Epidemiology and Health

Original Articles

Determinants of unhealthy living by gender, age group, and chronic health conditions across districts in Korea using the 2010-2017 Community Health Surveys: Thi Tra Bui, Thi Huyen Trang Nguyen, Jinhee Lee, Sun Young Kim, Jin-Kyoung Oh; Epidemiol Health. 2024;46:e2024014. Published online January 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2024014

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We investigated the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy living by gender, age, and comorbidities across Korean districts.
METHODS
For 806,246 men and 923,260 women from 245 districts who participated in the 2010-2017 Korean Community Health Surveys, risk scores were calculated based on obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and high-risk alcohol consumption, each scored from 0 (lowest risk) to 2 (highest risk). A risk score ≥4 was defined as indicating unhealthy living, and weighted proportions were calculated for each district. Using multivariate regression, an ecological model including community socioeconomic, interpersonal, and neighborhood factors was examined by gender, age, and comorbidities.
RESULTS
The mean age-standardized rate of unhealthy living was 24.05% for men and 4.91% for women (coefficients of variation, 13.94% and 29.51%, respectively). Individuals with chronic diseases more frequently exhibited unhealthy lifestyles. Unhealthy lifestyles were associated with educational attainment (β-coefficients: men, -0.21; women, -0.15), high household income (β=0.08 and 0.03, respectively), pub density (β=0.52 and 0.22, respectively), and fast-food outlet density (β=2.81 and 1.63, respectively). Negative associations were observed with manual labor, social activity participation, and hospital bed density. Unhealthy living was positively associated with living alone among women and with being unemployed among middle-aged men. Access to parks was negatively associated with unhealthy living among young men and women. The ecological model explained 32% of regional variation in men and 41% in women.
CONCLUSIONS
Improving the neighborhood built and socioeconomic environment may reduce regional disparities in lifestyle behaviors; however, the impacts may vary according to socio-demographic traits and comorbidities.; Summary

Korean summary
- 시군구 지역단위의 불건강생활(흡연, 음주, 비만, 신체활동 부족 각 0-2점, 합 4점 이상 불건강) 유병률은 여자보다 남자에서 높고, 연령이 높아지면서 감소한다. - 지역사회 환경개선(술집 개수, 패스트푸드점 밀도, 공원 면적, 병상밀도)과 사회경제적 수준 강화(교육수준, 가구소득, 고용)를 통해 생활습관적 건강행태의 지역 격차를 줄일 수 있다. - 이러한 향상 노력의 효과는 지역의 건강상태 수준이나 사회인구학적 특성에 따라 다를 수 있다.

Key Message
• District prevalence rates of unhealthy living were higher among men than women and decreased with advancing age. • Efforts to reduce regional disparities in lifestyle behaviors could benefit from enhancements to the neighborhood environment and the socioeconomic status of the area. • The effectiveness of such improvements may vary based on socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions.

Age-specific findings on lifestyle and trajectories of cognitive function from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging: Seungju lim, Eunyoung Yoo, Ickpyo Hong, Ji-Hyuk Park; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023098. Published online November 2, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023098

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Abstract Summary PDF: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Few longitudinal studies have explored age-related differences in the relationship between lifestyle factors and cognitive decline. This study investigated lifestyle factors at baseline that slow the longitudinal rate of cognitive decline in young-old (55-64 years), middle-old (65-74 years), and old-old (75+ years) individuals.
METHODS
We conducted an 11-year follow-up that included 6,189 older adults from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, which is a cohort study of community-dwelling older Koreans. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity, social activity (SA), smoking, and alcohol consumption were assessed at baseline. Cognitive function was measured at 2-year intervals over 11 years. Latent growth modeling and multi-group analysis were performed.
RESULTS
The influence of lifestyle factors on the rate of cognitive decline differed by age. Smoking at baseline (-0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.11 to -0.00, per study wave) accelerated cognitive decline in young-old individuals, whereas frequent participation in SA at baseline (0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03, per study wave) decelerated cognitive decline in middle-old individuals. None of the lifestyle factors in this study decelerated cognitive decline in old-old individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive strategies based on modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation in young-old individuals and frequent SA participation in middle-old age individuals may have great potential for preventing cognitive decline. Because the influence of lifestyle factors varied by age group, age-specific approaches are recommended to promote cognitive health.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 국내 노인인구를 연령대별로 구분하여 연소노인(55-64세), 중고령노인(65-74세), 고령노인(75세+)의 인지저하 기울기를 가속 혹은 감속시키는 라이프스타일 요인을 파악하였다. '흡연'은 연소노인의 인지저하를 가속, '사회활동 참여 빈도'는 중고령노인의 인지저하를 감속시키는 것으로 나타났으며, 고령노인의 경우 유의미한 변수가 나타나지 않았다. 본 결과는 노인의 인지건강에 있어 연령대별 차별화된 라이프스타일 전략이 필요할 것을 시사한다.

