Epidemiology and Health

Original Article

Decrease in household secondhand smoking among Korean adolescents associated with smoke-free policies: grade-period-cohort and interrupted time series analyses: Hana Kim, Heewon Kang, Sung-il Cho; Epidemiol Health. 2024;46:e2024009. Published online December 13, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2024009

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Smoke-free areas have expanded and related campaigns have been implemented since 1995 in Korea. As a result, household secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has decreased over the past 15 years. We assessed the cohort effect, the effect of a 2008 campaign on household SHS exposure, and the impact of a complete smoking ban in public places along with increased penalties, as implemented in December 2011.
METHODS
Nationally representative cross-sectional 15-wave survey data of Korean adolescents were used. The 810,516 participants were classified into 6 grade groups, 15 period groups, and 20 middle school admission cohorts. An age-period-cohort analysis, conducted with the intrinsic estimator method, was used to assess the cohort effect of household SHS exposure, and interrupted-time series analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of the smoke-free policy and the campaign.
RESULTS
For cohorts who entered middle school from 2002 to 2008, the risk of household SHS exposure decreased among both boys and girls. Immediately after implementation of the smoke-free policy, the prevalence of household SHS exposure by period decreased significantly for boys (coefficient, -8.96; p<0.05) and non-significantly for girls (coefficient, -6.99; p=0.07). After the campaign, there was a significant decrease in household SHS exposure by cohort among boys, both immediately and post-intervention (coefficient, -4.84; p=0.03; coefficient, -1.22; p=0.02, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
A school-admission-cohort effect was found on household SHS exposure among adolescents, which was associated with the smoke-free policy and the campaign. Anti-smoking interventions should be implemented consistently and simultaneously.; Summary

Korean summary
지난 15년 동안 한국 청소년의 가정 내 간접흡연 노출은 감소했다. 가정 내 간접흡연 노출에 대하여 중학교 입학 코호트 효과가 존재하였다. 또한, 청소년의 가정 내 간접흡연 노출 감소는 2011년 12월 공공장소에서의 금연구역 규제와 2008년 시행된 캠페인과 연관되어 있었다.

Key Message
Household secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among Korean adolescents has decreased over the past 15 years. There was a school admission cohort effect on household SHS exposure. A complete smoking ban in public space with increased penalties in December 2011 and a campaign in 2008 to avoid SHS exposure were associated with reduced household SHS exposure among adolescents.

Special Article

Cancer risk based on alcohol consumption levels: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis: Seunghee Jun, Hyunjin Park, Ui-Jeong Kim, Eun Jeong Choi, Hye Ah Lee, Bomi Park, Soon Young Lee, Sun Ha Jee, Hyesook Park; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023092. Published online October 16, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023092

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for cancer. Despite extensive research into the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, the effect of light alcohol consumption on cancer risk remains a topic of debate. To contribute to this discourse, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Our systematic review aimed to investigate the associations between different levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of several cancer types. We focused on analyzing prospective associations using data from 139 cohort studies. Among them, 106 studies were included in the meta-analysis after a quantitative synthesis.

RESULTS

Our analysis did not find a significant association between light alcohol consumption and all-cause cancer risk (relative risk, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.99 to 1.04), but we observed a dose-response relationship. Light alcohol consumption was significantly associated with higher risks of esophageal, colorectal, and breast cancers. Light to moderate drinking was associated with elevated risks of esophageal, colorectal, laryngeal, and breast cancers. Heavy drinking was also found to contribute to the risk of stomach, liver, pancreas, and prostate cancers, thereby increasing the risk of almost all types of cancer. Additionally, females generally had lower cancer risks compared to males.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that cancer risks extend beyond heavy alcohol consumption to include light alcohol consumption as well. These findings suggest that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption associated with cancer risk. Our results underscore the importance of public health interventions addressing alcohol consumption to mitigate cancer risks.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 코호트 연구를 기반으로 하여 음주의 수준에 따른 암 위험 연관성에 대해 체계적 문헌고찰(139편)과 메타분석(106편)을 수행하였다. 연구 결과, 음주와 암 위험 사이에 용량-반응 관계가 나타났으며, 소량의 음주는 암 유형에 따라 차이가 있었으나, 식도암, 대장암, 전립선암(남성), 유방암(여성)에서 암 위험과의 연관성이 있음을 발견했다. 따라서, 암 위험 측면에서 음주에 안전한 수준이 없음을 시사하며, 음주와 관련된 잠재적 피해를 완화하기 위해서는 음주 지침 강화와 같은 공중보건개입이 필요하다.

