Single-person Households Research Articles

Addressing Social Isolation and Suicide Risk in South Korea’s Permanent Rental Housing: An Empirical Investigation of Intervention Strategies1

This study examines social isolation and suicide risk in South Korea's permanent rental housing, which has been in existence since 1989. The research objectives are threefold: firstly, to identify individuals and households at heightened risk of mental health challenges; secondly, to analyse the causal relationships between residential environments and mental health outcomes; and thirdly, to formulate evidence-based recommendations for suicide prevention interventions. The study employs data from the Housing Management Agency and the Korea Welfare Panel Survey (KOWEPS) to emamine a range of factors, including household composition, age, gender, housing satisfaction, and social relationships. The study’s key findings indicate an elevated prevalence of suicide and loneliness, particularly among older adults and single-person households. Significant influences on these outcomes include financial stress, housing tenure, neighborhood characteristics, and housing quality. The study identifies depression as a critical factor, influenced by self-esteem, social support, and environmental satisfaction, with older residents with lower education and employment rates being most at risk. The research underscores the need for demographically targeted mental health strategies and highlights the importance of expanded public health interventions and housing improvements. It advocates for early identification and proactive management of mental health risks, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to reducing social isolation and suicide in permanent rental housing.

다가구 주택의 범죄 예방을 위한 위험 요인 분석에 관한 연구

The increase in single-person households is one of the phenomena that is attracting attention in modern society. This study analyzes the risk factors of living in multi-family houses and studies and analyzes how safety facilities are installed and managed to propose improvement measures. The survey was conducted by deriving 7 detailed factors, including the experience of crime damage, fear of crime, and installation of safety facilities, etc. In addition, the installation status of image information processing devices, which are physical safety facilities, was investigated and analyzed. As a result of the survey, the improvement of the risk exposure to crime and the installation and maintenance of safety facilities were investigated as very important factors. The fear of crime did not show significant differences by age or household size, and it was found that the fear of all types of crime has increased. Although crime prevention standards have been established as related laws, multi-family houses are classified as recommended applications, and the blind spots of crime have been identified. Therefore, it is proposed that the crime prevention standards are mandatory for multi-family houses. In addition, it proposes the necessity of enacting laws that can enforce management because the maintenance standards of image information processing devices, which are physical safety facilities, do not have legal regulations. This study emphasizes the importance of residential safety and living environment, and believes that it can be used as an important study that can greatly affect the safety and welfare of society.

The Impact of Social Capital on Health Behaviors and Disease Prevalence Among Young Single-Person Households: Using Data from the 2023 Korea Community Health Survey

The Impact of Social Capital on Health Behaviors and Disease Prevalence Among Young Single-Person Households: Using Data from the 2023 Korea Community Health Survey

Single-person household and local government expenditure: evidence from South Korea

AbstractThe global rise in single-person households represents a significant demographic shift with profound implications for government policy, where the household serves as a primary unit of analysis. This study examines the implications of this trend on local government expenditure, focusing specifically on Korea, a nation grappling with unprecedented challenges such as low birth rates, an aging population, and a surge in single-person households. From a public financial perspective, we analyze the causal relationship between the increase in single-person households and local government spending through instrumental variable estimation. Our findings indicate that the expansion of single-person households leads to increased local government expenditure, with variations across age groups, urban-rural divides, and expenditure categories. Based on these findings, we discuss policy implications, emphasizing the need for tailored responses to address the evolving dynamics of household structures and their impact on public finances.

Higher Animal-Based Protein Intake Levels Show a Greater Likelihood of Having Metabolic Syndrome in Single-Person Households Among Korean Adults.