Key Message
This study aimed to identify lifestyle factors that accelerate or decelerate the cognitive decline slope in the older population in South Korea, categorized by age groups: young-old adults (55-64), middle-old adults (65-74), and old-old adults (75+). The findings indicated that 'smoking' accelerates cognitive decline in young-old adults, while 'frequency of social activity participation' decelerates cognitive decline in middle-old adults. However, no significant lifestyle variables were identified for old-old adults. These results suggest the necessity of differentiated lifestyle strategies based on age groups for promoting cognitive health in the older population.

Special Article

Limiting the spillover of zoonotic pathogens from traditional food markets in developing countries and a new market design for risk-proofing: Sandeep Ghatak, Kandhan Srinivas, Arockiasamy Arun Prince Milton, Govindarajan Bhuvana Priya, Samir Das, Johanna F. Lindahl; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023097. Published online October 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023097

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Abstract Summary PDF: Abstract
Traditional food markets are age-old systems that primarily serve the food supply needs of society’s less affluent sectors, often operating with minimal infrastructure. These markets are prevalent in low and middle-income countries. However, their hygienic conditions are frequently suboptimal, potentially fostering the emergence and spread of presumptive zoonotic diseases. The recent emergence of zoonotic or potentially zoonotic diseases and their possible links to traditional food markets underscore the need for focused attention on this overlooked issue. The socioeconomic characteristics of traditional food markets reveal that despite the risk of zoonotic pathogen spread, these markets play a crucial role for large segments of the population. These individuals rely on such markets for their livelihood, food, and nutrition. Therefore, a comprehensive set of measures addressing various aspects of traditional food markets is necessary to manage and mitigate the risks of potential zoonotic disease emergence. In this article, we explore various facets of traditional food markets, paying special attention to the risks of zoonotic diseases that urgently require stakeholder attention. We also propose a new market design to prevent the risk of zoonotic spillover and advocate for the development of a Market Hygiene Index for these markets.; Summary

Key Message
Embracing Tradition, Ensuring Safety! Traditional food markets are vital for many communities, supplying food and livelihoods. Yet, their suboptimal hygiene poses potential risks for zoonotic diseases. Our article sheds light on the importance of addressing this issue and offers a new market design for risk-proofing in developing countries. Join the conversation on safeguarding these markets and support the vulnerable for a safer, healthier future!

COVID-19: Original Article

Associations of racial and ethnic discrimination with adverse changes in exercise and screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: Tong Xia, Gilbert C. Gee, Jian Li, Xinyue Liu, Jin Dai, Lu Shi, Donglan Zhang, Zhuo Chen, Xuesong Han, Yan Li, Hongmei Li, Ming Wen, Dejun Su, Liwei Chen; Epidemiol Health. 2023;45:e2023013. Published online January 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2023013

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a growing prevalence of racial and ethnic discrimination occurred when many Americans struggled to maintain healthy lifestyles. This study investigated the associations of racial and ethnic discrimination with changes in exercise and screen time during the pandemic in the United States.

METHODS

We included 2,613 adults who self-identified as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, or Hispanic from the Health, Ethnicity, and Pandemic study, a cross-sectional survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of United States adults between October and November 2020. We assessed self-reported racial and ethnic discrimination by measuring COVID-19-related racial and ethnic bias and examined its associations with changes in exercise and screen time using multivariable logistic regression models. We analyzed data between September 2021 and March 2022.

RESULTS

COVID-19-related racial and ethnic bias was associated with decreased exercise time among non-Hispanic Asian (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 1.89) and Hispanic people (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.32 to 2.77), and with increased screen time among non-Hispanic Black people (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.85), adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, annual household income, insurance, and employment status.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and ethnic discrimination may have adversely influenced exercise and screen time changes among racial and ethnic minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms through which racial and ethnic discrimination can impact lifestyles and to develop potential strategies to address racial and ethnic discrimination as a barrier to healthy lifestyles.

Summary

Key Message
In this study with a nationally representative sample of Americans, we found that racial discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with undesired changes in exercise and screen time, particularly among minorities.

Citations

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Asian American Women’s Experiences of Discrimination and Health Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Katarina Wang, Alice Guan, Janice Seto, Debora L. Oh, Kathie Lau, Christine Duffy, Esperanza Castillo, Valerie McGuire, Michelle Wadhwa, Clifford G. Tepper, Heather A. Wakelee, Mindy C. DeRouen, Salma Shariff-Marco, Iona Cheng, Scarlett Lin Gomez
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Articles

Multimorbidity patterns by health-related quality of life status in older adults: an association rules and network analysis utilizing the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Thi-Ngoc Tran, Sanghee Lee, Chang-Mo Oh, Hyunsoon Cho; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022113. Published online November 29, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022113

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Improved life expectancy has increased the prevalence of older adults living with multimorbidity which likely deteriorates their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, relatively little is known about patterns and the relationships of multimorbidity by HRQoL status in older adults.