Key Message
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between different levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of various cancer types through a systematic review and meta-analysis, providing insights into the ongoing debate about alcohol consumption and cancer causality. The findings support a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption levels and cancer risk and the light alcohol consumption was associated with risks of esophageal, colorectal, prostate (male), and breast (female) cancer. These results emphasize the absence of a safe threshold for alcohol consumption in terms of cancer risk.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploring genetic associations of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis with extraintestinal cancers in European and East Asian populations
Chengdong Yu, Jiawei Xu, Siyi Xu, Lei Tang, Qinyuan Han, Xiaoqiang Zeng, Yanxiao Huang, Tenghua Yu, Zhengkui Sun
Frontiers in Immunology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

COVID-19: Cohort Profile

Cohort profile: investigating SARS-CoV-2 infection and the health and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Canadian CHILD Cohort: Rilwan Azeez, Larisa Lotoski, Aimée Dubeau, Natalie Rodriguez, Myrtha E. Reyna, Tyler Freitas, Stephanie Goguen, Maria Medeleanu, Geoffrey L. Winsor, Fiona S. L. Brinkman, Emily E. Cameron, Leslie Roos, Elinor Simons, Theo J. Moraes, Piush J. Mandhane, Stuart E. Turvey, Shelly Bolotin, Kim Wright, Deborah McNeil, David M. Patrick, Jared Bullard, Marc-André Langlois, Corey R. Arnold, Yannick Galipeau, Martin Pelchat, Natasha Doucas, Padmaja Subbarao, Meghan B. Azad; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023091. Published online October 13, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023091

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all Canadian families, with some impacted differently than others. Our study aims to: (1) determine the prevalence and transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among Canadian families, (2) identify predictors of infection susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2, and (3) identify health and psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study builds upon the CHILD Cohort Study, an ongoing multi-ethnic general population prospective cohort consisting of 3,454 Canadian families with children born in Vancouver, Edmonton, Manitoba, and Toronto between 2009 and 2012. During the pandemic, CHILD households were invited to participate in the CHILD COVID-19 Add-On Study involving: (1) brief biweekly surveys about COVID-19 symptoms and testing; (2) quarterly questionnaires assessing COVID-19 exposure and testing, vaccination status, physical and mental health, and pandemic-driven life changes; and (3) in-home biological sampling kits to collect blood and stool. In total, 1,462 households (5,378 participants) consented to the CHILD COVID-19 Add-On Study: 2,803 children (mean±standard deviation [SD], 9.0±2.7 years; range, 0-17 years) and 2,576 adults (mean±SD, 43.0±6.5 years; range, 18-85 years). We will leverage the wealth of pre-pandemic CHILD data to identify risk and resilience factors for susceptibility and severity to the direct and indirect pandemic effects. Our short-term findings will inform key stakeholders and knowledge users to shape current and future pandemic responses. Additionally, this study provides a unique resource to study the long-term impacts of the pandemic as the CHILD Cohort Study continues.; Summary

Key Message
· This study of 1,462 Canadian families (5,378 individuals) leverages a decade of extensive pre-pandemic CHILD Cohort Study data to identify risk and resilience factors for susceptibility to the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. · Our short-term findings will inform key stakeholders and knowledge users to shape current and future pandemic responses. · This study provides a unique resource to study the long-term impacts of the pandemic as the CHILD Cohort Study continues.

Original Article

Associations of cumulative average dietary total antioxidant capacity and intake of antioxidants with metabolic syndrome risk in Korean adults aged 40 years and older: a prospective cohort study (KoGES_CAVAS): Ji-Sook Kong, Jiseon Lee, Youngjun Kim, Hye Won Woo, Min-Ho Shin, Sang Baek Koh, Hyeon Chang Kim, Yu-Mi Kim, Mi Kyung Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023067. Published online July 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023067

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Limited and inconsistent prospective evidence exists regarding the relationship of dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and antioxidant intake with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. We evaluated the associations of the cumulative averages of dTAC and antioxidant intake (in 5 classes: retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids, as well as 7 flavonoid subclasses) with the risk of MetS.

METHODS

This study included 11,379 participants without MetS, drawn from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study_CArdioVascular disease Association Study (KoGES_CAVAS). The cumulative average consumption was calculated using repeated food frequency questionnaires. Incidence rate ratios were estimated using a modified Poisson regression model with a robust error estimator.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 5.16 years, and 2,416 cases of MetS were recorded over 58,750 person-years. In men, significant inverse associations were observed in all 5 antioxidant classes, except for the highest quartile of dTAC. In women, dTAC and total flavonoids were not significantly associated with MetS; however, significant L-shaped associations were found for the remaining 4 antioxidant classes. Of the 7 flavonoid subclasses, only flavones in the highest quartile for men and flavan-3-ols in women lacked significant associations with MetS. The inverse associations were not sex-specific, but they were particularly pronounced among participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 kg/m2 or higher.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that most antioxidant classes and flavonoid subclasses, unlike dTAC, exhibit a clear beneficial association with MetS in an L-shaped pattern in both men and women, particularly those with a high BMI.

