Evaluation of the Public Health Emergency Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Daegu, Korea During the First Half of 2020 / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#This study evaluated the response in Daegu, Korea to the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic according to a public health emergency response model. @*Methods@#After an examination of the official data reported by the city of Daegu and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as a literature review and advisory meetings, we chose a response model. Daegu’s responses were organized into 4 phases and evaluated by applying the response model. @*Results@#In phase 1, efforts were made to block further transmission of the virus through preemptive testing of a religious group. In phase 2, efforts were concentrated on responding to mass infections in high-risk facilities. Phase 3 involved a transition from a high-intensity social distancing campaign to a citizen participation–based quarantine system. The evaluation using the response model revealed insufficient systematic preparation for a medical surge. In addition, an incorporated health-related management system and protection measures for responders were absent. Nevertheless, the city encouraged the participation of private hospitals and developed a severity classification system. Citizens also played active roles in the pandemic response by practicing social distancing. @*Conclusions@#This study employed the response model to evaluate the early response in Daegu to the COVID-19 pandemic and revealed areas in need of improvement or maintenance. Based on the study results, creation of a systematic model is necessary to prepare for and respond to future public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors Affecting the Perception, Knowledge, and Preventive Behaviors of Chronic Pulmonary Disease Patients on Particulate Matter / 農村醫學 地域保健

Objectives@#This research aimed to identify the level of perception, knowledge, preventive behavior, and factors affecting preventive behavior of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease against particulate matter. @*Methods@#This research was a descriptive survey research, and the subjects were chronic pulmonary disease patients over the age of 19 and under 80 who visited a university hospital in Daegu City. Data was collected by convenience sampling through structured self-administered questionnaire survey from December 2019 to January 2020, and a total of 212 copies were used for analysis. @*Results@#Out of 212 total subjects, 112 were asthma patients (52.8%) and 100 were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (47.2%). The average score (out of 10) of perception, knowledge and preventive behavior of patients with asthma for particulate matter was 7.92, 6.99, and 7.10, respectively, while those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease scored 7.72, 6.24, and 6.80, respectively. The knowledge score was significantly higher in patients with asthma than those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p=0.007). Factors affecting particulate matter preventive behavior were perception score, knowledge score, and age for asthma patients, and perception score for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. @*Conclusions@#As a result of the above, the factors relate to the preventive behavior of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were perception score, knowledge score, and age for asthma, and perception score for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Raising the level of particulate matter preventive behavior can prevent the deterioration of chronic pulmonary diseases caused by particulate matter, so the development of arbitration programs considering the characteristics of the patients according to the disease and continuous and repetitive education are required.

Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and the Risk of Dementia in the Korean Elderly: A 10-Year Nationwide Cohort Study / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#The objective of this study was to determine the effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the risk of dementia in the Korean elderly. @*Methods@#A 10-year retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort database. We excluded those who were under 65 years of age as of January 2006 (n=46 113), those who were diagnosed with dementia between 2002 and 2005 (n=9086), and those with a history of stroke prior to AF diagnosis (n=8392). We used a Cox proportional hazards model with a time-varying covariate to determine whether AF is associated with the risk of dementia after adjusting for potential confounders. @*Results@#In univariable Cox regression, the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia according to AF status was 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to 1.33). After adjusting for potential confounders, AF was found to increase the risk of dementia (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.17), Alzheimer dementia (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.17), and vascular dementia (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.18). In patients diagnosed with AF, the incidence of dementia was lower (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.52) in patients who were treated with oral anticoagulants. @*Conclusions@#Investigating the potential risk factors of dementia in an aged society is important. We found a slightly higher risk of dementia in those with AF than in those without AF, and we therefore concluded that AF is a potential risk factor for dementia.

