Metropolitan Cities In Korea Research Articles

Mediation of daily ambient ozone concentration on association between daily mean temperature and mortality in 7 metropolitan cities of Korea

BackgroundClimate change is suspected to cause adverse health effects, and increased ozone concentration is one of the proposed pathways. We examined the mediation of ozone on the association between temperature and daily mortality and estimated excess mortality due to climate change. MethodsDaily mean temperature, 8-hour maximum ozone concentration, and daily number of non-accidental deaths from 7 metropolitan cities in Korea (Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Ulsan) between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2019 were analyzed. A mediation analysis using a linear regression model for temperature and ozone and a Poisson regression model for temperature and mortality adjusting for ozone was conducted on days with temperature higher than or lower than city specific minimum mortality temperature. We calculated excess mortality due to direct and indirect effects of daily temperature exceeding average daily temperature from 1960 to 1990. ResultsThe daily mean temperature from 2006 to the end of 2019 was 1.15 ± 2.94 °C higher than the average daily temperature from 1960 to 1990. The pooled relative risk (for a 1 °C increment) of indirect effects through increased ozone were 1.0002 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9999, 1.0004] and 1.0003 (95% CI: 1.0002, 1.0005) in days with higher than or lower than minimum mortality temperature, respectively. The numbers of excess deaths during the study period were 2072.5 (95% CI: 1957.1, 2186.5) due to direct effects in days with higher than minimal mortality temperature, and 94.6 (95% CI: 84.3, 101.7) and 268.5 (95% CI: 258.4, 289.1) due to indirect effects in days with higher than and lower than minimal mortality temperature, respectively. ConclusionWe observed a mediating effect of ozone between temperature and daily mortality. There has been excess deaths due direct effect of temperature and indirect effects through ozone.

Association between continuous renal replacement therapy and mortality after acute herbicide (glyphosate and/or glufosinate) intoxication: propensity score matching approach

Purpose: We investigated the association between continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and mortality after acute glyphosate or glufosinate intoxication.Methods: The electronic medical records of patients with acute herbicide ingestion who were admitted to the regional emergency center of a metropolitan city in Korea from 3/1/2013 to 2/28/2022 were analyzed and reviewed retrospectively. The case group received CRRT, while the control group did not. In total, 96 patients experienced acute herbicide intoxication in the study period. Baseline characteristics were analyzed and compared between the two groups after propensity score matching. The outcome variable was mortality fitted by a Cox proportional hazard model.Results: After full matching between cases of CRRT use and controls (patients who did not receive CRRT) using propensity scores, 96 patients (27 cases, 69 controls) were analyzed. Propensity matching yielded adequate balance (standardized mean differences <0.25) for all covariates. We fit a Cox proportional hazards model with survival as the outcome and CRRT as a factor, including the matching weights in the estimation. The estimated hazard ratio was 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.23–0.76; p=0.0044), indicating that CRRT reduced mortality.Conclusion: In this propensity score-matched analysis, CRRT reduced mortality in patients who visited the hospital with acute glyphosate or glufosinate intoxication. In patients with acute herbicide poisoning with high severity calculated by the APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) score and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score, CRRT should be actively considered to improve the survival rate.

치위생(학)과 학생들의 문제 해결 능력과 노인 관련 교육 경험이 노인에 대한 공감력에 미치는 영향

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of senior-related education experience and problem-solving ability on the ability of dental hygiene students to empathize with the elderly.
 Methods: This study surveyed students attending dental hygiene departments in some areas of Daegu, Busan, and Ulsan Metropolitan City in Korea.
 Results: Education experience related to the elderly and the sub-factors of problem-solving ability affected empathy for the elderly among dental hygiene students. Divergent thinking (p<0.001), information collection (p<0.001), execution and risk taking (p<0.001), oral education experience with the elderly (p<0.01), and problem.
 Conclusions: Effective oral care for the elderly, problem-solving skills, and educational programs related to the elderly will be needed to increase empathy for the elderly among dental hygiene students.

Effect of socioeconomic disparities on the risk of COVID-19 in 8 metropolitan cities in the Korea: a community-based study.