Summary

Korean summary
농촌코호트 조사 참여자를 대상으로 식이 총항산화능, 총항산화능 하위분류, 플라보노이드 하위분류와 대사증후군 발생 위험의 전향적 연관성을 평가한 결과, 대부분의 항산화물(5개항산화물 분류:4개 항산화 비타민과 플라보노이드; 플라보노이드 7개 하부분류)에서 대사증후군과 음의 상관성을 확인할 수 있었으며 총항산화능(남자와 여자)과 플라보노이드(여자)에서 약한 연관성을 보였다. 남녀간 유의한 상호작용은 없었고 특히 BMI가 높은 집단에서 두드러졌다. 이 연구의 결과는 특히 식이 총항산화능을 구성하는 하위 유형을 적절히 섭취하는 것이 특히 비만한 성인에서 대사증후군 위험을 낮추는 예방전략으로 효과가 있을 수 있음을 시사한다.

Key Message
We observed that the cumulative average of dietary antioxidant vitamins and most flavonoids may be have pivotal roles in prevention of MetS, although there may be weak associations of dTAC and flavonoids in women. Moreover, these inverse associations were more pronounced in high BMI individuals. Our results suggest that the consumption of antioxidants and flavonoid may mitigate the MetS risk, particularly in overweight/obese individuals at high risk of developing chronic diseases.

Citations

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The association of dietary total flavonoids and their subclasses with the risk of type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Hye Won Woo, Mi Kyung Kim, Kong Ji-Sook, Jiseon Lee, Min-Ho Shin, Sang Baek Koh, Hyeon Chang Kim, Yu-Mi Kim
European Journal of Nutrition.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
A Systematized Review of the Relationship Between Obesity and Vitamin C Requirements
Julia K Bird, Edith JM Feskens, Alida Melse-Boonstra
Current Developments in Nutrition.2024; 8(5): 102152. CrossRef

Cohort Profile

Integrated database-based Screening Cohort for Asian Nomadic descendants in China (Scan-China): Insights on prospective ethnicity-focused cancer screening: Yuelin Yu, Liying Qiao, Jing Han, Weiwei Wang, Weiwei Kang, Yunjing Zhang, Shu Shang, Ruogu Meng, Lin Zhuo, Siyan Zhan, Yunfeng Xi, Shengfeng Wang; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023048. Published online April 18, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023048

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Established in 2017, the Screening Cohort for Asian Nomadic descendants in China (Scan-China) has benefited over 180,000 members of a multi-ethnic population, particularly individuals of Mongolian descent compared with the general population (Han ethnicity), in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. This cohort study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer screening and serve as a real-world data platform for cancer studies. The 6 most prevalent cancers in China are considered—namely, breast, lung, colorectal, gastric, liver and esophageal cancer. After baseline cancer risk assessments and screening tests, both active and passive follow-up (based on the healthcare insurance database, cancer registry, the front page of hospital medical records, and death certificates) will be conducted to trace participants’ onset and progression of cancers and other prevalent chronic diseases. Scan-China has preliminarily found a disproportionately lower screening participation rate and higher incidence/mortality rates of esophageal and breast cancer among the Mongolian population than among their Han counterparts. Further research will explore the cancer burden, natural history, treatment patterns, and risk factors of the target cancers.; Summary

Key Message
- Scan-China is the first and largest electronic health data (EHD)-integrated cancer screening program for the Mongolian ethnicity in Inner Mongolia. - Scan-China aims to evaluate the effectiveness of screening interventions, particularly on ethnic minorities, portray the natural history, explore risk factors and summarize treatment patterns and updated outcomes of prevalent tumors/other chronic diseases. - Scan-China database comprises baseline cancer risk assessment, screening tests results, active follow-up investigation for participants at high risk and EHD-integrated passive follow-up. Data sources for passive follow-up include healthcare insurance database, cancer registry, front page of hospital medical record and death certificates.

Original Articles

Association of group-level segregation with cardiovascular health in older adults: an analysis of data from the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project: Sung-Ha Lee, Hyeok-Hee Lee, Kiho Sung, Yoosik Youm, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023041. Published online April 4, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023041

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The adverse health effects of individual-level social isolation (e.g., perceived loneliness) have been well documented in older adults. However, little is known about the impact of collective-level social isolation on health outcomes. We sought to examine the association of group-level segregation with cardiovascular health (CVH) in older adults.

METHODS

From the prospective Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project database, we identified 528 community-dwelling older adults who were aged ≥60 years or were married to those aged ≥60 years. Participants who belonged to smaller social groups separate from the major social group were defined as group-level-segregated. The CVH score was calculated as the number of ideal non-dietary CVH metrics (0-6), as modified from the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7. Using ordinal logistic regression models, we assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between group-level segregation and CVH.

