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Background@#Although obesity is a well-known risk factor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is scant data on discriminating the contribution of previous obesity and recent weight gain on developing T2DM. @*Methods@#We analyzed the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data from 2002 to 2015 where Korean residents underwent biennial health checkups. Participants were classified into four groups according to their obesity status (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2) before and after turning 50 years old: maintaining normal (MN), becoming obese (BO), becoming normal (BN), and maintaining obese (MO). Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the risk of T2DM factoring in the covariates age, sex, BMI, presence of impaired fasting glucose or hypertension, family history of diabetes, and smoking status. @*Results@#A total of 118,438 participants (mean age, 52.5±1.1 years; men, 45.2%) were prospectively evaluated for incident T2DM. A total of 7,339 (6.2%) participants were diagnosed with T2DM during a follow-up period of 4.8±2.6 years. Incidence rates of T2DM per 1,000 person-year were 9.20 in MN, 14.81 in BO, 14.42 in BN, 21.38 in MO. After factoring in covariates, participants in the groups BN (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.27) and MO (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.24) were at increased risk of developing T2DM compared to MN, whereas BO (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.17) was not. @*Conclusion@#Having been obese before 50 years old increased the risk of developing T2DM in the future, but becoming obese after 50 did not. Therefore, it is important to maintain normal weight from early adulthood to prevent future metabolic perturbations.
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Background@#Since the era of “thyroid cancer epidemic,” many Korean academic societies discouraged the use of ultrasonography in healthy individuals and revised the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System to address the overscreening and overdiagnosis issues. This study aimed to evaluate the change in the diagnostic effectiveness of thyroid cancer screening over the last decade. @*Methods@#This single-center, retrospective observational study analyzed the data of 125,962 thyroid nodules obtained during cancer screening at the health promotion center of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2010 to 2019. Only 327 thyroid cancer cases pathologically confirmed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were included in the study. The strength of the association between the number of FNA and (1) the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses, (2) the positive predictive values (PPVs), and (3) the difference in PPV from the previous year were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation analysis. @*Results@#The number of thyroid FNA biopsies as well as the thyroid cancer diagnoses decreased from 2010 to 2019 (166 to 48 [-71.1%] vs. 43 to 22 [-48.8%]). The PPV of FNA biopsies increased from 25.9% to 45.8% (+76.8%) and was negatively correlated with the number of FNA biopsies performed (R=-0.87, P<0.001). The difference in PPV from the previous year increased similarly but without statistical significance (R=-0.59, P=0.09). @*Conclusion@#The diagnostic efficiency of thyroid cancer screening has increased over the last decade, as evidenced by the increasing PPV of FNA biopsies.
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Purpose@#This study aimed to identify the influence of effort-reward imbalance and job satisfaction on turnover intention among hospital nurses. @*Methods@#Data were collected from January 28 to February 10, 2022, from 237 nurses from five hospitals including clinics, general hospitals, and tertiary care hospitals located in B city. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, the Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis, using SPSS/WIN 26.0. @*Results@#The average of the effort-reward ratio, an indicator of effort-reward imbalance, was 1.67±0.66, and 86.5% of the participants had a value of 1 or more. The mean job satisfaction and turnover intention were 3.32±0.48 and 3.69±0.89 on a 5-point scale, respectively. Multiple regression revealed that factors affecting turnover intention among hospital nurses included effort-reward imbalance (β=.30,p<.001) and job satisfaction (β=-.32, p<.001), and these variables explained 29.0% of turnover intention. @*Conclusion@#These findings indicate that effort-reward imbalance and job satisfaction are associated with turnover intention. Therefore, to decrease the turnover intention of hospital nurses, interventions and policies should be prepared to resolve the nurse's effort-reward imbalance and increase job satisfaction at regional or national level hospitals.
