. Adequate public health education and health communication for promoting the adherence of PHSM should be emphasized and the priority of behavior change strategies should be given for those with low perceived confidence in performing PHSM.

Prevalence of chronic low back pain and its associated factors in the general population of South Korea: a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

BackgroundMany factors associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have been proposed, including individual, psychosocial, and physical factors. However, these associated factors are still controversial.Purpose(1) To determine the prevalence of CLBP and (2) to analyze factors associated with CLBP in the general population using a nationally representative sample of South Koreans.Study designCross-sectional study.Patient sampleData from versions IV-1, -2, and -3 of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which were performed in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively (n = 24,871).Outcome measuresMultiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between several factors (age, gender, alcohol consumption, household income, education level, mid-intensity physical activity, depressive symptoms, vitamin D level, and comorbidities [stroke, ischemic heart disease, knee osteoarthritis, asthma, COPD, cancer history]) and CLBP.MethodsCLBP status was surveyed using a self-reported questionnaire. Demographic, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and other factors were evaluated from health questionnaires, health and physical examinations, and laboratory tests. To analyze the association between these factors and CLBP, we used multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsData from 17,038 participants were included in the final analysis, including 2,693 with CLBP and 14,345 without. The prevalence of CLBP was 15.8% in South Korean subjects, with a prevalence of 11.8% in men and 24.5% in women. After regression analysis, we found advanced age, female gender, mid-intensity physical activity, depressive symptoms, stroke, ischemic heart disease, knee arthritis, asthma, COPD, and cancer history were positively associated with CLBP. In contrast, alcohol consumption ≥ 1 drink per month, increased household income, higher education level, and vitamin D insufficiency were negatively associated with CLBP.ConclusionsOur study showed that CLBP was most common in the elderly and women in the general South Korean population. Several individual, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health-related factors were associated with CLBP. These results demonstrate the influence of these factors on CLBP in the general population and suggest that consideration of these factors may improve the management of CLBP.

1434. Incidence of Tuberculosis after Transplantation: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea, 2008-2020

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among transplant recipient. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the standard incidence ratios (SIRs) of TB in all transplant recipient and to compare which is more risk by transplant type. Methods We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective study using data retrieved from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Active TB case were studied, and SIRs was calculated based on the most recent year, 2019. SIRs were computed as the ratio of observed to expected numbers of TB, based on national age and sex. All analyses were conducted by transplant type and age group. Results From 2008 to 2020, a total of 57,103 patients who underwent transplantation were included. 830 cases were confirmed with TB (1.45%) and median time to develop TB was 1.74 year following transplantation. When analyzing the cumulative incidence by transplant group, it was in the order of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), solid organ transplantation (SOT), and autologous HSCT (P&amp;lt; 0.001). In SOT, liver transplantation had the highest incidence of TB, followed by lung, heart, and kidney (P&amp;lt; 0.001). The cumulative incidence for the age group increased with age (P&amp;lt; 0.001). Incidence of TB was markedly increased among transplant recipients compared with general population (SIR: 3.53, Confidence interval (CI): 3.38-3.67). SIR varied according to age group: age under 20 years (SIR: 4.98 CI: 3.16-7.47), age between 20 and 40 years (SIR: 5.83 CI: 5.22-6.49), age between 40 and 60 years (SIR: 4.66 CI: 4.42-4.92), age over 60 years (SIR: 2.05 CI: 1.89-2.21). Based on a multivariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.398; P &amp;lt; 0.001), previous TB history (HR = 1.515; P=0.014) were the common independent risk factors for TB after transplantation. Baseline characteristics of study population Cumulative incidence of TB following transplant Risk factor of tuberculosis after transplanatation Conclusion The incidence of TB in transplant recipient is at least three times higher than the general population in South Korea. Regardless of the type of transplant, TB should be considered as a complication within 1 years of transplantation and special attention should be paid to patients with a history of previous TB history. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Effects of vitamin D on associations between air pollution and mental health outcomes in Korean adults: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)

BackgroundEvidence suggests that low individual vitamin D levels enhance adverse effects associated with air pollution on mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to identify associations between ambient air pollution exposure, mental health, and serum vitamin D status in the general population of South Korea. MethodsWe included national representative data for 29,373 adults in the final analysis. We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations to assess vitamin D status for each participant. We assessed mental health factors (i.e., perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation), and analyzed associations between these factors and individuals' annual average exposures to air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide (CO). ResultsUsing an adjusted model, we found PM10 affected mental health outcomes, such as perceived stress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.09), depression symptoms (OR = 1.12; 95 % CI = 1.06–1.18), and suicidal ideation (OR = 1.11; 95 % CI = 1.05–1.17). Effects of the pollutants NO2 and CO were significant only in the group with perceived stress and depressive symptoms. PM10 and NO2 exposures were significantly associated with increased odds of adverse mental health in participants with vitamin D deficiency. LimitationsSince the cross-sectional design of KNHANES data, it is not possible to evaluate the causal relationship between air pollution exposure, vitamin D status and mental health. ConclusionsThis study results suggest that associations between ambient air pollution and mental health outcomes were stronger in participants with vitamin D deficiency.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Positive and Negative Sleep Appraisal Measure (PANSAM) as a Tool for Evaluating Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep among the General Population.