METHODS

Individuals aged 65 or older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V-VII (2010-2018) were analyzed. HRQoL was assessed by the EuroQoL-5 dimensions questionnaire and categorized as poor, normal, or good. The impact of multimorbidity on HRQoL was evaluated using logistic regression. The patterns and inter-relationships between multimorbidity, stratified by HRQoL groups, were analyzed using the association rules and network analysis approach.

RESULTS

Multimorbidity was significantly associated with poor HRQoL (3 or more diseases vs. none; adjusted odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 2.10 to 3.46). Hypertension, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were the most prevalent diseases across all HRQoL groups. Complex interrelationships of morbidities, higher prevalence, and node strengths in all diseases were observed in the poor HRQoL group, particularly for arthritis, depression, and stroke, compared to other groups (1.5-3.0 times higher, p<0.05 for all). Apart from hypertension, arthritis and hyperlipidemia had a higher prevalence and stronger connections with other diseases in females, whereas this was the case for diabetes and stroke in males with poor HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimorbidity patterns formed complicatedly inter-correlated disease networks in the poor HRQoL group with differences according to sex. These findings enhance the understanding of multimorbidity connections and provide information on the healthcare needs of older adults, especially those with poor HRQoL.

Summary

Korean summary
기대 수명의 증가에 따라 고령인구에서 건강관련 삶의 질을 저하시킬 수 있는 복합질환의 유병률도 함께 증가하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 국민건강영양조사 자료를 이용하여 65세 이상 우리나라 고령인구에서 건강관련 삶의 질 (HRQoL)에 따른 복합만성질환 패턴을 분석하였다. 복합만성질환은 건강관련 삶의 질 저하와 통계적으로 유의하게 연관되어 있으며, 연관성 및 네크워크 분석 결과 건강관련 삶의 질이 낮을수록 복합질환의 패턴이 복잡한 것으로 나타났다. 전체적으로 고혈압, 관절염, 고지혈증, 당뇨병이 가장 높은 발생률을 보였다. 건강관련 삶의 질이 낮은 그룹에서는 관절염, 우울증, 뇌졸중 등의 질병이 높은 발생률과 상호관련성을 보였으며, 이는 성별에 따라 차이가 있었다. 연구 결과는 고령자, 특히 건강관련 삶의 질이 낮은 노인의 의료 서비스 요구에 대해 정보를 제공해 줄 수 있을 것이다,

Key Message
Network analysis of older adults (65 or older) in Korea showed that hypertension, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were the most common multimorbidity regardless of HRQoL status. However, as HRQoL deteriorated, multimorbidity patterns formed complicatedly inter-correlated disease networks; the prevalence and the node strength of arthritis, depression, and stroke increased considerably and be diversified by sex.

Citations

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Chronic Disease Patterns and Their Relationship With Health-Related Quality of Life in South Korean Older Adults With the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Latent Class Analysis
Mi-Sun Lee, Hooyeon Lee
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.2024; 10: e49433. CrossRef
Health-promoting behavior to enhance perceived meaning and control of life in chronic disease patients with role limitations and depressive symptoms: a network approach
Je-Yeon Yun, Young Ho Yun
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Health-adjusted life expectancy according to lifestyle classified by the Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-BREF: Sanghun Nam, Kang-Hyun Park, Ji-Hyuk Park, Ickpyo Hong; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022095. Published online October 28, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022095

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) by demographic characteristics (sex, educational achievement, and residential area) according to the lifestyle classifications of the Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-BREF (YLP-BREF).
METHODS
This study included 569 participants aged 55 years or older living in Korea. The YLP-BREF domains were physical activity, activity participation, and nutrition.
RESULTS
Females had a longer HALE (mean±standard deviation, 8.90±5.06 years) in the physical activity domain, while males had a longer HALE in the nutrition domain (9.44±5.91 years). People living in rural areas had longer HALE in physical activity (12.02±5.60 years), activity participation (8.58±4.21 years), and nutrition (11.33±6.43 years). There were no significant differences according to sex or residential area. High school graduates showed the longest HALE (physical activity: 10.38± 6.89; activity participation: 7.64±4.29; nutrition: 9.59±6.40 years). There was a significant difference in educational achievement.
CONCLUSIONS
As people age, the demand for a healthy lifestyle increases. This study attempted to calculate HALE by demographic characteristics according to lifestyle. The results of this study will help inform future research directions for providing a healthy lifestyle.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-BREF(YLP-BREF)의 라이프스타일 분류에 따른 인구통계학적 특성(성별, 주거지역, 학력)에 따른 건강조정수명(Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy; HALE)을 알아보고자 하였다. 본 연구에서 사용한 자료는 한국에 거주하는 55세 이상의 569명이 포함되었으며, YLP-BREF는 신체활동, 활동참여, 영양으로 총 세 영역으로 구성되어 있다. 본 연구 결과, 성별에 따른 건강조정수명은 영양에서 9.44세로 남성이 가장 높았으며, 거주지역은 따른 건강조정수명은 신체활동 영역에서 농촌이 12.02세로 가장높았고, 학력에 따른 건강조정수명은 신체활동 영역에서 고등학교 졸업자가 10.38세로 가장 높았다. 본 연구 결과는 건강한 라이프스타일을 인구통계학적 특성에 따라 제공하기 위한 향후 연구 방향을 제시하는 데 도움이 될 것으로 사료된다.