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Background@#Previous studies revealed weight gain is an independent risk factor for hypertension. Hypertension in late middle age increases the risks of dementia and cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to analyze the difference in the risk of hypertension in the late middle age according to the change of body mass index (BMI) using nationwide cohort data of South Korea. @*Methods@#We used 64,136 individuals from National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort in South Korea. The primary endpoint is newly diagnosed hypertension after observation start date, which was defined as the date of first examination after 50. BMI changes were measured between two consecutive health examinations before and after 50. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the change of BMI and the risk of hypertension. @*Results@#During the mean follow-up period of 3.4±1.9 years, 8,676 individuals were diagnosed with hypertension. Both normal-to-obese group and obese-to-obese group had 19% higher risk for hypertension, and obese-to normal group had 10% higher risk for hypertension in late middle age, compared to normal-to-normal group. @*Conclusions@#We confirmed becoming obese and maintaining obese increase the risk of hypertension in late middle age. Thus, clinicians need to assess obese patients regularly for the possibility of new onset hypertension and take preventive measure to reduce the risk by losing weights before late middle age.
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Background@#Sleep duration is associated with various health conditions, including chronic kidney disease. However, the association between sleep duration and decline in kidney function in the South Korean population remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of sleep duration on kidney function decline in adult patients with hypertension. @*Methods@#This cohort study was performed using data obtained from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study; 2,837 patients with hypertension who initially had normal kidney function were included. Glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) were estimated at baseline and throughout the 16 years of follow-up. A person was considered to have a decline in kidney function if they had a GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Sleep duration data were obtained through interviewer-assisted questionnaires. Sleep durations were classified as short (<6 hours), normal (≥6 hours but <9 hours), and long (≥9 hours). The Cox proportional hazards model was applied, with adjustments for covariates. @*Results@#After adjusting for covariates, sleep duration was not associated with a decline in kidney function. However, among men with poorly controlled hypertension at baseline, compared to men with normal sleep durations, men with sleep durations <6 hours had a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline (hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.36). @*Conclusion@#Short sleep duration did not seem to be associated with an increased risk of decline in kidney function; however, it may be a risk factor for the decline in kidney function in men with poorly controlled hypertension.
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Background@#This study aimed to explore the relationship between fruit intake, changes in fruit intake, and changes in cardiometabolic factors in people with obesity. @*Methods@#A total of 21,270 subjects (8,718 men, 12,552 women) aged 40 years and over, from the Korean-based Genome and Epidemiology Study, were followed up for an average of 4.4 years. Fruit intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and the second follow-up. The beta coefficient and confidence intervals for changes in cardiometabolic risk factors according to fruit consumption were calculated using a linear regression model. @*Results@#In men, the abdominal circumference decreased with changes in fruit intake (P=0.029). Fruit intake and increased fruit intake in men were associated with a lower systolic blood pressure (P=0.012 and P=0.02, respectively) and lower triglyceride levels (P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). In women, abdominal circumference decreased with both fruit intake and increased fruit intake (P<0.001 and P=0.013, respectively). Systolic blood pressure and triglycerides tended to decrease only with fruit intake (P=0.048 and P<0.001, respectively). Unlike in men, fasting blood glucose tended to decrease in women with both fruit intake and increased fruit intake (P=0.011 and P=0.005, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Fruit intake and increased fruit intake may have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals who are obese.
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Background@#This study aimed to explore the relationship between fruit intake, changes in fruit intake, and changes in cardiometabolic factors in people with obesity. @*Methods@#A total of 21,270 subjects (8,718 men, 12,552 women) aged 40 years and over, from the Korean-based Genome and Epidemiology Study, were followed up for an average of 4.4 years. Fruit intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and the second follow-up. The beta coefficient and confidence intervals for changes in cardiometabolic risk factors according to fruit consumption were calculated using a linear regression model. @*Results@#In men, the abdominal circumference decreased with changes in fruit intake (P=0.029). Fruit intake and increased fruit intake in men were associated with a lower systolic blood pressure (P=0.012 and P=0.02, respectively) and lower triglyceride levels (P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). In women, abdominal circumference decreased with both fruit intake and increased fruit intake (P<0.001 and P=0.013, respectively). Systolic blood pressure and triglycerides tended to decrease only with fruit intake (P=0.048 and P<0.001, respectively). Unlike in men, fasting blood glucose tended to decrease in women with both fruit intake and increased fruit intake (P=0.011 and P=0.005, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Fruit intake and increased fruit intake may have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals who are obese.