Socioeconomic disparities have been reported as major risk factors contributing to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the community level. We conducted an epidemiological study on COVID-19 incidence risk using area-based deprivation indices (DIs) reflecting the characteristics of the susceptible population. A database of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in 8 metropolitan cities in Korea from January 20, 2020 to December 31, 2021 was combined with area-based DI scores and standardized prevalence rates of diabetes and hypertension from the Korean Community Health Survey. Relative risk (RR) levels were estimated using a generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution by age group. The risk of COVID-19 incidence generally increased with increasing age, especially in patients aged ≥75 years. The RR of COVID-19 incidence per interquartile range increment of the composite deprivation index (composite DI) was 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34 to 1.70). Notably, in the first wave, the risk of COVID-19 incidence was approximately 3 times higher in the region with the lowest socioeconomic status than in the region with the highest status (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.42 to 3.78 based on the the composite DI and RR, 3.13; 95% CI, 2.53 to 3.83 based on the social deprivation index). This study provides scientific evidence that socioeconomic deprivation is an important risk factor for the spread of COVID-19. This finding suggests that a mid-term to long-term strategy is needed to protect susceptible populations and reduce the burden of COVID-19 in the community.

Mediation of 8-hour Maximum Concentration of Ozone on Association between Temperature and Daily Mortality and Excess Mortality due to Climate Change in 7 Metropolitan Cities in Korea

Mediation of 8-hour Maximum Concentration of Ozone on Association between Temperature and Daily Mortality and Excess Mortality due to Climate Change in 7 Metropolitan Cities in Korea

Changes in self-harm attempts after the COVID-19 pandemic based on pre-hospital medical records

Although many concerns have been raised on increased self-harm or suicide attempts since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the numbers of studies reported no consistent increase. This study aimed to analyze the data on the request for emergency medical service (EMS) in Daegu Metropolitan City in Korea to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and types of suicidal patients. Data of 4480 cases requesting EMS related to self-harm or suicide 1 year before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were retrospectively comparatively analyzed (February 19, 2019–February 18, 2021). The number of EMS requests for self-harm and suicide increased after the pandemic compared to that before the pandemic (daily mean request 5.83 [±2.597] vs 6.43 [±2.918]). In particular, the number of female patients increased per day on average (2.61 [±1.717] vs 3.17 [±1.893]). With respect to the reasons for the request, committed self-harm and attempts to commit self-harm increased, whereas the presumption against suicide decreased. With respect to consciousness levels, the number of alert patients increased, whereas the number of transport cases decreased. For the method of the attempt, hanging and carbon monoxide/gas poisoning decreased, whereas jumping from a height and drowning increased. The number of patients with psychiatric history and those with other chronic illnesses increased. In multivariate regression analysis, women (OR 1.227, 95% CI = 1.072–1.405, P = .003), patients with psychiatric diseases (OR 1.223, 95% CI = 1.031–1.450, P = .021), patients with other chronic illnesses (OR 1.510, 95% CI = 1.127–2.023, P = .006), and CO or gas poisoning (not attempted) (OR 1.349, 95% CI = 1.038–1.753, P = .025) showed statistically significant differences. Among the request for EMS, requests for committed self-harm and attempts to commit suicide increased. Medical support and measures for mental health and emergency medical systems should be established for female patients and patients with psychiatric or other chronic diseases.

Exploring the Health and Social Needs of Community Residents Using an Online Community Care Platform: Linkage to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the outcomes of the Comprehensive Health and Social Need Assessment (CHSNA) system, which identifies community residents’ health and social needs, and to link these needs with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).MethodsAdult community residents in a metropolitan city in Korea were recruited. They were asked to assess their health and social needs via the CHSNA system, which was integrated into an online community-care platform. Three assessment steps (basic health assessment, needs for activities of daily living, and in-depth health assessment) associated with five ICF components were used to evaluate physical health impairment, difficulties in activities and participation, and environmental problems. The final list of health and social needs was systematically linked to the domains and categories of the ICF. Only data from participants who completed all three assessment steps were included.ResultsWide ranges of impairments and difficulties regarding the daily living activities, physical health, and environmental status of the community were recorded from 190 people who completed assessments of their health and social needs by the CHSNA system. These participants reported various health and social needs for their community life; common needs corresponded to the ICF components of body functions and activities/participation.ConclusionsThe ICF may be suitable for determining the health-related problems and needs of the general population. Possible improvements to the present system include providing support for completing all assessment steps and developing an ICF core set for an enhanced understanding of health and social needs.

The Association of Menstruation and Leisure-Time Physical Activity among Korean Female University Students: A Preliminary Study.