Directions and Current Issues on the Policy of Prevention and Management for Hypertension and Diabetes, and Development of Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Model in Korea / 農村醫學 地域保健

Objectives@#The purpose of this manuscript was to propose the policy and perspectives of prevention and management for hypertension and diabetes in Korea. @*Methods@#Authors reviewed the chronic disease prevention and management projects and models were executed in Korea until now, and analyzed and evaluated their performances. @*Results@#In the circumstances of Korea, the following several requisites should be improved ; Specific Korean strategy for development and pursuing of national level policy agenda for chronic disease management must be established. There are a need to establish several means of supplementing the weaknesses of the current chronic disease management policies and programs. Firstly, development and distribution of contents of guidelines on the systematic project execution regime (regarding systematization of local community, subjects and contents of the projects) with guarantee for the quality of chronic disease prevention and management are necessary. Secondly, there is a need for development of information system that can lead the chronic disease management programs currently being implemented. Thirdly, there is urgent need to develop resources such as cultivation of manpower and facilities for provision of education and consultation for the patients and holders of risk factors of chronic disease. Fourthly, there is a need for means of securing management system and financial resources for operation of policies and programs. @*Conclusions@#The results can be able to use as a road map, models, and direction and strategies of policies for chronic disease prevention and management of Korea.

Awareness of occupational hazards and personal protective equipment use among dental hygienists / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of occupational hazards and personal protective equipment use among dental hygienists (DHs).METHODS: A total of 271 self-administered questionnaires were obtained from 280 DHs working at dental hospitals or clinics in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea.RESULTS: The occupational hazards included work involving dust (94.1%), volatile substances (86.0%), noise (97.0%), and light-curing units (96.7%). The proportion of dental hygiene tasks that participants perceived as harmful were 42.4%, 51.7%, 9.2%, and 31.4% in the same order as above. The proportion of participants who used dust-proof masks during work involving dust was 1.1%. Those who wore gas-proof masks and gloves for work using volatile substances were 0.7% and 31.2%, respectively. Participants who used goggles for work involving light-curing units were 31.0%. None of the participants used ear plugs for work involving noise. A total of 22.9% of the participants recognized the Material Safety Data Sheet, while 79.7% had never been educated about harmful work environments.CONCLUSION: When compared to exposure status and perception of occupational hazards, the level of protective equipment use was very low. Extra measures to increase DHs’ use of personal protective equipment are necessary.

Awareness of occupational hazards and personal protective equipment use among dental hygienists / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of occupational hazards and personal protective equipment use among dental hygienists (DHs).@*METHODS@#A total of 271 self-administered questionnaires were obtained from 280 DHs working at dental hospitals or clinics in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea.@*RESULTS@#The occupational hazards included work involving dust (94.1%), volatile substances (86.0%), noise (97.0%), and light-curing units (96.7%). The proportion of dental hygiene tasks that participants perceived as harmful were 42.4%, 51.7%, 9.2%, and 31.4% in the same order as above. The proportion of participants who used dust-proof masks during work involving dust was 1.1%. Those who wore gas-proof masks and gloves for work using volatile substances were 0.7% and 31.2%, respectively. Participants who used goggles for work involving light-curing units were 31.0%. None of the participants used ear plugs for work involving noise. A total of 22.9% of the participants recognized the Material Safety Data Sheet, while 79.7% had never been educated about harmful work environments.@*CONCLUSION@#When compared to exposure status and perception of occupational hazards, the level of protective equipment use was very low. Extra measures to increase DHs’ use of personal protective equipment are necessary.

The influence of functional oral health literacy on perceived oral health status in Korean adults / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to analyze the effect that oral health literacy of adults has on perceived oral health state and to identify the factors that affect perceived oral health status. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was distributed to 554 adults who lived in the Daegu or Gyeongbuk areas and visited dental institutions located in the Daegu area. For adults who were 60 years old or older, direct interviews were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed with t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple regression using SPSS RESULTS: Between oral health literacy and perceived oral health status, a significant positive correlation was revealed (r=0.142, P<0.01). A significant positive correlation was revealed between oral health literacy and knowledge (r=0.397, P<0.01). A significant but weakly positive correlation was revealed between oral health knowledge and perceived oral health status (r=0.086, P<0.05). To identify factors affecting perceived oral health status, multiple regression analysis was conducted, and the result showed that oral health literacy was a statistically significant factor (β=0.105, p<0.05). Among general characteristics, age was a statistically significant negatively affecting factor, as it showed a negative relationship with perceived oral health status (β=−0.140, P=0.001, adjusted R2=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: When these study results are taken into consideration, oral health literacy is a factor affecting perceived oral health status, and as such, oral health literacy of the research targets should be taken into consideration when implementing oral health education to promote oral health.