Despite the increasing intake of animal-based protein and the growing number of single-person households (SPHs) in Korean populations, no studies have analyzed the relationship of protein intake by source with metabolic syndrome (MetS) according to household type. This study examined the association between protein intake (plant- and animal-based sources) and MetS risk factors in SPH and multi-person households (MPHs) among Korean adults. A total of 12,022 participants aged 30-64 years (SPH: 982; MPH: 11,040) were selected from the 2016-2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Protein intake level was defined as the percentage contribution of food source to daily intake, assessed using 24 h recall dietary data. The animal-based protein intake level was slightly higher in SPHs (51.2%) compared to MPHs (49.5%), whereas the contributions of plant sources from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains were higher in MPHs (p < 0.01). The prevalence of MetS and abdominal obesity increased with higher animal-based protein intake levels across all household types. Only in SPHs, each 1% rise in the proportion of animal-based protein was positively associated with increased blood pressure (OR = 1.013, 95% CI: 1.004-1.022). Moreover, the interaction between animal-based protein intake levels and household type was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of elevated triglycerides (TGs) (MPH[Q1] vs. SPH[Q4] OR = 1.51; p for interaction = 0.0335). However, these two risk factors did not show significant association in MPHs. The results suggest that reducing dietary animal protein could help manage MetS risk factors, particularly increased blood pressure, and elevated TGs in SPHs of Korean adults. In conclusion, dietary guidelines that promote a higher intake of plant-based protein over animal-based protein for the health of the SPH population would be valuable from a public health perspective.

Impact of neighborhood-level COVID-19 mortality on the increase in drug overdose mortality in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundOverdose mortality increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unclear to what extent the COVID-19 mortality had contributed to this increase at the neighborhood level.MethodsThis was an ecological study based on New York City United Hospital Fund (NYC UHF) neighborhood-level data from 2019 to 2021, split into two time-windows: pre-COVID (2019) and during-COVID (2020 and 2021). Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of cumulative COVID-19 mortality on the increase in drug overdose mortality from the pre-COVD to during-COVID periods at the neighborhood level, with and without adjusting for neighborhood characteristics.ResultsDrug overdose mortality rate increased from 21.3 to 33.4 deaths per 100,000 person-years across NYC UHF neighborhoods from pre-COVID to during-COVID. For each additional COVID-19 death per 1,000 person-years at the neighborhood level, the increase in drug overdose mortality rose 2.4 (95% CI: 1.7, 3.3) times. Furthermore, neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Hispanic residents, a higher percentage of single-person households, and a higher percentage of residents with health insurance experienced significantly larger increases in drug overdose mortality. In contrast, neighborhoods with a higher percentage of residents aged 75 and older had a smaller increase in drug overdose mortality.ConclusionsNYC neighborhoods with higher cumulative COVID-19 mortality experienced a greater increase in drug overdose mortality during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Concrete Actions for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Korea: Advancing Public Health for Vulnerable Populations

In modern society, individuals spend an increasing amount of time indoors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of indoor environments. This study focused on measuring indoor air quality to identify vulnerable populations and observe the effects of residential environment improvements on air quality. Targeting low-income families and elderly households, known for their heightened vulnerability to environmental health risks, the study involved direct visits to 2328 low-income households across 16 cities and provinces in South Korea from 2021 to 2022. Indoor air quality parameters, including PM2.5, PM10, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), and airborne mold, were measured. Among these households, 300 with critically compromised living conditions received support for wallpaper and paneling replacement. Comparative measurements before and after the renovations revealed that single-person households had higher levels of PM2.5 and TVOC compared with households with four or more members. Additionally, households with elevated concentrations of airborne mold also exhibited higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10. Importantly, households that received environmental improvements showed a significant reduction in airborne mold concentration by approximately 50% or more. This study underscores the importance of indoor environmental health and provides valuable evidence supporting policies focused on health promotion and residential welfare improvements for vulnerable populations. The research is distinguished by its comprehensive nature, involving direct measurements from nearly 2000 households nationwide, rather than relying solely on secondary data.

COVID-19 and Weekly Hours Worked in Single-Person Households in the United States

AbstractIn early 2020, single-person households constituted 17% of the labor force in the United States. How did these single-person households fare in terms of their weekly hours worked following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic? To answer the question, this paper used panel data from the Basic Monthly Current Population Survey and worked with a balanced panel of 2,659 single-person households that were consecutively surveyed in February, March, and April of 2020; that is, a period including the outbreak, as well as the first peak of the pandemic. In terms of the change in total hours worked per week, the paper recorded decreases across most demographic groups. Particularly, the paper documented that single-person households in any of the groups of Black, Hispanic, high school graduates, those aged less than 25, those aged between 31 and 35, and those between 46 and 50 were among the most severely negatively affected groups. Moreover, whether fixed or random effects models were used, the study concluded with a positive effect for teleworkability (the capability to work remotely) as well as with a positive effect for essential jobs on total weekly hours worked. Finally, the author included the need for safeguarding teleworkability in a broader policy discussion, as well as the need for developing coping mechanisms against disruptions of weekly hours worked especially under extreme hardships and crises.