We explored the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Positive and Negative Sleep Appraisal Measure (PANSAM) scale using pre-existing sleep-related questionnaires among the general population. Through an online survey, data from 400 South Korean participants were collected from 10 to 18 January 2022. Symptoms were measured with the PANSAM, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the 16-item Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale (DBAS-16), the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES), and the discrepancy between desired time in bed and the desired total sleep time (DBST) index. The four PANSAM subscales were reliable and valid tools for measuring individuals’ dysfunctional beliefs about sleep. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the full-scale and four-factor model showed a good fit. The full scale and each subscale were significantly correlated with ISI, DBAS-16, and GSES scores. The DBST index was significantly correlated with Subscales 2 and 3. In conclusion, the Korean version of the PANSAM scale and its four subscales can be applied when clinicians measure dysfunctional beliefs regarding sleep among the general population in South Korea. The PANSAM should be explored among other clinical groups to elucidate its applicability as a trans-diagnostic tool while conducting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Perception regarding live kidney donation in the general population of South Korea.

This study aimed to know how the general population recognizes live kidney donation in Korea. Participants were randomly selected from the general population after proportional allocation by region, sex, and age. Selected participants received a questionnaire that included demographic information, socioeconomic and marital statuses, prior recognition of live donor kidney transplantation, expected changes after donation, and the need for support after donor nephrectomy. Among the 1,000 participants from the web-based survey, 83.8% answered they fully understood living donor kidney transplantation, 81.1% knew about them, and 51.1% were willing to donate. Various complications after nephrectomy and deterioration in health after donation were the most significant reasons for those reluctant to donate. Most agreed that the government should provide social and economic support to living kidney donors, especially after exposure to the description of donor nephrectomy. Financial support, including surgery and regular medical check-up costs, was the most preferred government support. The Korean general population seemed aware of the value and safety of kidney donation, although only half of them were willing to donate due to concerns about possible complications. Most participants agreed on social and economic support for living kidney donors, especially surgery-related costs.

The alcohol flushing response is associated with the risk of depression

The alcohol flushing response is experienced by 36–45% of East Asians after they consume a small amount of alcohol. Because individuals with this response are unable to metabolize the toxic acetaldehyde derived from alcohol effectively, the response offers a potential indicator of the health risks associated with alcohol intake. Depression is a major health problem linked to alcohol consumption; it might also be associated with the alcohol flushing response. Therefore, we examined the association between the alcohol flushing response and the risk of depression in the general population of South Korea. Our analysis included 139,380 participants and used data from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey. Only current drinkers were considered in the analysis. The relationship between the alcohol flushing response and depression was evaluated by logistic regression analysis using SAS 9.4. Of the participants, more than one-third were current flushers; compared to never flushers, current flushers had a significantly greater risk of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.34, P < 0.001). Former flushers did not exhibit a risk of depression. The risk of depression was significantly greater among alcohol flushers who drank < 15 g alcohol/day (< 5 g alcohol/day: AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.35, P = 0.002; 5–14.9 g alcohol/day: AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.13–1.70, P = 0.002). In conclusion, a large number of South Koreans experience the alcohol flushing response; compared with never flushers, current flushers are more likely to develop depression with a small dose of alcohol (< 15 g alcohol/day).

The Association Between Antihypertensive Drug Use and Hospitalization for Pneumonia in the General Population: A Case-Crossover Study Using the National Health Insurance Database of Korea.

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported an association between pneumonia risk and the use of certain drugs. We investigated the relationship between antihypertensive drugs and pneumonia in the general population.MethodsThis case-crossover study utilized the nationwide data of South Korea. We included participants who were hospitalized for pneumonia. A single case period was defined as 30 days before pneumonia onset, and two control periods were established (90–120 and 150–180 days before pneumonia onset). Further, we performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses (according to the presence of diabetes, documented disability, and whether participants were aged ≥ 70 years). We used conditional logistic regression models adjusted for covariates, such as angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), other antihypertensives, statins, antipsychotics, benzodiazepine, and the number of outpatient visits.ResultsIn total, 15,463 subjects were included in this study. ACE inhibitors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.660; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.558–0.781), ARBs (aOR, 0.702; 95% CI, 0.640–0.770), and other antihypertensive drugs (aOR, 0.737; 95% CI, 0.665–0.816) were significantly associated with reduced pneumonia risk. Subgroup analyses according to the presence of diabetes mellitus, documented disability, and whether participants were aged ≥ 70 years consistently showed the association of antihypertensives with a reduced risk of hospitalization for pneumonia.ConclusionAll antihypertensive drug types were related to a lower risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in the general population. Our results implied that frequent medical service usage and protective immunity were primarily related to a reduced risk of pneumonia in the general population of South Korea.