Key Message
This study investigated Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) according to demographic characteristics (sex, residence, educational achievement) according to lifestyle classification of Yonsei Lifestyle Profile-BREF. As a result of this study, the HALE by gender was the highest in nutrition at 9.44 years, and the HALE by residential area was the highest in physical activity at 12.02 years in rural areas, and the HALE by education was in physical activity. , high school graduates had the highest age at 10.38. The results of this study are considered to be helpful in suggesting future research directions for providing a healthy lifestyle.

Application of a joint latent space item response model to clustering stressful life events and the Beck Depression Inventory-II: results from Korean epidemiological survey data: Hyun Joo Kim, Ye Jin Jeon, Hyeon Chang Kim, Ick Hoon Jin, Sun Jae Jung; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022093. Published online October 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022093

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
According to previous findings, stressful life events (SLEs) and their subtypes are associated with depressive symptoms. However, few studies have explored potential models for these events and incidental symptoms of depression.

METHODS

Participants (3,966 men; 5,709 women) were recruited from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort. SLEs were measured using a 47-item Life Experiences Survey (LES) with a standardized protocol. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Joint latent space item response models were applied by gender and age group (<50 vs. ≥50 years old).

RESULTS

Among the LES items, death or illness of close relatives, legal problems, sexual difficulties, family relationships, and social relationships shared latent positions with major depressive symptoms regardless of gender or age. We also observed a gender-specific domain: occupational and family-related items.

CONCLUSIONS

By projecting LES and BDI-II data onto the same interaction map for each subgroup, we could specify the associations between specific LES items and depressive symptoms.

Summary

Korean summary
- 본 연구는 성별, 연령에 따른 생활스트레스 항목과 Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) 로 측정한 우울증상 사이의 연관성을 Joint Latent space item response model (LSIRM) 방법을 사용하여 탐색하고자 하였다. - 한국 성인 인구집단 (3,966 남성; 5,709 여성)을 대상으로 연구를 수행한 결과, 생활스트레스 항목 중 가족 혹은 가까운 주변인의 죽음 혹은 질환, 법적인 문제, 성적 어려움, 가족 혹은 사회적 관계는 성별, 연령에 무관하게 우울 증상과 연관성이 있었으며, 직업, 일부 가족 관련 항목에서 성별 특이적인 연관성을 관찰하였다.

Key Message
- In this study, we used a joint latent space item response model (LSIRM) to project stressful life events and depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) onto an interaction map, which represents the interaction of BDI-II items and underlying traits with each SLE, while accounting for heterogeneity by sex and age group. - Among the LES items, death/illness of close relatives, legal problems, sexual difficulties, family relationships, and social relationships shared latent positions with major depressive symptoms regardless of sex or age group. But, in occupational and family-related items, sex-specific associations were observed.

Citations

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Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine nursing intervention in postoperative patients after gastrectomy
Lizhi Fan, Ying He, Yufeng Li, Xinxin Li, Dan Liu, Rui Wang
Oncology Letters.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Association of the inflammatory balance of diet and lifestyle with colorectal cancer among Korean adults: a case-control study: Shinyoung Jun, Jeonghee Lee, Jae Hwan Oh, Hee Jin Chang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Aesun Shin, Jeongseon Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022084. Published online September 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022084

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Dietary and lifestyle exposures may affect the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by promoting chronic inflammation. Therefore, we assessed the separate and joint associations of dietary and lifestyle inflammation scores (DIS and LIS, respectively) with CRC.

METHODS

Data from 919 pathologically confirmed CRC cases and 1,846 age- and sex-matched controls recruited at the National Cancer Center Korea were analyzed. We calculated the DIS and LIS, which characterize the collective contributions of 19 dietary and 4 lifestyle factors, respectively, to systemic inflammation by applying weights based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. A higher score represented a higher balance of pro- to anti-inflammatory exposures. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC risk compared across the DIS and LIS tertile categories, with the lowest tertile as the reference group.