Developing the Korean Association of Medical Colleges graduate outcomes of basic medical education based on “the role of Korean doctor, 2014” / 한국의학교육

The Korean Association of Medical Colleges (KAMC) developed graduate outcomes based on “The role of Korean doctor, 2014” to serve as guidelines regarding outcome-based education in Korea. The working group in this study analyzed 65 competencies proposed in “The role of Korean doctor, 2014” according to the developmental principle that certain outcomes should be demonstrated at the point of entry into the graduate medical education. We established 34 competencies as “preliminary graduate outcomes” (PGOs). The advisory committee consisted of 11 professors, who reviewed the validity of PGOs. Ultimately, a total of 19 “revised graduate outcomes” (RGOs) were selected. We modified the RGOs based on opinions from medical schools and a public hearing. In November 2017, the KAMC announced the “graduate outcomes for basic medical education,” which serves as a guide for basic medical education for the 40 medical schools throughout Korea. Medical schools can expand the graduate outcomes according to their educational goals and modify them according to their own context. We believe that graduate outcomes can be a starting point for connecting basic medical education to graduate medical education.

Effects of Multiple Chronic Diseases on Periodontal Disease in Korean Adults / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify the relations between multiple chronic diseases and peridontal diseases in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 4,142 cases was set for analysis, who aged 35 and over and finished with the third year health survey and oral health check-up of the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(2012). Peridontal disease was defined if community periodontal index(CPI) was 3(formation of paradental cyst of more than 4mm) or 4(formation of paradental cyst of more than 6mm). RESULTS: The subjects consisted of 48.5% male and 51.5% female. The prevalence rate of peridontal disease was found to be 30.1% in total. In peridontal disease the more the age increased, and the lower the education level and income level as well as the more where the residential area was rural, the higher the prevalence rate was(p < 0.01). According to the number of multiple chronic conditions the prevalence rate of periodontal disease accounted for 27.8%, 31.9%, 33.1%, and 35.2% when there were 0, 1, 2, and 3 or more chronic diseases respectively. As a result of logistic regression analysis, gender, age, education level, residential area, current smoking, and use of oral hygienic products were found to be significant factors on peridontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: This research revealed the prevalence rate of peridontal disease was 30.1% in Korean adults and health behaviors affecting on periodontal disease were more significant.

Self-care Status of the Aged Diabetic Patients with Noncompliance / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe and understand self-care status of the aged diabetic patients with noncompliance after hospital discharge. METHODS: A qualitative research method was used for the study design. The participants were 15 diabetic patients aged 65 or older who had been admitted more than two times for hyperglycemia in the past 1 year in a general hospital in Daegu. Data were collected from November 1 2015 to March 1 2016 through in-depth personal interview. RESULTS: Patients' knowledge level on causes and symptoms of diabetes was low. Most participants rarely and irregularly checked blood sugar at home. They were under a lot of stress from their family. Due to old age and illness they did not have sufficient physical activity and they have had rarely regular meals. They considered the self-care education program unnecessary and there was limitations of accessibility for education. CONCLUSIONS: The aged diabetic patients who had the repeat admission did not perform self-care activities properly and had problems especially in blood glucose check, support from their family, and health education after returning home. More personalized and community-based self-management education programs will be necessary.