An active lifestyle elicits many health benefits. This study’s aim is to understand the actual of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) of female university students in Korea who are experiencing stress due to, e.g., study and employment. LTPA is the degree of exercise participation in leisure time; it is cardiovascular and strength-based behavior occurring within recreation, exercise or sport and provides a positive effect on life satisfaction and psychological well-being. LTPA has been recommended as a method of reducing menstrual symptom severity. However, a lack of evidence exists to support a clear relationship between LTPA and menstruation in female university students. Health consciousness (HC) refers to the degree of interest in one’s health, and Korean female university students pay considerable attention to their body shape, diet habits, and LTPA. This study investigated female university students (K University in Gangwon-do, D University in Busan, and U University in Ulsan) in three metropolitan cities in Korea. Specifically, after seeking cooperation from the person in charge of each university, the purpose of this study was explained. In addition, after promising to provide coffee coupons to students who wish to respond to the survey, cooperation was sought in recruiting research subjects through the person in charge of each university. In addition, a total of 36 surveys that did not have contents filled in fully or gave inconsistent answers were excluded among all survey participants. Chi-square test, t-test and univariate one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis were performed for between groups (HC, LTPA, intention to participate in LTPA). The LTPA results in relation to the menstruation patterns of Korean female college students are shown. First, there were no significant differences between menstruation (regular vs. irregular) and general LTPA during non-menstrual time periods (χ2 = 5.828, p < 0.212). However, female university students with regular menstruation patterns had higher LTPA after menstruation compared to female university students with irregular menstruation. Second, there were significant differences in the relationships among HC (p = 0.000), amount of LTPA (p = 0.002), and intention to perform LTPA (p = 0.002), according to the menstruation patterns (regular vs. irregular) of Korean female university students. In other words, those with regular menstruation patterns showed higher HC, amount of LTPA and intention to participate in LTPA than those with irregular menstruations. Third, there were significant differences in the relationship among HC (p = 0.000), amount of LTPA (p = 0.000), and intention to participate in LTPA (p = 0.000) according to LTPA of Korean female university students. Causation cannot be inferred from correlational studies. Therefore, female university students ultimately have different HC and participation in LTPA depending on menstruation regularity.

Changes in the Epidemiology and Causative Pathogens of Meningitis in Children After the Outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Multicenter Database Study.

BackgroundWith the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing have been implemented worldwide, and a decrease in other infectious diseases has been reported as an unexpected benefit. However, to date, studies are lacking regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neuroinfectious diseases; therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of meningitis, which is the most common infectious disease in children.MethodsThis retrospective study used electronic medical record data from five university hospitals located in the metropolitan cities in Korea. This study included patients aged <18 years who were diagnosed with meningitis between January 2017 and December 2020. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with meningitis and changes in the incidence and causative pathogens of meningitis before and after the COVID-19 outbreak.ResultsThe study included 677 patients with meningitis. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Korea in January 2020, the incidence of childhood meningitis significantly decreased and seasonal changes noted yearly disappeared. There was a difference in the age distribution of patients with meningitis. The incidence of meningitis decreased significantly in children aged >5 years, and the incidence in children <5 years of age relatively increased (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a notable decrease in the cases of suspected meningitis (p < 0.001). The incidence of enteroviral meningitis, the most common cause of meningitis, significantly decreased.ConclusionAfter the COVID-19 outbreak, the incidence of childhood meningitis significantly decreased with the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Absence of enteroviral meningitis and decrease in the proportion of patients aged ≥5 years with meningitis having mild symptoms were noted. Consequently, it can be concluded that the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) instituted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had some effect on reducing the incidence of meningitis.

Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure and Risk of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea: A National Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study

We investigated the association between short-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) in seven metropolitan cities in Korea. We used national health insurance claims data to identify AE-COPD cases in 2015. We estimated short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), PM with diameters of ≤10 μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) obtained from the Ministry of Environment. We conducted a time-stratified, case-crossover study to evaluate the effect of short-term exposure to air pollution on hospital visits for AE-COPD, using a conditional logistic regression model. The risk of hospital visits for AE-COPD was significantly associated with interquartile range increases in PM10 in a cumulative lag model (lag 0–2, 0.35%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.65%; lag 0–3, 0.39%, 95% CI 0.01–0.77%). The associations were higher among patients who were men, aged 40–64 years, with low household income, and with a history of asthma. However, other air pollutants were not significantly associated with the risk of hospital visits for AE-COPD. Short-term exposure to air pollution, especially PM10, increases the risk of hospital visits for AE-COPD.