RESULTS

Of the 528 participants (mean age, 71.7 years; 60.0% female), 108 (20.5%) were segregated at baseline. In the crosssectional analysis, group-level segregation was significantly associated with lower odds of having a higher CVH score at baseline after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and cognitive function (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43 to 0.95). Among 274 participants who completed an 8-year follow-up, group-level segregation at baseline was marginally associated with lower odds of having a higher CVH score at 8 years (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Group-level segregation was associated with worse CVH. These findings imply that the social network structure of a community may influence its members’ health status.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 “한국인의 사회적 삶, 건강과 노화에 대한 조사”(Korean Social Life, Health and Aging Project, KSHAP)에서 측정한 한 지역 내의 사회적 연결망 자료를 이용하여 사회적 분리와 심혈관 건강 사이의 관계를 살펴보았다. 그 결과, 사회적 분리는 비만, 고혈압, 콜레스테롤, 흡연, 음주 신체적 활동 등을 종합한 ‘라이프 심플 7’ 지표와 부정적인 관련성을 보였으며, 8년 후 추적 조사에서도 이 패턴이 유지되었다. 본 연구 결과는 사회적, 집단적 분리 현상이 신체적 건강에도 악영향을 초래할 수 있음을 시사한다.

Key Message
Using the prospective Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP) database, we discovered that group-level segregation was significantly associated with worse cardiovascular health (CVH). Also, we observed a tendency for baseline group-level segregation to be linked to worse CVH after an 8-year follow-up period. These findings emphasize the significance of group-level segregation as a potential contributing factor in the health outcomes of older adults.

Citations

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Association of social isolation and loneliness with the risk of hypertension in middle aged and older adults: Findings from a national representative longitudinal survey
Shiqi Wang, Hao Zhang, Yiling Lou, Qiqi You, Qingqing Jiang, Shiyi Cao
Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 349: 577. CrossRef

Impact of statin treatment on cardiovascular events in patients with retinal vein occlusion: a nested case-control study in Korea: Joonsang Yoo, Joo Youn Shin, Jimin Jeon, Jinkwon Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023035. Published online March 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023035

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events. Statin therapy is a key cornerstone in prevention for patients at high cardiovascular risk. However, little is known about the role of statin therapy for patients with RVO. This study evaluated whether statin treatment in patients with RVO was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
METHODS
A population-based, nested case-control study was conducted with a cohort of newly diagnosed RVO patients without prior cardiovascular disease between 2008 and 2020 using a nationwide health claims database in Korea. From this cohort of RVO patients, we identified cases of cardiovascular events (stroke or myocardial infarction) after RVO and matched controls based on sex, age, insurance type, antiplatelet use, and underlying comorbidities using 1:2 incidence density sampling.
RESULTS
Using a cohort of 142,759 patients with newly diagnosed RVO, we selected 6,810 cases and 13,620 matched controls. A significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted odds ratio, 0.604; 95% confidence interval, 0.557 to 0.655) was observed in RVO patients with statin treatment than in those without statin treatment. Statin treatment was associated with a reduced risk for both stroke and myocardial infarction after RVO. Longer statin treatment after RVO was associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular events.
CONCLUSIONS
Statin treatment was associated with a lower risk for future cardiovascular events in patients with newly diagnosed RVO. Further studies are warranted to clarify the potential cardiovascular preventive role of statins in patients with RVO.; Summary

Korean summary
· 망막정맥폐색 환자들은 심뇌혈관질환의 발생 위험이 높다고 알려져 있다. · 이번 연구를 통해 망막정맥폐색의 발생 이후 스타틴을 복용한 환자들에서 심근경색 및 뇌졸중 발생 위험도가 감소함을 확인하였다. · 고위험군인 망막정맥폐색 환자들에서 적극적인 스타틴의 사용이 심뇌혈관질환의 예방에 도움이 될 수 있을 것이다.

Key Message
· Statin was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events in RVO patients. · The reduced risk was observed in both stroke and myocardial infarction after RVO. · Statins might be a good candidate for cardiovascular prevention in RVO patients.

Clinical traits and systemic risks of familial diabetes mellitus according to age of onset and quantity: an analysis of data from the community-based KoGES cohort study: Ju-Yeun Lee, Kyungsik Kim, Sangjun Lee, Woo Ju An, Sue K. Park; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023029. Published online February 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023029

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical trait of familial diabetes mellitus (DM) by analyzing participants’ risk of DM according to the age of DM onset in parents and siblings, and to evaluate individuals’ risk of DM-associated cardiometabolic diseases.
METHODS
Altogether, 211,173 participants aged ≥40 years from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were included in this study. The participants were divided into groups based on the number (1 or 2 relatives) and age of onset (no DM and early, common, or late onset) of familial DM. Participants’ risk of DM was assessed using a Cox regression model with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A logistic regression model with odds ratios was used to evaluate associations among the participants’ likelihood of acquiring cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease.
RESULTS
The risk of developing DM was 2.02-fold (95% CI, 1.88 to 2.18) and 2.88-fold (95% CI, 2.50 to 3.33) higher, respectively, in participants with 1 and 2 family members diagnosed with familial DM. It was 2.72-fold (95% CI, 2.03 to 3.66) higher in those with early-onset familial DM. In the early-onset group, the respective risks of hypertension and CKD were 1.87-fold (95% CI, 1.37 to 2.55) and 4.31-fold (95% CI, 2.55 to 7.27) higher than in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of DM and related cardiometabolic diseases was positively associated with the number of family members diagnosed with DM and an early diagnosis in family members with DM.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 한국인유전체역학조사사업 역학자료를 이용하여, 당뇨병을 진단받은 가족 구성원 (부모 및 형제)의 수가 많고 당뇨병이 조기에 발생할수록 개인의 당뇨발생 위험도가 높아짐을 보고하였습니다. 또한 당뇨병이 조기에 발생한 가족구성원이 있을 경우 개인의 일부 심대사질환과의 연관성이 있을 수 있음을 설명하였습니다.