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Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors in which employee’s health beliefs affect their intention to get COVID-19 vaccines. @*Methods@#The participants of this survey were 237 emlpoyees living in Busan. Data were collected using structured online questionnaires from April 26th to May 6th, 2021. The data were analyzed in SPSS WIN version 25.0 using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, multiple logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#At the average score for each area of health beliefs regarding COVID-19, self-efficacy was 4.45 points, perceived sensitivity 4.71 points, perceived severity 3.59 points, perceived benefit 4.46 points, and perceived disability 2.19 points. Monthly income, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, and perceived benefit were found to be factors affecting the intention to get COVID-19 vaccines. @*Conclusions@#In order to improve the vaccination intention of COVID-19, it is necessary for subjects to recognize the seriousness of the disease, increase their sensitivity to the disease, and actively promote and educate the community about the benefits of vaccination.
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Background@#Problem drinking increases the incidence of all-cause mortality and specific cancers, and persistent drinking is associated with cardiovascular disease in certain cancer survivors. This study analyzed the cardiovascular risk factors before and after diagnosis in Korean cancer survivors. @*Methods@#Data for the period between 2002 and 2013 were collected from the National Health Insurance Service Health-Examinee Cohort Database. Among the 27,835 patients included, those with moderate alcohol consumption before and after cancer diagnosis were excluded. Problem drinking was defined as males under 65 years consuming over 14 glasses a week, and males over 65 years or females consuming over seven glasses a week. A t-test, chi-square test, and linear regression analysis were performed for differences in cardiovascular risk factors and differences according to cancer types. @*Results@#There was a difference in the body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol among patients who became moderate drinkers after diagnosis, but fasting blood glucose did not show any significant changes. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease were analyzed in patients with liver, stomach, rectal, and breast cancer with improved drinking behavior, and there were significant differences in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and total cholesterol in stomach cancer patients. @*Conclusion@#Moderate drinking can lower cardiovascular risk in cancer survivors, and among the many drinking-related cancers, stomach cancer patients demonstrated significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
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BACKGROUND: While various screening tools are available for depression, they are not feasible in clinical practice because of their excessive number of questions. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) consists of two questions gauging the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia over the past two weeks. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of the PHQ-2 as a brief screening tool for depression.METHODS: This study used Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2014, and the study population consisted of 4,946 individuals. We analyzed the validity of the PHQ-2 compared with ‘depression by PHQ-9,’ and obtained the optimal cut point for screening depression. The agreement between PHQ-2 and depression by PHQ-9 and the agreement between PHQ-2 and ‘currently diagnosed as depression’ were analyzed using Cohen's kappa. The correlation between EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) index scores and PHQ-2 scores was analyzed using Student's t-test.RESULTS: Using ‘depression by PHQ-9’ as the criterion standard, PHQ-2 scores ≥2 had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 87%, and a receiver operating characteristic analysis identified PHQ-2≥2 as the optimal cut point for screening. The agreement between PHQ-2 and depression by PHQ-9 was 0.430 when PHQ-2 ≥2 was used as a cut point. The agreement between PHQ-2 and ‘depression by questionnaire’ was poor. The EQ-5D index score of the depressive group was significantly lower than that of the normal group.CONCLUSION: The PHQ-2 is an effective measure for screening depression and is expected to be useful in busy clinical settings.