Knowledge, Health Belief, and Vaccination Behavior on Hepatitis A among University Students / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the knowledge, health belief, and vaccination behavior on hepatitis A among university students. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from 3(rd) to 25(th) March, 2014 and 197 subjects were enrolled in statistical analysis. RESULTS: The result showed that the score for knowledge of the subjects on hepatitis A was 4.59±3.06 out of 15 points, for health belief 2.39±0.28 out of 4 points, and the vaccination rate of the subjects was 12.7%. There was significant difference in hepatitis A knowledge score according to experience of hepatitis A check-up and hepatitis A vaccination history of family members, and in health belief according to gender. For hepatitis A vaccination there was significant difference according to experience of hepatitis A check-up, family history of liver disease, hepatitis A vaccination history of family members, and education history of hepatitis A. As a result of logistic regression analysis experience of hepatitis check-up and hepatitis A vaccination history of family members were significant factors for hepatitis A vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge, health belief for hepatitis A of the subjects was low and vaccination rate also low. The experience of hepatitis A check-up and hepatitis A vaccination history of family members were factors affecting hepatitis A vaccination. It would be necessary to develop programs for improving level of knowledge and health belief and raising the rate of hepatitis A vaccination for the university students in Korea.

Comparison of Health Behavior Change Before and After the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention among Coronary Artery Disease Patients / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate health behaviors of patients before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: The subjects of this study were 120 men and women whose age ranged from 40 years to 69 years among the patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention in Y university hospital that was located in Daegu city and who had diagnosed for 3 months or more and less than 2 years. Structured questionnaire was used to conduct self-administered survey from May 15 to October 12 in 2012. RESULTS: Patients's health behavior score was ranged from 46 to 94 points after the PCI intervention. The score was 65.42±12.99 points before and significantly increased up to 72.53±10.18 points after the PCI intervention (p<.001). According to subcategory of health behavior, significant differences were found in scores of health responsibility (increased interest in health, watching of lecture on health and behavior to be punctual on counseling or medical treatment), diet, smoking, and drinking (p<.001, p=.039, p=<.001). However, no significant change was found in practice efforts such as exercise, eating habits and relaxation for stress management. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it is necessary to provide education and counseling that enabling patients to improve smoking, drinking, practicing exercise and healthy eating habits.

Cultural Competence of Health Care Providers in Daegu and Satisfaction on Health Care Services of Chinese Medical Tourists / 보건행정학회지

BACKGROUND: This study aims at making a survey on health care service providers' cultural competence and making an appraisal of Chinese medical tourists on service quality, health care service providers' cultural competence, perceived value, and satisfaction. METHODS: The data was collected from August until November, 2014 and 150 health care service providers and 65 Chinese medical tourists from 12 medical institutions in Daegu were enrolled in analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that health care service provider's knowledge on Chinese culture was very low with 33.5% of correct answer. Health care service providers were found to get 3.82 point on a 5 point-scale in cultural perception, 3.53 points in cultural sensitivity, and 2.85 points in cultural skills. Chinese medical tourists were analyzed to give 4.08 points on a 5-point scale to satisfaction on health care service, followed by 4.01 points to health care service quality, 4.00 points to perceived value of health care service, and last 3.85 points to a health care service providers' cultural skills. However, there was a difference in points in cultural skills between health care service providers and Chinese medical tourists. Chinese medical tourists' satisfaction with health care service in Daegu was found to be comparatively high, but in relation to satisfaction with communication, it was found to be relatively low. CONCLUSION: Through this research, health care service providers' knowledge level of Chinese culture and cultural skills were low while they seemed to take a half-hearted attitude towards educational experience for building up cultural competence and foreign patient service response.

The Longitudinal Trend of Cardiac Surgery in Korea from 2003 to 2013

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes of the utilization of operational and surgical medical care inside and outside a metropolitan area over 10 years, analyzing the residential areas of patients and the locations of medical facilities for major cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: Data analysis was conducted by classifying the addresses of patients and the locations of medical care facilities of metropolitan cities and provinces, using data from the National Health Insurance Corporation from January 2003 to December 2013. RESULTS: There is serious concentration of major heart surgery to medical facilities in Seoul; this problem has not improved over time. There were differences in percentages of surgical procedures performed in the metropolitan areas according to major diseases. In the case of Busan and Daegu provinces, at least 50% of the patients underwent surgery in medical facilities in the city, but there are other regions where the percentage is less than 50%. In the case of provinces, the percentage of surgical procedures performed in medical facilities in Seoul or nearby metropolitan cities is very high. CONCLUSION: Policies to strengthen the regional capabilities of heart surgery and to secure human resources are required to mitigate the concentration of patients in the capital area. Many regional multi-centers must be designated to minimize unnecessary competition among regional university hospitals and activate a win-win partnership model for medical services.