Key Message
This study demonstrated that the risk of diabetes in individuals was significantly associated with the quantity and the onset of family members diagnosed with diabetes. We also explained that having a family member with early-onset diabetes can be associated with some cardiometabolic diseases in individuals.

Long working hours and the risk of hypothyroidism in healthy Korean workers: a cohort study: Yesung Lee, Woncheol Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022104. Published online November 8, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022104

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Long working hours have been reported to cause various health problems, but are currently practiced in many countries. Building upon a previous cross-sectional study, the authors aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between long working hours and hypothyroidism through a longitudinal study.

METHODS

Data were collected at baseline from 45,259 participants without thyroid disease and with consistent weekly working hours (36-40, 41-52, 53-60, and >60 hours) during the follow-up period. Hypothyroidism was defined using the reference limits of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine levels. By estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the risk of incident hypothyroidism was evaluated with 36-40 hours of work per week as the reference.

RESULTS

During 138,261.7 person-years of follow-up, 2,914 participants developed hypothyroidism (incidence density, 2.11/102 person-years). The multivariable-adjusted HRs of incident hypothyroidism for 41-52 hours, 53-60 hours, and >60 hours of work per week were 1.13 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24), 2.53 (95% CI, 2.17 to 2.95), and 2.57 (95% CI, 2.09 to 3.15), respectively. In dose-response analyses, long working hours had an approximately linear relationship with hypothyroidism incidence. The risk of incident hypothyroidism in those who worked 53-60 hours and >60 hours per week compared with the reference group was significantly higher among the older age group (≥36 years, stratified by median age), men, and daytime workers.

CONCLUSIONS

This large-scale cohort study demonstrated the association between long working hours and an increased risk of incident hypothyroidism with a dose-response relationship.

Summary

Korean summary
대규모 코호트연구를 통해 장시간노동을 수행한 노동자들에서 갑상선기능저하증의 위험이 높아지는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 특히 연령, 성, 교대근무 유무에 따라 층화하여 분석한 결과에서 고연령, 남성, 교대근무를 하지 않는 노동자에서 관련성의 크기가 증가하였다.

Key Message
This large-scale cohort study (The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study), which used 45,259 participants without thyroid disease at baseline and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, demonstrated the association between long working hours and an increased risk of incident hypothyroidism with a dose-response relationship especially in older age group, men, and daytime workers.

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Association between shift work and the risk of hypothyroidism in adult male workers in Korea: a cohort study
Seonghyeon Kwon, Yesung Lee, Eunhye Seo, Daehoon Kim, Jaehong Lee, Youshik Jeong, Jihoon Kim, Jinsook Jeong, Woncheol Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Incidence of edentulism among older adults using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 2013-2018: Hyeonjeong Go, Eun-Kyong Kim, Hoi-In Jung, Song Vogue Ahn, Hosung Shin, Atsuo Amano, Youn-Hee Choi; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022091. Published online October 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022091

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Abstract PDF

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Population aging is rapidly accelerating worldwide. Oral diseases related to aging are also on the rise. This study examined trends in the incidence of edentulism among the older Korean population using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS).

METHODS

Data on older adults, aged ≥75 years of age, were obtained from the KNHIS for the period 2013-2018. Edentulism was defined as a treatment history of complete dentures in the KNHIS database. The exclusion criteria consisted of both disease codes and treatment codes related to conservative dental treatment, including periodontal and extraction treatment afterward. Crude incidence rates (CIRs) and age-standardized incidence rates (AIRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and reported per 100,000 person-years by the direct method. Trends were tested by Cochrane Armitage models.

RESULTS

Statistically significant increasing trends in both CIRs and AIRs were found among the older Korean population registered in the KNHIS (CIRs, 707.92 to 895.92; AIRs, 705.11 to 889.68; p<0.01). The incidence tended to increase in both genders (p<0.01). Both CIRs and AIRs in specific regions also showed slight but significant annual increases except for Jeju Island (p<0.01 or <0.05). The incidence showed increasing trends (p<0.01) in all income quintiles apart from the highest quintile. The edentulism incidence was highest in the lowest income group (the first quintile).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that the incidence of edentulism among the elderly showed an increasing trend from 2013 to 2018. This result provides a basis for future epidemiological studies on the incidence of edentulism in the older Korean population.