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Humans , Anhedonia , Depression , Mass Screening , Nutrition Surveys , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dietary patterns have a significant impact on prognosis, recurrence, and survival in patients with cancer. This study investigated dietary patterns using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) in cancer survivors compared to those in the general population without cancer.METHODS: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI data, cancer survivors were defined as those diagnosed with cancer more than 1 year before the survey. The associations between possible predictors and the DQI-I score were examined using t-tests and analysis of variance. Adjusted multiple linear regression analysis was performed to compare the differences in DQI-I scores between cancer survivors and controls.RESULTS: In univariate analysis of 9,351 subjects (433 cancer survivors and 8,918 controls), age, sex, body mass index, marital status, education level, income, residential area, smoking status, and alcohol consumption were associated with the DQI-I score (each P-value < 0.05). After adjustment, cancer survivors showed higher DQI-I scores than the controls (67.40±8.90 vs. 65.50±9.40, P-value=0.007). In subgroup analysis, cancer survivors within 5 years after cancer diagnosis showed higher DQI-I scores than the controls (68.70±8.30 vs. 65.50±9.40, P-value=0.034), whereas those who survived beyond 5 years post-diagnosis did not show significant differences from the controls (66.70±9.20 vs. 65.50±9.40, P-value=0.063).CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors within 5 years of cancer diagnosis showed better dietary patterns than those in the general population. However, the differences were not observed after 5 years post-diagnosis. To reduce the risks of second primary cancer and mortality, targeted inventions for dietary habits are necessary for long-term survivors of cancer.
Subject(s)
Humans , Alcohol Drinking , Body Mass Index , Diagnosis , Diet , Education , Feeding Behavior , Inventions , Korea , Linear Models , Marital Status , Mortality , Neoplasms, Second Primary , Nutrition Surveys , Prognosis , Recurrence , Smoke , Smoking , SurvivorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Compared with other chronic diseases, hearing loss is generally overlooked from the perspective of disease burden. However, hearing loss is emerging as an important issue in the current society. The objective of this study was to investigate disease burdens and marginal utilities associated with hearing loss and other chronic diseases. METHODS: This study analyzed the cross-sectional data of 32,986 participants aged 19 years and older who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 2009 and 2013. Additionally, this study used the pure tone audiometric test, European Quality of Life-Five Dimensions Questionnaire, and chronic disease status. The data were analyzed using a multiple linear regression method. RESULTS: The data of 23,297 people who underwent a pure tone audiogram and completed the European Quality of Life-Five Dimensions Questionnaire were used in this analysis. The marginal utility of hearing loss ranked fifth among nine chronic diseases. The estimated loss of quality-adjusted life years associated with hearing loss was −93.69 years per 100,000 people, which is similar to other chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: This study assessed the marginal utilities and public burdens of hearing loss and eight chronic diseases in a South Korean population. Although the values may vary depending on country and race, this study may provide an indispensable foundation for more detailed studies on hearing loss.
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Humans , Chronic Disease , Racial Groups , Hearing Loss , Hearing , Korea , Linear Models , Methods , Quality-Adjusted Life YearsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor contributing to cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is steadily rising. Although screening tests are readily accessible, dyslipidemia remains undertreated. Evaluating health behavior patterns after diagnosis may help improve lifestyle interventions for the management of dyslipidemia. METHODS: Data from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012 were used. A total of 6,624 dyslipidemia patients over 20 years old were included according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was completed using a weighted method to determine whether awareness of dyslipidemia was associated with health behavior. Health behavior was divided into two categories: behavioral factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise) and nutritional factors (adequate intake of fiber, carbohydrate, fat, protein). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in health behavior among dyslipidemia patients according to awareness after adjustment for covariates, diabetes and hypertension. Awareness in women was associated with decreased smoking (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.94), but when adjusted for diabetes and hypertension the result was not significant (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.06). The same pattern applied to intake of carbohydrate in men (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.67) and protein in women (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.50). In subgroup analysis, awareness of dyslipidemia in men without hypertension or diabetes was associated with adequate intake of carbohydrate (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.72). CONCLUSION: Increasing awareness alone may not be enough to improve healthy behavior in patients with dyslipidemia. Efforts including patient education and counseling through a multi-team approach may be required.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Alcohol Drinking , Cardiovascular Diseases , Cholesterol , Counseling , Diagnosis , Dyslipidemias , Education , Health Behavior , Hypertension , Life Style , Logistic Models , Mass Screening , Methods , Nutrition Surveys , Patient Education as Topic , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Smoke , SmokingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that commonly afflicts the elderly. This disease reduces the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and causes a significant social burden. Whether the effect of coexisting chronic conditions on HRQoL varies according to the presence of OA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this notion. METHODS: A total of 13,395 participants were identified from the 2009–2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for analysis. HRQoL was assessed using the European quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) index. Patients with OA were defined as those diagnosed by a physician or those who displayed both, symptoms and radiological findings consistent with OA at the time of the survey. Associations between OA and 8 chronic conditions were tested using regression analysis. RESULTS: The EQ-5D index was lower in patients with OA than in those without (mean difference, −0.145; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.138 to −0.151; P<0.001). Most patients with OA and chronic conditions showed a lower score than those without. EQ-5D was particularly lower in OA patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, and renal failure. The estimated β coefficient for the interaction term was significant in renal failure (−0.034; 95% CI, −0.055 to −0.012), after adjusting for demographic and socio-economic variables. CONCLUSION: OA significantly affects HRQoL of Korean elderly individuals alone or when combined with other conditions. OA combined with renal failure is particularly detrimental. These results indicate the importance of managing OA, which is an underestimated disease in public health surveys.