Regional disparities in home health care utilization for older adults and their associated factors at the secondary medical area level: A Nationwide study in Japan.

As aging populations shift health care from hospitals to communities, Japan has implemented policies to promote home health care. This study explored regional differences in home health care recipients among older adults and related factors. We used nationwide data from 2020 to describe the proportion of older adults receiving regular home visits and the medical institutions utilized across secondary medical areas: urban, middle and depopulated areas. We examined factors associated with the proportion of patients receiving regular home visits. Exposures included each secondary medical area's medical and long-term-care (LTC) resources, adjusted for the older adult population; proportion of single-person households; and regional factors. We performed a multivariate negative binomial distribution analysis. A total of 333 secondary medical areas were included. Urban areas had more patients receiving regular home visits, primarily from enhanced home care support clinics/hospitals (HCSCs). Fewer patients received regular home visits in depopulated areas, and conventional HCSCs were more common. Multivariate analysis revealed that the number of conventional HCSCs (coefficient, 0.17 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.08 to 0.26]), enhanced HCSCs (coefficient, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.14 to 0.29]) and population density (coefficient, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.19]) were positively associated with higher home-visit rates. Beds in LTC welfare facilities (coefficient, -0.10 [95% CI, -0.19 to -0.01]) and beds in LTC health facilities (coefficient, -0.09 [95% CI, -0.17 to 0.00]) were negatively associated. Policies to promote home health care have led to high home-visit rates in urban areas. Medical and LTC resources and regional factors influence disparities. As Japan's population ages, it is crucial to recognize these disparities and develop medical and LTC systems tailored to each region's characteristics. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1350-1361.

Preferences and Expectations for Home Robot Tasks: Comparison According to Age and Household Type in Republic of Korea.

Most studies of consumer preferences and expectations for home robots focus on either older adults or single-person households (SPHs). However, with the rise in voluntary SPHs among young adults and seniors, it is critical to compare both age and household types in robot research. This study explored perceptions of home robots and willingness to use their features based on age and household type, in the context of the expanding home robot market in Republic of Korea. An online survey of 400 individuals was conducted, targeting young SPHs and multi-person households (MPHs) in their 20s and 30s as well as older SPHs and MPHs in their 50s and 60s. The survey covered four robot task categories, with 40 items derived from previous research: household chores (20 items), personal care (seven items), leisure/companion (nine items), and health (four items). The results helped predict the main target groups for each in-home robot task by identifying items that showed differences in responses between groups and interpreting these based on age, household type, and their combination. The study provides valuable data on consumer expectations, highlighting differences in responses according to both age and household type, offering insights for the robotics industry to effectively target their products.

Depression Treatment Trajectories and Associated Social Determinants: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study in 66,540 Older Adults Undergoing First-Time Depression Treatment in Denmark.

This study aimed to describe depression treatment patterns, identify unique trajectory groups using a group-based trajectory approach, and explore associated social determinants in older adults undergoing first-time depression treatment during a 3-year follow-up. This Danish register-based cohort study included all adults aged ≥ 65 who initiated depression treatment by redeeming first-time antidepressant prescriptions (no prescriptions in the last 10years) between 2006 and 2015. The outcome of interest during the 2-year follow-up was depression treatment, assessed as antidepressant prescriptions redemptions and psychiatric hospital contacts for depression. Latent class growth analyses were applied to model treatment trajectories during 3years. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyze adjusted associations between social determinates and trajectory group membership. Among the 66,540 older adults (55.2% females, mean age: 77.3years), we identified three distinct groups with unique patterns of depression treatment trajectories: 'brief-treatment' where individuals stopped depression treatment within 6months (33.7%); 'gradual-withdrawal' (26.5%) where treatment was gradually stopped over 2years; and 'persistent-treatment' where individuals continued depression treatment for the entire 3years (39.8%). Females, single-person households, and residents of less-urbanized regions were associated with higher odds of membership in the 'persistent-treatment' group, while older age, widowhood or separation, and non-Danish ethnicities were associated with lower odds. Three distinct patterns of depression treatment trajectories were identified in older adults, indicating differential clinical courses of depression-potentially influenced by social determinants, including sex, marital status, urban residence, and ethnicity. Early patient stratification and targeted interventions are crucial in depression care for older adults.