Summary

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Trend in the Incidence of Severe Partial Edentulism among Adults Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service Claim Data, 2014–2018
Hyeonjeong Go, Hoi-In Jung, Song Vogue Ahn, Jeonghoon Ahn, Hosung Shin, Atsuo Amano, Youn-Hee Choi
Yonsei Medical Journal.2024; 65(4): 234. CrossRef

Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the severity of non-fatal injuries, but not the risk of fatal injuries, among driver victims of motor vehicle crashes in Taiwan: I-Lin Hsu, Wen-Hsuan Hou, Ya-Hui Chang, Chung-Yi Li; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022076. Published online September 16, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022076

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Limited information is available on whether diabetes increases the severity of injuries from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). This study aimed to investigate the association of type 2 diabetes with injury severity among driver victims of MVCs.
METHODS
This cohort study involved 75,737 adult driver victims with type 2 diabetes from Taiwan’s Police-Reported Traffic Accident Registry in 2015-2017, along with 150,911 sex-, age-, and calendar year-matched controls. The severity level of non- fatal injuries was derived from the International Classification of Diseases Programs for Injury Categorization based on the diagnostic codes of National Health Insurance claims within 3 days after an MVC. Information on fatal injuries within 3 days after an MVC was obtained from the Taiwan Death Registry. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of injury severity in association with type 2 diabetes.
RESULTS
After adjusting for potential confounders, driver victims with type 2 diabetes experienced significantly higher risks of mild and severe non-fatal injuries than their counterparts without diabetes, with covariate-adjusted ORs of 1.08 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.11) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.37), respectively. By contrast, the adjusted OR for fatal injuries was not significantly elevated, at 1.02 (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.18). Similar results were found when car and scooter driver victims were analyzed separately.
CONCLUSIONS
Type 2 diabetes was found to moderately increase the severity of non-fatal injuries from MVCs among car and scooter driver victims.; Summary

Key Message
With 75,737 driver victims with diabetes and 150,911 matched controls, this study showed an 8% and 28% increase in mild and severe non-fatal injury, respectively among driver victims with diabetes. Such increase in risk was equally applied to both car and scooter drivers. No increase in risk of 3-day mortality after crash was found.

Systematic Review

The relationship between metabolic syndrome and its components with bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies: Mozhgan Ahmadinezhad, Maedeh Arshadi, Elahe Hesari, Maedeh Sharafoddin, Hosein Azizi, Farzad Khodamoradi; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022050. Published online May 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022050

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Abstract

A previous meta-analysis, entitled “The association between metabolic syndrome and bladder cancer susceptibility and prognosis: an updated comprehensive evidence synthesis of 95 observational studies involving 97,795,299 subjects,” focused on all observational studies, whereas in the present meta-analysis, we focused on cohort studies to obtain more accurate and stronger evidence to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with bladder cancer. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies on the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with bladder cancer from January 1, 2000 through May 23, 2021. The pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to measure this relationship using a random-effects meta-analytic model. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. In total, 56 studies were included. A statistically significant relationship was found between metabolic syndrome and bladder cancer 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.17), and there was evidence of moderate heterogeneity among these studies. Our findings also indicated statistically significant relationships between diabetes (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.31) and hypertension (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.13) with bladder cancer, but obesity and overweight did not present a statistically significant relationship with bladder cancer. We found no evidence of publication bias. Our analysis demonstrated statistically significant relationships between metabolic syndrome and the risk of bladder cancer. Furthermore, diabetes and hypertension were associated with the risk of bladder cancer.

Summary

Key Message
In this meta-analysis study, an attempt was made to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and its components with bladder cancer, and as a result of this study, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and its components such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and bladder cancer was observed. Metabolic syndrome is more common among middle-aged and elderly people, and the elderly population is increasing worldwide, so the prevalence of this disease shortly may affect the healthcare system. Therefore, with correct health policies in all societies, the exorbitant costs that this disease brings can be avoided.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The causal relationship between osteoarthritis and bladder cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Xi Zhang, Zengjin Wen, Zixuan Xing, Xiaoyu Zhou, Zhiluo Yang, Ruijun Dong, Jiao Yang
Cancer Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Machine learning algorithms predicting bladder cancer associated with diabetes and hypertension: NHANES 2009 to 2018
Siying Xu, Jing Huang
Medicine.2024; 103(4): e36587. CrossRef
Epidemiology of Bladder Cancer in 2023: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors
Ibrahim Jubber, Sean Ong, Laura Bukavina, Peter C. Black, Eva Compérat, Ashish M. Kamat, Lambertus Kiemeney, Nathan Lawrentschuk, Seth P. Lerner, Joshua J. Meeks, Holger Moch, Andrea Necchi, Valeria Panebianco, Srikala S. Sridhar, Ariana Znaor, James W.F.
European Urology.2023; 84(2): 176. CrossRef
The Characterization of Non-oncologic Chronic Drug Therapy in Bladder Cancer Patients and the Impact on Recurrence-Free and Cancer-Specific Survival: A Prospective Study
Dorothea Strobach, Lisa Haimerl, Hanna Mannell, Christian G. Stief, Alexander Karl, Tobias Grimm, Alexander Buchner
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2023; 12(21): 6749. CrossRef