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Adult , Aged , Humans , Chronic Disease , Comorbidity , Dyslipidemias , Hypertension , Korea , Nutrition Surveys , Osteoarthritis , Public Health , Quality of Life , Renal Insufficiency , StrokeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of two artificial tears, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hyaluronate (HA), was compared in the treatment of patients with dry eye disease. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. The efficacy was compared in terms of the mean change from baseline in tear break-up time. The meta-analysis was conducted using both random and fixed effect models. The quality of the selected studies was assessed for risk of bias. RESULTS: Five studies were included involving 251 participants. Random effect model meta-analysis showed no significant difference between CMC and HA in treating dry eye disease (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.452; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.911 to 0.007; P=0.053). In contrast, fixed effect model meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in the CMC group when compared to the HA group (pooled SMD=-0.334; 95% CI, -0.588 to -0.081; P=0.010). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of CMC appeared to be better than that of HA in treating dry eye disease, although meta-analysis results were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to better elucidate the difference in efficacy between CMC and HA in treating dry eye disease.
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Humans , Bias , Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium , Eye Diseases , Lubricant Eye Drops , Tears , XerophthalmiaABSTRACT
Gas gangrene, a subset of necrotizing myositis, is a bacterial infection that produces gas in tissues in gangrene. It is usually caused by Clostridium species, most commonly Clostridium perfringens. Streptococcus anginosus is a rare cause of gas gangrene, with very few cases reported. We report a rare case of traumatic gas gangrene caused by S. anginosus in a 57-year-old female with diabetes after being stabbed with scissors.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Bacterial Infections , Clostridium , Clostridium perfringens , Diabetes Mellitus , Gangrene , Gas Gangrene , Myositis , Streptococcus anginosus , StreptococcusABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a disease with high social burdens and is expected to increase gradually. A long-term management is essential for the treatment of diabetes, requiring patient self-cares. Diabetes education is important for such self-cares, but it does not sufficiently take place. In addition, little studies have been conducted on the barriers to the completion of diabetes education. This study, thus, aimed to analyze the factors related to the completion of diabetes education and investigate its barriers. METHODS: Of 50,405 respondents to the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a total of 3,820 were selected for the analysis, excluding those aged 29 or younger and those with missing values. The completion of diabetes education was set as a dependent variable and an analysis was made on the factors that affect the dependent variable. A multivariable logistic regression was employed for the analysis. RESULTS: Lower educational level was associated with less diabetes education, and the degree of diabetes education was lower in the group with male, the group that didn't have a family history or was not aware of a family history, the group that was not currently aware of diabetes and the group without a spouse. There was no difference in the completion of diabetes education by underlying diseases, family income level, age, residing area, economic activity status, insurance coverage, smoking, and drinking. CONCLUSION: Diabetes education is of importance for the treatment and management of diabetes. Currently, however, diabetes education is not sufficiently carried out in Korea. The completion rate of diabetes education was low in male, patients without or not knowing a family history, patients who were not currently aware of their diabetes, patients without a spouse, and patients with low educational level. Therefore, encouraging these patients to take the education will be a more effective approach to increase the completion rate of diabetes education.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires , Diabetes Mellitus , Drinking , Education , Insurance Coverage , Korea , Logistic Models , Nutrition Surveys , Smoke , Smoking , SpousesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Personal health records (PHRs) are web based tools that help people to access and manage their personalized medical information. Although needs for PHR are increasing, current serviced PHRs are unsatisfactory and researches on them remain limited. The purpose of this study is to show the process of developing Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)'s own PHR system and to analyze consumer's use pattern after providing PHR service. METHODS: Task force team was organized to decide service range and set the program. They made the system available on both mobile application and internet web page. The study enrolled PHR consumers who assessed PHR system between June 2013 and June 2014. We analyzed the total number of users on a monthly basis and the using pattern according to each component. RESULTS: The PHR service named Health4U has been provided from June 2013. Every patient who visited SNUBH could register Health4U service and view their medical data. The PHR user has been increasing, especially they tend to approach via one way of either web page or mobile application. The most frequently used service is to check laboratory test result. CONCLUSION: For paradigm shift toward patient-centered care, there is a growing interest in PHR. This study about experience of establishing and servicing the Health4U would contribute to development of interconnected PHR.