독거노인가구의 주거빈곤이 주관적 건강에 미치는 영향: 자아존중감과 우울의 이중매개효과

The purpose of this study is to empirically identify the magnitude and characteristics of residential poverty among the elderly living alone and to determine the mediating effects of self-esteem and depression on the effects of residential poverty on the subjective health of the elderly living alone. The analysis data used was secondary data from the 15th Korea Welfare Panel (KOWEPS) (2020). Among the panel survey data, 1,502 cases of seniors aged 65 or older living alone were finally analyzed as of 2020, the time of the survey. SPSS 23.0 and PROCESS Macro 3.5 were used for analysis, and the main research results are as follows. First, the level of residential poverty among elderly households living alone was approximately 1 out of 3 households. Second, health status was confirmed in terms of self-esteem, depression, and subjective health. As a result of the analysis, the average subjective health score was 2.7057 points on a 5-point scale, depression was 11.8635 points, and self-esteem was 2.8427 points on a 4-point scale. Third, as a result of controlling and analyzing demographic characteristics to determine how residential poverty affects the health of single-person elderly households, the effect of residential poverty on subjective health of single-person elderly households was statistically significant (β=-. 2295, p&lt;.001), when self-esteem and depression were included, residential poverty no longer appeared to affect their subjective health (β=-.0418, p&gt;.05), showing that residential poverty and subjective health It was found that depression and self-esteem each fully mediated the relationship. Fourth, as a result of verifying the size of the double mediating effect, it was found that the housing poverty (X) → self-esteem (M1) → depression (M2) → health (Y) path was significant as -.0479 (-.0674~-.0307). Based on these results, implications and development tasks for the residential welfare policy and service direction of elderly households living alone were presented.

독거 중년 미혼남성의 외로움 경험에 관한 현상학적 연구

Objectives This study attempted to deeply understand the experiences and nature of loneliness formed by mid-dle-aged unmarried men living alone from childhood to middle age. Methods To this end, five unmarried men in their 40s and 50s were interviewed individually twice from January 2023 to June 2023 to collect data, and Giorgi's phenomenological research method was used to focus on the phe-nomena experienced by research participants. Results As a result of the study, six components and 18 sub-components were derived from ‘loneliness sprouted by childhood wounds’,‘ wandering and accumulating loneliness in puberty’, ‘struggle for sief-reliance and lone-liness’, ‘excitement and conflict and loneliness of finding a spouse’, ‘frustration and increasing loneliness in mar-riage’, ‘acceptance and overcoming loneliness and pain’. Conclusions This study is meaningful in that the essence of the loneliness experience of middle-aged single men living alone is that they have an insight into their own isolated life with distrust, avoidance, and dependence on others due to their parents' inappropriate parenting attitudes and parenting environment in childhood. As a result, it will serve as basic data for expanding a broad understanding of the complex phenomenon of loneliness by illumi-nating individual experiences and social contexts, and preparing single-person household policies for mid-dle-aged single men and measures to live alone in old age.