RESULTS

The highest DIS tertile had significantly increased odds of having CRC (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 2.10 to 3.36), and the odds increased with increasing DIS. The highest LIS tertile group had 1.28-fold higher odds of having CRC (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.58). In the cross-classification analysis, the odds of having CRC increased as the DIS and LIS jointly increased until the DIS reached the highest tertile, where the risk was very high (3-fold or more) regardless of the LIS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a higher balance of pro-inflammatory relative to anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle factors, especially dietary factors, was associated with higher CRC risk among Korean adults.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 국립암센터에서 수집한 대장암 환자-대조군 데이터를 활용하여, 새롭게 개발된 식이 염증 지수(Dietary Inflammation Score, DIS) 및 생활습관 염증 지수(Lifestyle Inflammation Score, LIS)와 대장암 발생 위험 간의 연관성을 탐색하였다. 분석 결과, 식이 염증 지수 혹은 생활습관 염증 지수가 높은 집단에서 대장암 위험이 더 높아, 식이와 생활습관이 체내 염증 수준을 높여 대장암 발생 위험을 높일 가능성이 제기되었다

Key Message
Dietary inflammation score (DIS) and lifestyle inflammation score (LIS) quantify the collective effect of dietary and lifestyle factors, respectively, on systemic inflammation. In this case-control study, we assessed the associations of DIS and LIS with colorectal cancer risk among Korean adults. Our results suggest that a higher balance of pro-to anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle factors may be associated with higher risk for colorectal cancer. The findings from our study support that reducing inflammation through dietary or lifestyle changes could potentially reduce the risk for colorectal cancer.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The association of diet-dependent acid load with colorectal cancer risk: a case–control study in Korea
Tao Thi Tran, Madhawa Gunathilake, Jeonghee Lee, Jae Hwan Oh, Hee Jin Chang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Aesun Shin, Jeongseon Kim
British Journal of Nutrition.2024; 131(2): 333. CrossRef
Gout and Colorectal Cancer Likelihood: Insights from a Nested Case-Control Study of the Korean Population Utilizing the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort
Mi Jung Kwon, Kyeong Min Han, Joo-Hee Kim, Ji Hee Kim, Min-Jeong Kim, Nan Young Kim, Hyo Geun Choi, Ho Suk Kang
Cancers.2023; 15(23): 5602. CrossRef
Dietary intake and cancer incidence in Korean adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Ji Hyun Kim, Shinyoung Jun, Jeongseon Kim
Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023102. CrossRef

Inequitable distribution of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea, 2020: Jin-Hwan Kim, Saerom Kim, Eunhye Park, Chang-yup Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022081. Published online September 26, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022081

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study analyzed inequities in excess mortality according to region and socioeconomic position to explain the distribution of excess mortality in Korea in 2020.

METHODS

We acquired weekly all-cause mortality data from January 2015 to December 2020 from (1) the National Health Insurance Database and (2) Vital Statistics. Excess mortality for 2020 was calculated by comparing the weekly observed and expected deaths from the same period (2015-2019) using quasi-Poisson regression.

RESULTS

An inequitable distribution of excess mortality was identified. The estimated excess mortality in Korea was -29,112 (95% confidence interval, -29,832 to -28,391), corresponding to -55 per 100,000, and the ratio of observed deaths to expected deaths was 0.91. Negative excess mortality was observed except for females in the 0-14 age group. Male Medical Aid beneficiaries showed positive excess mortality, while non-disabled and disabled groups showed similar negative values. When the standardized mortality ratio was calculated for the top 10 causes of death, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease and septicemia increased, whereas those from diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease decreased. The decrease in mortality was primarily concentrated in older adults, while the mortality of young females increased due to increased intentional self-harm.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds essential evidence regarding the overall performance of Korea. The observed inequalities according to various socioeconomic variables indicate that the results of strict measures to control coronavirus disease 2019 were not distributed equitably. Efforts should be made to properly evaluate the current and future problems related to the pandemic.

Summary

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Did the socioeconomic inequalities in avoidable and unavoidable mortality worsen during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea?
Rora Oh, Myoung-Hee Kim, Juyeon Lee, Rangkyoung Ha, Jungwook Kim
Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023072. CrossRef

The associations of the national health and productivity management program with corporate profits in Japan: Yuichiro Yano, Hiroshi Kanegae, Koichi Node, Atsushi Mizuno, Akira Nishiyama, Hiromi Rakugi, Hiroshi Itoh, Kaori Kitaoka, Naoki Kashihara, Fumiaki Ikeno, Ichiro Tsuji, Kunio Okada; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022080. Published online September 23, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022080

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Using a dataset from a survey on national health and productivity management, we identified health and productivity factors associated with organizational profitability.

METHODS

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry conducted an annual survey on Health and Productivity Management between 2014 and 2021. We assessed the associations of organizational health and productivity management using survey questions collected in 2017 and 2018, with the rate of change in profits from 2017 and 2018 to 2020. We identified factors associated with organizational profitability using eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and calculated SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) values for each factor.