Hydrothermal energy potential near the three major metropolitan cities in Korea

Hydrothermal energy potential near the three major metropolitan cities in Korea

Influential Effects of Emotional Intelligence on the Relationship between Job Stress and Burnout among General Hospital Administrative Staff.

Emotional intelligence plays an important role at the time of determination of job stress or in controlling emotions arising from job stress. This study uses a cross-sectional descriptive design to assess the extent of job stress, emotional intelligence, and burnout of general hospital administrative staff, and to identify an influencing effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between job stress and burnout. Data were collected by using a structuralized questionnaire survey conducted on 191 administrative staff at 4 general hospitals in a metropolitan city in Korea in September 2021. The effects of emotional intelligence on the relationship between job stress and burnout were analyzed by using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results of analysis showed: (a) job stress and burnout displayed positive correlation (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) while (b) emotional intelligence and burnout displayed negative correlation (r = −0.26, p < 0.001), and (c) factors with significant effects on burnout included age (≥40 years), job stress, and emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence had direct (independent) effects on burnout. Thus, the improvement of emotional intelligence is necessary to decrease burnout levels in general hospital administrative staff.

Factors Influencing Retention Intention of Nurses at Long-term Care Hospitals in Korea

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the levels and correlations of role conflict, nursing professionalism, nursing work environment and retention intention, and the factors influencing retention intention of nurses at long-term care hospitals. Methods: The subjects included 183 nurses at nine long-term care hospitals in one metropolitan city in Korea. A set of self-reported questionnaires was administered to assess general characteristics, role conflict, nursing professionalism, nursing work environment, and retention intention of the subjects. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression. Results: 183 subjects with a mean (±SD) age of 41.66 (±12.29) years were included in the final analyses. Retention intention had a significant positive correlation with nursing professionalism (r=.39, p<.001) and nursing work environment (r=.51, p<.001). Nursing work environment had a significant negative correlation with role conflict (r=-.30, p<.001) and a significant positive correlation with nursing professionalism (r=.48, p<.001). In the final multiple regression analysis, the factors influencing retention intention of subjects were number of beds (β=-.15 p<.026), nursing professionalism (β=.19, p=.007) and nursing work environment (β=.36, p<.001). The explanatory power of number of beds, nursing professionalism and nursing work environment on retention intention was 34.0% (F=16.66, p<.001). Conclusion: Improving nursing professionalism and nursing work environment of nurses at long-term care hospitals will ultimately enhance their retention intention and positively impact on the quality of gerontological nursing service.

Urban gentrification, social vulnerability, and environmental (in) justice: Perspectives from gentrifying metropolitan cities in Korea

By integrating urban gentrification dynamics with nexus of social vulnerability and environmental (in)justice, this study explores gentrification processes and community perceptions of gentrification outcomes across gentrifying areas within metropolitan areas corresponding to seven selected cities within South Korea. Combined with redefined urban gentrification drivers, mediators (or control variables), and outcomes, correlation analysis was undertaken using longitudinal secondary data and cross-sectional survey data. Such case study-based empirical approaches in a non-western context were applied to measure social vulnerability and environmental (in)justice index, map spatial distribution of the index, and address the relationships among the gentrification processes in the context of social vulnerability and environmental (in)justice. Our results suggest that a positive correlation between social vulnerability to gentrification and environmental (in)justice exists particularly in urban core areas. Gentrification outcomes by community perceptions exhibited increases in house sale price and household displacement. Our attempts can provide policymakers, planners, practitioners, and residents with a better understanding of social and environmental constraints or benefits of gentrification along with the important concepts of social vulnerability and environmental justice as solutions to urban regeneration challenges.

Association between long-term exposure to particulate matter and childhood cancer: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough particulate matter is a known carcinogen, its association with childhood cancer is inconclusive. The present study aimed to examine the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter and childhood cancer. MethodsA retrospective cohort was constructed from the claims database of the Korea National Health Insurance Service, including children born in seven metropolitan cities in Korea between 2002 and 2012. Monthly mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10) and other air pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO, and O3) were calculated using data from the AirKorea. Monthly mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) were estimated based on a data fusion approach. Cumulative exposure was assessed by averaging the monthly concentrations accounting for the residential mobility of the children. The occurrence of cancer was identified by the appearance of diagnosis codes in the claims database. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Cox proportional regression, adjusting for potential confounders and O3 concentrations. ResultsDuring the study period, 1,725 patients were newly diagnosed with cancer among 1,261,855 children. HR of all cancers per 10 μg/m3 increment in annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 3.02 (95% CI: 1.63, 5.59) and 1.04 (0.74, 1.45), respectively. ConclusionPM2.5 exposure was positively associated with childhood cancer in a large retrospective cohort with exposure assessment accounting for residential mobility.