Original Article

The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: does multivitamin use matter?: Jihae Kim, Li-Juan Tan, Hyein Jung, Yumi Roh, Kyungjoon Lim, Sangah Shin; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022039. Published online April 19, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022039

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely associated with dietary intake; however, few studies have investigated whether the consumption of fruits and vegetables and multivitamin use affect MetS in the Korean population. This study aimed to examine these effects in Korean adults.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 89,548 participants aged between 40 years and 69 years selected from the baseline data of the Health Examinees study conducted in Korea. Fresh vegetable and fruit consumption was assessed using a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire. MetS and its components were defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations of fresh vegetable, fruit, and fresh vegetable+fruit consumption and multivitamin use with the prevalence of MetS.

RESULTS

Female in the highest quartile of fresh vegetable, fruit, and fresh vegetable + fruit consumption exhibited a lower prevalence of MetS than those in the lowest quartile. An inverse association with the prevalence of MetS was observed among male with only fresh vegetable consumption. The interaction between the 3 categories and multivitamin intake on the prevalence of MetS was not significant (all pinteraction>0.05), regardless of sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Multivitamin use and consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits had no significant synergistic effects. Although fresh vegetable and fruit consumption showed an inverse association with the prevalence of MetS, this relationship was not altered by multivitamin use.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 한국인 유전체역학조사사업의 도시코호트 조사에 참여한 40-69세 한국 성인 89 548명의 과일과 채소의 섭취와 종합비타민 섭취가 대사증후군에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. 본 연구에서는 매일 다양한 과일과 채소를 섭취하면, 종합비타민의 섭취와 상관없이 대사증후군 유병 위험도를 낮추는 것을 확인하였다. 따라서, 대사증후군 예방을 위해서는 일상적인 식사에서 충분한 과일과 채소를 섭취하는 것이 권장된다.

Key Message
This study aimed to examine whether the consumption of fruits and vegetables and multivitamin use affect MetS among Korean middle-aged adults. Data was from the Health Examinees Study among 89 548 subjects. Results suggested that fruits and vegetables consumption was related with a decreased prevalence of MetS. However, there was no significant synergistic effect between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and multivitamin use in further reducing MetS prevalence.

Citations

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Association of serum water-soluble vitamin exposures with the risk of metabolic syndrome: results from NHANES 2003-2006
Xun Pei, Junjie Yao, Simiao Ran, Haifei Lu, Shuo Yang, Yini Zhang, Miyuan Wang, Heyuan Shi, Aihua Tan
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Cohort Profile

The Asenze Cohort Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: protocol and cohort profile: Chris Desmond, Gabriella A. Norwitz, Jane D. Kvalsvig, Rachel S. Gruver, Shuaib Kauchali, Kathryn G. Watt, Nonhlanhla P. Myeza, Adele Munsami, Leslie L. Davidson; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022037. Published online April 5, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022037

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Abstract

The Asenze cohort is set in South Africa, a middle-income country impacted by one of the highest global rates of people living with HIV/AIDS and high levels of socioeconomic inequality. This longitudinal population-based cohort of children and their primary caregivers assesses household and caregiver functioning, child health, social well-being, and neuro-development from childhood through adolescence. Almost 1,600 children born at the peak of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic (2003-2005) were followed (with their primary caregivers) in 3 waves, between 2008 and 2021, at average ages of 5, 7, and 16. Wave 3 is currently underway, having assessed over 1,100 of the original wave 1 children. Wave 4 begins in 2022. The study, with a dyadic structure, uses a broad range of measures, validated in South Africa or recommended for global use, that address physical, social and neuro-development in childhood and adolescence, and the social, health, and psychological status of children’s primary caregivers. The Asenze study deepens our understanding of childhood physical, cognitive, and social abilities and/or disabilities, including risk-taking behaviors, and biological, environmental, and social determinants of health. We anticipate the findings will contribute to the development of community-informed interventions to promote well-being in this South African population and elsewhere.

Summary

Key Message
The Asenze Cohort Study, one of a limited number of population-based studies set in low- and middle-income countries, with a high level of retention, provides an understanding of neuro-developmental, psychosocial, home environmental and economic exposures and outcomes of over 1100 adolescents and their primary caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

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The impact of caregiver mental health on child prosocial behavior: A longitudinal analysis of children and caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Gabriella A. Norwitz, Chris Desmond, Rachel S. Gruver, Jane D. Kvalsvig, Amaleah F. Mirti, Shuaib Kauchali, Leslie L. Davidson, Giulia Ballarotto
PLOS ONE.2023; 18(10): e0290788. CrossRef

Original Article

Dairy product consumption and type 2 diabetes among Korean adults: a prospective cohort study based on the Health Examinees (HEXA) study: Jiaqi Zhang, Kyungjoon Lim, Sangah Shin; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022019. Published online February 4, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022019

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
It has been suggested that the consumption of dairy products helps lower the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigated the association between the consumption of dairy products and T2D events in middle-aged Korean adults.