RESULTS

Among 1,593 companies (n= 4,359,834 employees), the mean age of employees at baseline was 40.3 years and the proportion of women was 25.8%. A confusion matrix for evaluating model performance had an accuracy of 0.997, precision of 0.993, recall of 0.997, and area under the precision-recall curve of 0.999. The most important factors related to an increase in corporate profits were the percentage of current smokers (SHAP value, 0.121), per-employee cost of health services (0.084) and medical services (0.050); the percentage of full-time employees working in sales departments (0.074) and distribution or customer service departments (0.054); the percentage of employees who slept well (0.055); and the percentage of employees within a company who regularly exercised (0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Employees’ lifestyle-related health risk factors and organizations’ management systems were associated with organizational profitability. Lifestyle medicine professionals may demonstrate a significant return on investment by creating a healthier and more productive workforce.

Summary

Key Message
Lifestyle medicine professionals may demonstrate a significant return on investment by creating a healthier and more productive workforce

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Role and Value of the Corporate Medical Director
Gregg M. Stave, Wayne N. Burton, Richard J.L. Heron, T. Warner Hudson, J. Brent Pawlecki, David Roomes, Martin J. Sepulveda, Michael Rendel, Pamela A. Hymel
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2023; 65(12): e797. CrossRef

Prediction of cancer survivors’ mortality risk in Korea: a 25-year nationwide prospective cohort study: Yeun Soo Yang, Heejin Kimm, Keum Ji Jung, Seulji Moon, Sunmi Lee, Sun Ha Jee; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022075. Published online September 13, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022075

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting cancer survival and develop a mortality prediction model for Korean cancer survivors. Our study identified lifestyle and mortality risk factors and attempted to determine whether health-promoting lifestyles affect mortality.

METHODS

Among the 1,637,287 participants in the Korean Cancer Prevention Study (KCPS) cohort, 200,834 cancer survivors who were alive after cancer diagnosis were analyzed. Discrimination and calibration for predicting the 10-year mortality risk were evaluated. A prediction model was derived using the Cox model coefficients, mean risk factor values, and mean mortality from the cancer survivors in the KCPS cohort.

RESULTS

During the 21.6-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality rates of cancer survivors were 57.2% and 39.4% in men and women, respectively. Men, older age, current smoking, and a history of diabetes were high-risk factors for mortality, while exercise habits and a family history of cancer were associated with reduced risk. The prediction model discrimination in the validation dataset for both KCPS all-cause mortality and KCPS cancer mortality was shown by C-statistics of 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. Based on the constructed prediction models, when we modified exercise status and smoking status, as modifiable factors, the cancer survivors’ risk of mortality decreased linearly.

CONCLUSIONS

A mortality prediction model for cancer survivors was developed that may be helpful in supporting a healthy life. Lifestyle modifications in cancer survivors may affect their risk of mortality in the future.

Summary

Korean summary
현재 암 생존자의 사망 위험을 평가하는 데 유용한 한국형 암 생존자 사망률 예측 모델은 없습니다. 본 연구에서는 고령, 남성, 현재 흡연, 당뇨병 병력을 포함한 생활양식 요인이 사망의 고위험 요인인 반면, 운동 습관 및 암의 가족력은 사망 위험을 감소시키는 것으로 나타났습니다. 현재 흡연과 운동 습관은 사망 위험에 영향을 미치는 수정 가능한 두 가지 요소로써, 이러한 생활습관 요인으로 구성된 예측모형은 생활습관 교정을 통해 우리나라 암 생존자의 사망률을 낮출 수 있음을 시사합니다.

Key Message
Currently, there is no Korean mortality prediction model for cancer survivors that would be useful in evaluating their risk of mortality. The present study showed that lifestyle factors, including older age, male sex, current smoking, and history of diabetes were high-risk factors for mortality, while exercise habits and a family history of cancer reduced the risk of mortality. Current smoking and exercise habits are the two modifiable factors that affected the risk of mortality. The prediction model comprising these lifestyle factors implies that the risk of mortality of cancer survivors in Korea can be reduced through lifestyle modification.

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COVID-19 Mortality and Severity in Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors
Jae-Min Park, Hye Yeon Koo, Jae-ryun Lee, Hyejin Lee, Jin Yong Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Weight maintenance and gain were significantly associated with lower risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality in Korean adults who were newly diagnosed with cancer based on the Korean NHIS-HEALS cohort
Yong-June Kim, Seung Park, Won Tae Kim, Yoon-Jong Bae, Yonghwan Kim, Hee-Taik Kang
Medicine.2023; 102(47): e36184. CrossRef

The medium-term consequences of a COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle among Spanish older people with hypertension, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disease, depression, and cancer: Irene Rodríguez-Gómez, Coral Sánchez-Martín, Francisco J. García-García, Esther García-Esquinas, Marta Miret, Germán Vicente-Rodriguez, Narcís Gusi, Asier Mañas, José A. Carnicero, Marcela Gonzalez-Gross, José L. Ayuso-Mateos, Fernando Rodríguez-Artalejo, Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas, Ignacio Ara; Epidemiol Health. 2022;44:e2022026. Published online February 21, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022026

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the associations of chronic diseases with changes in lifestyle and health behaviours in older people following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown in Spain and compared the differences in changes over time.