Approaches to Dementia Control in a Community in Japan

Abstract Background In order to consider future dementia countermeasures in the community, we conducted a survey to understand the characteristics of the elderly living in the community. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in collaboration with Hanno-city, Saitama Prefecture, targeting all persons aged 65 years or older (excluding institutionalized residents) living in Hanno-city (aging rate: 32.0%). The questionnaire items included basic attributes, lifestyle, daily living conditions, and willingness to participate in activities. The survey was sent to 7,133 people, and 3,623 valid responses were received (valid response rate: 50.8%). Results Respondents were 1,135 males (51.2%) and 1,080 females (48.8%); 1,979 (54.6%) were aged 65-74 and 1,644 (45.4%) were aged 75 and over. The proportion of single-person households was 12.1%. 56.1% of the respondents had been living in the community for 30 years or more, and the overall membership rate of the residents’ association was high at 91.0%. A total of 691 (19.1%) of the respondents had seen someone suspected of having dementia. 1,178 (32.5%) answered ‘yes,’ 1,452 (40.1%) answered ‘no,’ and 881 (24.3%) answered ‘don’t know. There were 472 (8.1%) dementia supporters. Conclusions The membership rate of local residents’ associations was high at 91.0%, indicating that the community maintains relatively close relationships with its residents. Based on the National Dementia plan, further consideration will be given to long-term goals such as human resource development for each region and policies to support these goals. Main messages: In a mountainous district with an aging population similar to that of Japan as a whole, only about one-third of the respondents knew of a contact point for dementia-related issues. Based on the National Dementia Plan, the government will consider dementia policies, including long-term goals and policies to support these goals in the community. Key messages • In a mountainous district with an aging population similar to that of Japan as a whole, only about one-third of the respondents knew of a contact point for dementia-related issues. • Based on the National Dementia Plan, the government will consider dementia policies, including long-term goals and policies to support these goals in the community.

Which factors influence the decision of hospitals to provide procedures on an outpatient basis? –Mixed-methods evidence from Germany

Shifting care from the resource-intensive inpatient setting to the more economically efficient outpatient sector is being promoted internationally by policymakers. Financial incentives are a major focus of such efforts because low levels of hospital outpatient care are attributed to differences in payment for inpatient and outpatient services. In Germany, however, there is significant variation in the extent to which hospitals provide outpatient care despite a uniform payment system. Therefore, other factors must be influencing German hospitals’ strategic decisions whether to offer outpatient care. While most research has focused on specific procedures or lacks empirical support, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors beyond financial incentives that influence the provision of hospital outpatient services in Germany. We employed a mixed-methods approach, first contacting health care experts with in-depth knowledge of the hospital outpatient landscape to identify possible influencing factors and then conducting a comprehensive quantitative analysis of all German hospitals. Our findings suggest that policymakers seeking to promote hospital outpatient care should consider a broad range of factors. We found that a hospital's service mix, size, procedure volume, and emergency care infrastructure significantly affected the proportion of outpatient services it offered. Strategic hospital planning emphasizing specialization and adherence to minimum volume standards might therefore be a valuable policy tool. Our analysis also highlights the importance of demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as the regional share of single-person households, suggesting that a comprehensive policy framework should account for broader population characteristics and not just elements directly related to hospital care.

Carrying capacity-based benchmarks for Belgian residential buildings

Environmental benchmarks are a means to stimulate lowering environmental impacts of buildings. These benchmarks may be based on a bottom-up or top-down approach. While bottom-up benchmarks are derived from the analysis of reference buildings and represent current building practice, staying within the Earth's carrying capacity requires top-down benchmarks representing long-term environmental goals. Top-down benchmarks are derived by allocating a share of the global carrying capacity to objects, e.g. buildings, using so-called sharing principles. Various sharing principles exist, which significantly influence benchmark values. This study applies a wide range of sharing principles, including novel principles, to define top-down benchmark values for Belgian residential buildings based on global carrying capacities. An environmental budget was first allocated to Belgium, then to households and finally to the housing function. In each step, multiple sharing principles were applied, resulting in 32 combinations of sharing principles. For a single-person household, the minimum and maximum budget resulting from the combinations differ by a factor 42. Based on data availability and quality as well as ethical considerations, the authors of this paper give preference to “right to development” for the allocation to Belgium; “household composition” for the allocation to households and “final consumption expenditures” for the allocation to the housing function. The comparison of the top-down benchmark values with bottom-up benchmarks reveals that various measures are required to remain within the Earth's carrying capacity. The top-down benchmark values presented in this paper can hence guide policymakers in establishing environmental targets and related roadmaps for residential buildings in Belgium.