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Humans , Advisory Committees , Electronic Health Records , Health Records, Personal , Internet , Mobile Applications , Patient-Centered Care , SeoulABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. The awareness and treatment rate of the disease are low despite its relatively high prevalence. With the added data, this study aimed to identify changes in prevalence and risk factors of COPD using the data from the 5th KNHNES. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 8,969 individuals aged 40 and older who satisfied suitability and reproducibility for pulmonary function tests. The prevalence, awareness and risk factors of COPD were predicted based on the questionnaires on gender, age, educational level, income level, smoking history, body mass index (BMI) and other COPD related questions. RESULTS: Diagnosis of COPD was based on the airflow limitation (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity <0.7) of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. The prevalence of COPD from 2010 to 2012 was 13.7%, of which 23.3% was men and 6.5% women. The prevalence was on the rise, with 12.2% in 2010, 13.2% in 2011, and 15.5% in 2012. In GOLD stage 1, the percentages of those who had cough or sputum and smoking history were 12.1% and 75.5%, respectively, but only 0.1% was diagnosed with COPD. Even after adjusting for asthma and tuberculosis, men, old age, larger amount of smoking were linked with a higher prevalence of COPD, and obese and higher educational level were associated with a lower prevalence of COPD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of COPD in Korea has been increasing every year, and a higher prevalence was associated with male, older age, more amount of smoking, lower educational level and lower BMI.
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Female , Humans , Male , Asthma , Body Mass Index , Cause of Death , Cough , Diagnosis , Korea , Nutrition Surveys , Prevalence , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Surveys and Questionnaires , Respiratory Function Tests , Risk Factors , Smoke , Smoking , Sputum , Tuberculosis , Vital CapacityABSTRACT
Bisphosphonates have been reported to have chondroprotective activities in addition to its original functions. However, mechanisms for these just began to be elucidated. Under the hypothesis that bisphosphonates may regulate expression and activities of matrix enzymes during degradation of cartilage for bone formation, we administrated an alendronate (1 mg/kg) to newborn rats subcutaneously once a day for 4, 7, and 10 days. To identify the effects of alendronate on cartilage, thickness of cartilage layer was measured by histomorphometry on the proximal epiphysis of tibia. Immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR were performed to investigate the expressions of matrix enzymes in both in vitro and in vivo. MTS assay revealed that at 10(-3) M in concentration, alendronate significantly reduced viability of chondrocytes. The mRNA expressions of MMP-1, MMP-9, EMMPRIN, and TIMP-3 in primary chondrocytes were decreased by the alendronate treatment. Interestingly, TIMP-1 mRNA expression was significantly increased, whereas a constitutive form, TIMP-2 was relatively unchanged by the treatment. The thickness of proliferating layer at postnatal day 7 was not significantly different, whereas thickness of hypertrophied layer was significantly thicker in the alendronate group than in the control (p<0.01). Immunofluorescence demonstrated that the expressions of MMP-9, TIMP-2 and -3 were reduced, whereas TIMP-1 expression was increased by the alendronate administration. These results suggest that the alendronate have chondroprotective properties by down-regulation of MMPs and up-regulation of TIMPs during endochondral ossification.