METHODS

1,092 participants (80.3±5.6 years; 66.5% female) from 2 Spanish cohorts were included. Telephone-based questionnaires were conducted to evaluate lifestyle and health risk behaviours at the end of lockdown and 7 months post-lockdown. Participants were classified as having physician-diagnosed chronic diseases based on self-reported data. Cox proportional models adjusted for major confounders were used.

RESULTS

Compared to those without the corresponding chronic diseases, older people with hypertension were less likely to report increased alcohol consumption (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 0.99). Pulmonary diseases were associated with lower risks of increased sedentary time (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.86) and worsened sleep quality (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.87), while cardiovascular diseases were associated with a lower risk of decreased sedentary time (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.88). Depression was linked to a higher likelihood of improved diet quality (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.36). Cancer pacients were less likely to have worsened sleep quality (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.89) but more likely to have reduced their frequency of social contact (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.05 to 3.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Older people with chronic diseases showed beneficial changes in lifestyle and health risk behaviours after the COVID-19 lockdown. In particular, older people with hypertension, pulmonary disease, and cancer tended to make beneficial lifestyle and health behaviour changes. However, older people with cardiovascular disease and depression engaged in more health risk behaviours.

Summary

Key Message
Although the majority of older people with chronic diseases showed beneficial changes in lifestyle and health risk behaviors after the COVID-19 lockdown, public health interventions should be developed to prevent the dangerous long-term effects that COVID-19 pandemic-type situations may have on the health of older people, with a particular focus on older people with CVD and depression that seem to have experienced more health risk behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic than older people with other chronic diseases.

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Global burden of sleep disturbances among older adults and the disparities by geographical regions and pandemic periods
Min Du, Min Liu, Yaping Wang, Chenyuan Qin, Jue Liu
SSM - Population Health.2024; 25: 101588. CrossRef
Nut Consumption and Depression: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses in Two Cohorts of Older Adults
R. Fernández-Rodríguez, R. Ortolá, Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno, B. Bizzozero-Peroni, F. Rodríguez-Artalejo, E. García-Esquinas, E. López-García, A.E. Mesas
The Journal of nutrition, health and aging.2023; 27(6): 448. CrossRef

Association of social network size and composition with physical activity in Korean middle-aged adults: Moon Su Kwak, So Mi Jemma Cho, Jee-Seon Shim, Dae Jung Kim, Yoosik Youm, Hyeon Chang Kim; Epidemiol Health. 2020;42:e2020070. Published online November 25, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2020070

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Physical activity (PA) is an established protective factor for many chronic diseases. Numerous studies have established positive relationships between social networks and PA. Accordingly, this study examined the relationship between social network structures (specifically the network size and the number and proportion of same-sex alters) and self-reported PA in Korean middle-age adults, where the term “alter” refers to a respondent’s social network members.
METHODS
We analyzed 8,092 participants of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort. We assessed the association between each network structure variable and PA level using a linear regression model. Then, we employed logistic regression to evaluate associations between social network structure and adherence to guideline-recommended exercise levels. Socio-demographic factors and health status measures were used as covariates.
RESULTS
In both sexes, the social network size and proportion of same-sex network members showed positive relationships with total and moderate-to-vigorous PA. Notably, female participants with a greater number of kin were more likely to satisfy the recommended amount of total PA.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that large scale, same-sex intervention programs can help to achieve recommended PA regimens.; Summary

Korean summary
이 연구는 30-64세 중년의 한국인 8,092(남자 2,805, 여자 5,207)명에서 사회연결망 특성과 신체활동량의 관련성을 평가했다. 남녀 모두에서 사회연결망의 크기가 클수록, 연결망내 동성인 사람의 비중이 높을수록 신체활동량이 많았다. 사회연결망 크기와 연결망내 동성인 사람의 비중은 권장 신체활동량을 충족률과도 양의 관련성을 보였다. 반면, 연결망내 친족의 비중이 높은 경우는 오히려 권장신체활동량을 충족할 가능성이 낮았다.

The patterns of lifestyle, metabolic status, and obesity among hypertensive Korean patients: a latent class analysis: Suyoung Kim, Seon Cho, Eun-Hee Nah; Epidemiol Health. 2020;42:e2020061. Published online August 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2020061

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify latent classes in hypertensive patients based on the clustering of factors including lifestyle risk factors, metabolic risk factors, and obesity in each sex.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 102,780 male and 103,710 female hypertensive patients who underwent health check-ups at 16 centers in Korea, in 2018. A latent class analysis approach was used to identify subgroups of hypertensive patients. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to examine the association between latent classes and comorbidities of hypertension.