METHODS

We followed up 53,288 participants (16,895 male and 36,393 female) in the Health Examinees (HEXA) study. The consumption of dairy products was assessed using the self-administered food frequency questionnaire, and T2D was defined according to the 2015 treatment guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of T2D were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for potential confounders. Spline regression was used to better represent the association between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of T2D.

RESULTS

Among male, those with higher consumption of dairy products had a significantly lower risk of T2D than those who consumed essentially no dairy products (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.91). In particular, consumption of yogurt (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.93; ptrend=0.035) and cheese (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.89; ptrend=0.005) was negatively associated with the incidence of T2D in male. In female, daily consumption of 1 serving of yogurt decreased the risk of T2D by 11%.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of T2D differed by sex and dairy product type. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 한국인유전체역학조사사업의 도시코호트 기반조사와 추적조사에 참여한 40-69세 한국 성인 53 288명의 유제품 섭취와 제2형 당뇨병 발생 위험도를 분석하였다. 요거트와 치즈를 포함한 유제품 섭취가 많을수록 남성의 제2형 당뇨병 위험도가 낮아졌다. 요거트 섭취량을 하루에 한번 증가하면 여성의 제2형 당뇨병 위험도가 감소하다. 유제품 소비와 제2형 당뇨병의 위험도의 연관성은 성별과 유제품에 따라 다르다. 이를 확인하기 위해서는 추가 연구가 필요하다.

Key Message
The study aimed to assess the association between the consumption of dairy products and type 2 diabetes events in Korean adults. Data was from the Health Examinees Study among 53 288 participants. Higher consumption of dairy products including yogurt and cheese was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in men. Increasing yogurt intake by one serving/day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. The association between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of type 2 diabetes differed by gender and dairy product type. Further studies are needed to confirm this.

Citations

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Usual intake of dairy products and the chance of pre-diabetes regression to normal glycemia or progression to type 2 diabetes: a 9-year follow-up
Zahra Bahadoran, Parvin Mirmiran, Fereidoun Azizi
Nutrition & Diabetes.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Cheese consumption and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review and updated meta-analysis of prospective studies
Mingjie Zhang, Xiaocong Dong, Zihui Huang, Xue Li, Yue Zhao, Yingyao Wang, Huilian Zhu, Aiping Fang, Edward L. Giovannucci
Advances in Nutrition.2023; 14(5): 1170. CrossRef
Effect of Milk and Cultured Milk Products on Type 2 Diabetes: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Viswanathan Mohan, Kuzhandhaivelu Abirami, Valangaiman Sriram Manasa, Anandakumar Amutha, Balaji Bhavadharini, Rinky Rajput, Nagarajan Lakshmipriya, Chowdary Sruthi, Ranjit Mohan Anjana, Ranjit Unnikrishnan, Vasudevan Sudha, Kamala Krishnaswamy
Journal of the Indian Institute of Science.2023; 103(1): 167. CrossRef
Probiotic potential of fermented foods and their role in non-communicable diseases management: An understanding through recent clinical evidences
A. Nithya, Sourav Misra, Chirasmita Panigrahi, Chandrakant Genu Dalbhagat, Hari Niwas Mishra
Food Chemistry Advances.2023; 3: 100381. CrossRef
Dairy intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: results of a large prospective cohort
Shunming Zhang, Ge Meng, Qing Zhang, Li Liu, Hongmei Wu, Yeqing Gu, Xuena Wang, Juanjuan Zhang, Shaomei Sun, Xing Wang, Ming Zhou, Qiyu Jia, Kun Song, Yan Borné, Emily Sonestedt, Le Ma, Lu Qi, Kaijun Niu
Food & Function.2023; 14(21): 9695. CrossRef
Association of milk consumption with management and incidence of hypertension among South Korean adults: A prospective analysis of the health examinees study cohort
Hyein Jung, Geongu Lee, Kyungjoon Lim, Sangah Shin
Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.2022; 32(11): 2515. CrossRef
Association between dairy consumption and the risk of diabetes: A prospective cohort study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Yucheng Yang, Xiaona Na, Yuandi Xi, Menglu Xi, Haibing Yang, Zhihui Li, Ai Zhao
Frontiers in Nutrition.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Association of dairy consumption patterns with the incidence of type 2 diabetes: Findings from Alberta's Tomorrow Project
Emad Yuzbashian, Mohammadreza Pakseresht, Jennifer Vena, Catherine B. Chan
Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.2022; 32(12): 2760. CrossRef

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