Secular Trend of Twin Birth Rate in Metropolitan Cities of Korea, 2000-2019

Objectives: To analyze the seven metropolitan cities of twin birth rate per 100 births (TBR) from 2000 to 2019 in Korea.Methods: We used the 2000-2019 birth certificated data (3,949,097 births) of seven metropolitan cities from Statistics Korea. The data of extra-marital birth and information missing cases (maternal and paternal age and triplet birth) were excluded. The odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression to describe the regional variance of TBR adjusted for maternal age, age difference between couple and maternal educational backgrounds.Results: During this period (2000-2019 years), the highest TBR by region was observed in Ulsan and Seoul metropolitan city (3.0), and the lowest TBR in Deagu metropolitan city (2.6). The TBR increased by 275 percent from 1.74 in 2000 to 4.79 in 2019. During the period from 2000-2004 to 2015-2019, there was the highest increment of TBR in Ulsan metropolitan city (odds ratio: 1.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.64-1.92) and Busan metropolitan city (1.74; 1.65-1.83), and the lowest increment in Daegu metropolitan city (1.24; 1.17-1.31), after adjustment by logistic regression for demographic variables. During the period 2015-2019 years, there was a significant increase the odds ratio of TBR in Ulsan metropolitan city (1.39), Busan metropolitan city (1.33), Seoul metropolitan city (1.25) and Incheon metropolitan city (1.23), as compared with the TBR of Deagu metropolitan city.Conclusions: Over the past two decades, TBR have risen dramatically in metropolitan cities of Korea. Regional variance of TBR was observed among metropolitan cities in Korea. There is a need for more research to understand the socio-demographic and medical factors associated with regional differences. The national birth registration system needs to be reformed to monitor whether twin births are spontaneous or assisted pregnancy.

Consumer Search and Price Dispersion: A Comparison of Gas Station Prices Before and After COVID-19

탐색이론모형은 동질적인 재화에 대해 두 개 혹은 그 이상의 가격이 존재하는 가격분산을 소비자의 가격탐색에 따른 편익과 비용으로 설명한다. 우리나라 주유소에서 판매되는 운송용 유류는 품질과 서비스의 높은 동질성에도 불구하고 동일한 지역 내에서 다양한 가격에 판매되고 있다. 본 연구는 코로나19가 보통휘발유와 경유의 가격분산 변화에 미친 영향을 실증적으로 분석하고자 한다. 탐색이론모형에 따르면, 코로나19의 확산으로 감염 위험이 증가하여 운전자의 유류소비가 감소하거나 소비자의 가격탐색에 따른 편익이 감소하여 보통휘발유와 경유 소매가격의 분산이 증가할 것이라고 추론할 수 있다. 2019~2020년 서울특별시와 6대 광역시 주유소의 일별보통휘발유와 경유 가격 자료를 패널 고정효과 모형을 이용해 분석한 결과에 따르면, 코로나19 이후 보통휘발유와 경유 가격의 도시 수준 분산이 약 16.5%와 23.4% 증가하였다. 또한 코로나19 누적 확진자수가 증가할수록 보통휘발유와 경유 가격의 도시 내 격차는 확대되었으며, 이러한 효과는 코로나19 확산 초기 누적 확진자수가 적을수록 크게 나타났다. 한편 다른 조건이 일정할 경우, 유류 가격상승 지속기간이 증가할수록 해당 유류의 가격분산은 감소하였지만 가격하락 지속기간은 가격분산에 유의미한 영향을 주지 않았다.The search-theoretic model attibutes the price dispersion, variation in prices across sellers of the homogeneous goods, to the differences in benefits and costs of consumer search for lower price. Transportation oil at gas stations in Korea is sold at various prices even within the same region despite its homogeneity in quality and services. This study analyzed the effect of Covid-19 on the price dispersion of regular gasoline and diesel. According to the search-theoretic model, the spread of Corona 19 is expected to increase the risk of infection such that reduced transportation oil consumption or lowered benefits of price search will result in an increase in the dispersion of regular gasoline and diesel prices. Using daily regular gasoline and diesel price data at Seoul and six metropolitan cities in Korea between 2019 and 2020. we find that the city-level dispersion of regualar gasoline and diesel prices increased by about 16.5% and 23.4% after the spread of COVID-19. Our results also suggest that, as the cumulative number of confirmed cases of Corona 19 increases, the price dispersion of regular gasoline or diesel widens, and this effect is shown to be stronger at earlier days of COVID-19 era. Finally the price dispersion of transportation oil decreases more as the duration of oil price rise lasts longer, but the duration of oil price decline has no statistically significant effect on oil price dispersion.