RESULTS

A four-class model provided the best fit for each sex. The following latent classes were identified: Class I (male: 16.9%, female: 1.7%; high risk of lifestyle behaviors [HB] with metabolic disorders and obesity [MO]), Class II (male: 32.4%, female: 47.1%; low risk of lifestyle behaviors [LB] with MO), Class III (male: 15.3%, female: 1.8%; HB with metabolic disorders and normal weight [MNW]), Class IV (male: 35.5%, female: 49.4%; LB with MNW). Lifestyle patterns in the latent classes were classified as high-risk or low-risk according to smoking and high-risk drinking among male, and presented complex patterns including physical inactivity alone or in combination with other factors, among female. Stage 2 hypertensive or diabetic individuals were likely to belong to classes including obesity (HB-MO, LB-MO) in both sexes, and additionally belonged to the HB-MNW class in male.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic disorders were included in all latent classes, with or without lifestyle risk factors and obesity. Hypertensive females need to manage obesity, and hypertensive males need to manage lifestyle risk factors and obesity. Sex-specific lifestyle behaviors are important for controlling hypertension.

Summary

Korean summary
고혈압 환자에서 이질적인 집단을 확인하기 위해, 생활습관, 대사이상 및 비만에 기반한 잠재계층분석을 실시한 결과, 각 성별에서 4개 계층으로 분류되었다. 모든 계층에는 대사이상 상태가 포함되었으며, 고위험 생활습관과 비만(HB-MO), 저위험 생활습관과 비만(LB-MO), 고위험 생활습관과 정상체중(HB-MNW), 저위험 생활습관과 정상체중(LB-MNW)으로 유형화하였다. 생활습관 및 비만 여부와 상관없이 모든 잠재계층에 대사이상 상태가 포함된 점으로 고혈압과 대사상태의 긴밀한 관련성을 확인하였으며, 성별에 따라 이질적인 생활습관 패턴(여성에서는 비만 관리와 남성에서는 비만과 생활습관 개선을 강조)을 확인하였다.

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Patterns of unhealthy behaviours during adolescence and subsequent anxiety and depression in adulthood: a prospective register linkage study of the HUNT survey and health registries
Annette Løvheim Kleppang, Mario Vianna Vettore, Ingeborg Hartz, Siri Håvås Haugland, Tonje Holte Stea
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors and at-risk group associated with hypertension self-management patterns among people with physical disabilities: a latent class analysis
Hye Jin Nam, Ju Young Yoon
BMC Public Health.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Analysis of Fruit Consumption and the Korean Healthy Eating Index of Adults Using the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Sun A Choi, Sung Suk Chung, Jeong Ok Rho
Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.2021; 50(10): 1124. CrossRef

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in a working population in Singapore: Dhiya Mahirah, Charlotte Sauter, Thuan-Quoc Thach, Gerard Dunleavy, Nuraini Nazeha, George I. Christopoulos, Chee Kiong Soh, Josip Car; Epidemiol Health. 2020;42:e2020048. Published online June 30, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2020048

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among workers in Singapore.

METHODS

We analysed data from a cross-sectional study of 464 participants from 4 companies in Singapore. Physical and mental components of HRQoL were assessed using the Short-Form 36 version 2.0 survey. A generalized linear model was used to determine factors associated with the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of HRQoL.

RESULTS

The overall mean PCS and MCS scores were mean±standard deviation 51.6±6.7 and 50.2±7.7, respectively. The scores for subscales ranged from 62.7±14.7 for vitality to 83.5±20.0 for role limitation due to emotional problems. Ethnicity, overweight/obesity, and years working at the company were significantly associated with physical HRQoL, and age and stress at work were significantly associated with mental HRQoL. Moreover, sleep quality was significantly associated with both physical and mental HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings could help workplaces in planning strategies and initiatives for employees to maintain a worklife balance that encompasses their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Summary

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Svitlana Indyka, Nataliia Bielikova
Physical education, sport and health culture in modern society.2023; (3(63)): 12. CrossRef
Prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals in Singapore
Kok Hian Tan, Boon Leng Lim, Zann Foo, Joo Ying Tang, Mabel Sim, Phong Teck Lee, Kok Yong Fong
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Muhamad Hasrol Mohd Ashri, Hazizi Abu Saad, Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(5): 2626. CrossRef
Health-related quality of life in a general population sample in Kazakhstan and its sociodemographic and occupational determinants
Denis Vinnikov, Aizhan Raushanova, Zhanna Romanova, Zhangir Tulekov
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
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Kentaro Matsui, Takuya Yoshiike, Kentaro Nagao, Tomohiro Utsumi, Ayumi Tsuru, Rei Otsuki, Naoko Ayabe, Megumi Hazumi, Masahiro Suzuki, Kaori Saitoh, Sayaka Aritake-Okada, Yuichi Inoue, Kenichi Kuriyama
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(23): 12835. CrossRef

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