Blood Concentrations and Dietary Intake of Cd among the General Population in South Korea.

This study aimed to identify the time trends of blood Cd concentrations and their correlation with the Cd-B and the intakes of food groups as an influencing factor for Cd exposure among the general population in South Korea. During seven Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2005 to 2017, a total of 9578 individuals (4317 men and 5261 women) participated in a 24 h recall test for a dietary survey and a blood-metal survey using physical examinations performed in the same survey year. The blood Cd concentration was observed to decrease significantly (p < 0.05) from 1.51 µg/L in 2005 to 0.76 µg/L in 2017. In terms of the food groups, grains and cereals, potatoes and starch, and fruits were significantly correlated with the corresponding Cd concentrations and also showed decreased intakes. For Koreans, the observed decrease in blood Cd concentrations was probably caused by a decrease in the intake of food groups of plant origin.

Effect of suicidal loss on bereaved individuals’ suicidal ideation: Structural equation model using attitudes towards suicide scale and moderation effect of interest in news media

IntroductionExposure to suicidal death may cause trauma and change the bereaved family/friends’ attitudes towards suicide and increase their suicide-related behavior. We aimed to examine the life-time prevalence of loss experience among the general population of South Korea, the relationship between attitudes towards suicide and suicidal intensity, and the moderation effect of interest in news media. MethodsAfter analyzing 2973 structured interviews, we hypothesized structural equation model and conducted a moderation analysis. ResultsA total of 10.1% (n = 301) respondents had experienced the suicide of acquaintances. Acceptive attitudes such as “suicide as right” and “suicide as normal-common” were higher in the “experienced” group. All fit indices of the hypothesized model were satisfied, and experience of suicidal loss was positively associated with both acceptive attitudes and suicidal intensity. “Suicide as normal-common” positively affected suicidal intensity, but “suicide as right” was not significant. “Interest in news media” significantly moderated the relationship between loss experience and suicidal intensity. LimitationsSince our study was cross-sectional design, further longitudinal studies are needed to draw casual inferences between factors. We used the at home interview method, which might have resulted underestimated experience of suicidal loss. ConclusionOur findings showed that experiencing suicide death of any acquaintances could increase individual's acceptance of suicide and also increase the risk of suicide. Frequent exposure to suicide-related news amplified their risk of suicide. To reduce the suicide risk behavior, targeted intervention with those bereaved by suicide and restriction of media reports on suicide news will be needed as prevention strategies.

The Aftermath: Post-pandemic Psychiatric Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, a South Korean Perspective.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted our everyday life. Along with the fear of getting infected or of having loved ones infected, the lifestyle changes and the socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic have profound impact on mental health of the general population. While numerous studies on immediate psychological responses to COVID-19 are being published, there is a lack of discussion on its possible long-term sequelae. In this study, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed longitudinal studies that examined mental health of the general population prior to and during the pandemic. Furthermore, we explored the long-term psychiatric implications of the pandemic with data from South Korea. Our analysis showed that the number of suicidal deaths during the pandemic was lower than the previous years in many countries, which is in contrast with the increased depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in the general population in South Korea as well as in other countries. To explain this phenomenon, we propose a possibility of delayed impacts. The post-traumatic stress, long-term consequences of social restrictions, and maladaptive response to the “new normal” are discussed in the paper. COVID-19 being an unprecedented global crisis, more research and international collaboration are needed to understand, to treat, and to prevent its long-term effects on our mental health.

Perception regarding live kidney donation in the general population of South Korea

Perception regarding live kidney donation in the general population of South Korea

University Freshmen&amp;apos;s Problem Drinking: Its Individual- and Family-Level Factors

Background: University students have been known as having a higher rate of problem drinking than the general population in South Korea. In particular, the university freshmen may experience problem drinking from increased occasions of frequent social gatherings at the first school year as they have increased time to freely use compared to the high school days. Problem drinking among university freshmen may be influenced by multiple factors. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of problem drinking and to identify individualand family-level factors associated with university freshmen's problem drinking.Methods: A cross-sectional, correlation study was conducted. Participants were 227 university freshmen (70 men and 157 women) under the parenting of mother and father from 10 universities in Seoul. The problem drinking was evaluated by using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale and Parental Authority Questionnaire for parenting behaviors were used.Results: The prevalence of problem drinking was 58.6% among university freshmen. An individual-level factor of alcohol abstinence self-efficacy was significantly associated with the prevalence of problem drinking (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.96) among university freshmen. However, any of family-level factors including types of parenting behaviors were not significantly associated with the prevalence of problem drinking.Conclusions: Alcohol abstinence self-efficacy may be a strong protective factor against university freshmen's problem drinking. University-based alcohol abstinence programs should comprise of nursing strategies including the enhancement of abstinence self-efficacy at the first school year.