Behavioral patterns in elderly single-person households

The global rise in the aging population and the increase in older adults living alone have raised concerns about health-related behaviors, particularly sedentary lifestyles and reduced daily activities. These behaviors are linked to higher risks of physical and cognitive conditions. While many global studies have explored these patterns, research within the Chilean context remains limited. This work presents a analysis of behavioral patterns in elderly individuals living alone in Chile, offering valuable insights into this population. Using clustering techniques, we identified two distinct activity patterns among the participants. The first pattern is characterized by a gradual increase in activity during the day, peaking around midday and followed by a decline, likely associated with meal preparation and rest. The second pattern demonstrates a more dynamic lifestyle, with a rapid surge in activity after waking and sustained levels throughout the day, suggesting a potentially healthier approach to aging. These findings align with previous studies indicating high levels of sedentary behavior in older adults, reinforcing the need for interventions tailored to diversify daily routines and promote physical activity. This study is the first to explore these patterns in the Chilean context, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of elderly care and informing future strategies for improving the well-being of older adults living alone.

1인 가구 가정생활 실태 및 요구 조사: 2023년 가족센터 이용자를 중심으로

This study examined the family life, program engagement, and policy support demands of single-person households associated with family centers across South Korea. Participants were recruited from 48 family centers, and the current study included 105 adults who met the criteria for single-person households. The assessment of family life focused on satisfaction, community participation, availability of support, and daily living challenges. The investigation of program engagement and demands for policy support included awareness of, and satisfaction with, diverse programs tailored for single-person households, and their expressed demands for support. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and F-tests. Results indicated that the family life satisfaction of single-person households scored an average of 7.7 out of 10. Community engagement and perceived availability of help were slightly above the median value. The greatest challenge for single-person households was maintaining a balanced diet. Overall, no significant differences in these features of family life across gender or age groups. Regarding program engagement, awareness of support programs for single-person households was higher among women than men, and satisfaction with these programs was higher among those in their 20s and 50s compared to those in their 40s. In terms of demands for policy support, housing stability support was the top priority for those in 20s to 40s, while family leisure/cultural activity support was most demanded by those in their 50s. This study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of single-person households using family centers nationwide and offers direction for the management and enhancement of support programs.

서울시 청년 1인 가구를 위한‘상담 멘토링’프로그램 분석 및 개선방안 연구

Perhaps the biggest change that has occurred in Korean society recently is the increase in single-person households.In line with the trend of increasing single-person households, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has introduced and is carrying out a counseling mentoring program for single-person households from 2021.However, the discussion on the effectiveness of this program has not yet been fully conducted. Accordingly, in this study, telephone and written interviews were conducted centering on practitioners conducting counseling mentoring, and based on the contents, the program was analyzed and limitations and improvement plans were proposed from various angles. The study was conducted from late October to mid-November 2022 with an FGI interview with a person in charge who runs a single-person household counseling mentoring program. Ten Metropolitan boroughs were selected by adding 7 administrative officers who operated the counseling mentoring program and 3 administrative officers who did not operate counseling mentoring. If a counseling program for emotional support is introduced in a residential space using social housing, one of the housing services for single-person households, it is expected that community activities to be formed in social housing can be supported, and at the same time, intimacy with the current area and residential space will increase, leading to a sense of psychological stability. This study is meaningful as it proposes a highly effective counseling program tailored to the characteristics of Seoul.

콜드체인 운송플랫폼의 IPA분석을 통한 가구 특성별 물류서비스에 관한 연구

Purpose: This study suggests logistics service improvements by analyzing the importance of, and satisfaction with, a domestic cold chain transportation platform. In addition, it differs from previous studies in that it is divided into single-person and multi-person households to understand the importance and satisfaction. Research design, data, and methodology: Data were collected on the importance of, and satisfaction with, service reliability, empathy, convenience, stability, and economic feasibility for service consumers who have used a cold chain transportation platform. Results: The cold chain transportation platform needs to provide additional services that can reduce the burden of transportation costs or increase satisfaction, and there is a need to improve the UI to make the delivery platform easier. In addition, in cold chain transportation services for single-person households, service quality improvement taking this into account is required. Conclusions: Through prior research, selection factors for a cold chain transportation platform were derived, and the implication is that service improvement is suggested through the IPA.