Health Impact Assessment of PM2.5 control legislation in Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with increased all-cause mortality. The metropolitan area particulate matter reduction policy is enacted to reduce PM2.5 concentration in 2008. The policy selected substances subject to particulate matter management, implemented total emission regulations in Seoul and Incheon, strengthened standards for allowing emissions for production vehicles, and promoted reduction of diesel car emissions. The aim of the present analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy on health. METHODS: The policy was applied to Seoul and Incheon, and other metropolitan cities in Korea were selected as control groups. We conducted interrupted time series analyses to examine changes in PM2.5 concentration and concentration-response function after the enactment of the policy. Based on the calculated change, we estimated the health benefit in terms of reduced mortality. RESULTS:We observed a decrease in the slope of concentration-response function of all-cause mortality after intervention in Seoul and Incheon. PM2.5 concentrations also decreased. The interaction coefficient about intervention was -0.537 (p value=0.001) in Seoul and -0.0276 (p value=0.64) in Incheon. We calculated the number of excess deaths when there was no intervention effect, when only PM2.5 concentrations were decreased, when only concentration-response function was decreased, when both concentration-response function and PM2.5 were reduced. The number of excess death in Seoul was 684.1 (221-1112.3), 654 (230.1-1149.1), 450.9 (0-883.1), and 432.2 (0-919.1), respectively. We observed 137.1 (0-673.4), 113.8 (0-560.7), 82 (0-236.2), and 68.7 (0-196.7), in Incheon, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:The all-cause mortality caused by PM2.5 in Seoul and Incheon decreased after intervention. KEYWORDS: All-cause mortality, Health impact assessment, Legislation, PM2.5 concentration, Excess death

Association between long-term exposure to particulate matter and childhood cancer: Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Particulate matter is known carcinogen, but its association with childhood cancer is inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between air pollution and childhood cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was constructed from claims database of the Korea National Health Insurance Service. Children who had been born in 7 metropolitan cities in Korea (Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu, Busan, and Ulsan) from 2002 to 2012 were recruited and half of them were randomly selected. Children who were diagnosed with cancer within 5 years of birth were excluded. Monthly mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter 10 μm (PM10) and other air pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO and O3) was calculated from AirKorea. Monthly mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter 2.5 μm (PM2.5) was estimated with a concentration prediction model. The cumulative exposure was calculated by averaging monthly concentrations according to the subject's residential information. We constructed Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for potential confounders and O3 concentration. RESULTS:A total of 1,261,855 children (boys 641,704, girls 610,151) were included in the analysis. During the study period, 1,725 were newly diagnosed with cancer. Exposures to higher mean ambient PM2.5 and PM10 concentration increased the risk of childhood cancer. The hazard ratio of all cancers was 3.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63, 5.59) and 1.04 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.45) for an increment of 10 μg/m3 of annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:We observed significant positive association between particulate matter exposure and childhood cancer in a retrospective cohort of 1.2 million children. KEYWORDS: Particulate matter, Cancer, Children, Retrospective cohort

모바일 앱을 이용한 일상생활의 보행 변인과 연령 및 신체질량지수의 관련성

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gait variables and age and body mass index(BMI) in daily life using a mobile app. The subjects of this study were a total of 197 men and women aged 40 to 80 residing in the 7 metropolitan cities of Korea. In addition, in order to examine gait variables according to BMI, according to the classification criteria of WHO, those with less than 18.5~23.0 kg/m² are in the normal weight group(n=65), those with less than 23~25 kg/m² are in the overweight group(n=72), Those over kg/m² were classified as obese groups(n=60). After downloading the Brainwork 1.36 app to the subject, the number of steps, walking time, walking distance, and walking speed were recorded for two weeks. For data processing, LSD(least significant difference) was verified through one-way ANOVA using Windows SPSS 22.0. Pearson