Comparison of salty taste assessment, high-salt dietary attitude and high-salt dietary behavior by stage of behavior change among students in Daegu / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted for comparison of salty taste assessment, salty taste preference, high-salt dietary attitude, and high-salt dietary behavior by stages of behavior change among school-aged children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 1,595 students (1,126 school- aged children, 469 adolescents) from 43 elementary schools and 17 middle and high schools in Daegu were tested using salty taste kits and surveyed using questionnaires on stages of behavior change, high-salt dietary attitude, and behavior. RESULTS: Adolescents showed a significantly higher result for salty taste assessment than school-aged children (p < 0.01). In salty taste assessment, the students of pre-contemplation stage (n = 498) and contemplation stage (n = 686) showed higher scores than students of action stage (n = 351) and maintenance stage (n = 60). Regarding the salty taste preference, students of maintenance stage preferred the lower two samples (0.08%, 0.16%) and students of pre-contemplation stage preferred the higher two samples (0.63%, 1.25%). High-salt dietary attitude scores and dietary behavior scores were highest for students of pre-contemplation stage and were lowest for students of maintenance stage. CONCLUSION: Salty taste assessment, high-salt dietary attitude, and high-salt dietary behavior were significantly different by stages of behavior change among school-aged children and adolescents. This study suggests the need for examination of the stages of behavior change before nutrition education for effective education.

Effects of Oral Exercise on Oral Function and Denture Satisfaction of the Elderly / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of oral exercise on oral function and denture satisfaction of the elderly using dentures. METHODS: The study was conducted with targets of the elderly in the 13 senior community centers in Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do from September 2013 to April 2014. The study subjects were divided into two groups, the intervention group provided with 8 week oral exercise program and the control group without exercise. The data on oral function, denture satisfaction and oral health related quality of life (OHIP-14) were analyzed among the 79 subjects from the intervention group and the 71 subjects from the control group. RESULTS: For oral function, salivary flow rate, mouth opening, pronunciation and salty taste were significantly improved in the intervention group (p<0.01). There were significant differences in salivary flow rate, mouth opening, pronunciation and salty taste between the two groups (p<0.01). For denture satisfaction, there were significant differences in masticatory function, fixing function, general treatment satisfaction and total denture satisfaction between the two groups (p<0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in the total points of oral health related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Oral exercise was effective in improving oral function and denture satisfaction of the elderly using dentures. To improve oral health related quality of life of the elderly further researches and programs will be necessary.

Comparison of Stress Levels Arising in Clinical Settings, Stress Coping Mechanisms and Clinical Competency between Male and Female Nursing Students / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: This study compares differences between male and female nursing students in terms of the level of stress experienced during clinical practice settings, stress coping mechanisms and clinical competency. METHOD: The study population was nursing students who had taken a clinical practice course at one of five general hospitals in city D. Data were collected from September 15 to October 15, 2013 through a structured self-administered questionnaire survey given to 319 subjects (156 male students, 163 female students) enrolled in a statistical analysis course. RESULTS: Male nursing students experienced lower stress levels during clinical practice and higher clinical competency than female students. In terms of stress coping mechanisms, male students were significantly more active than female students in deploying coping strategies. Among all students, students with higher clinical practice stress and concomitant stress coping scores exhibited higher clinical competency. CONCLUSION: Noticeable differences between male and female nursing students in terms of stress levels arising in the course of clinical practice, stress coping strategies, and clinical competency were revealed. However, further identification of specific stressful situations for male and female nursing students and subsequent management of clinical training circumstances are required.

Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome and Relative Importance of Five Components as a Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome: 5-Year Follow-up Study in Korea

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of metabolic syndrome and to identify five components as metabolic syndrome predictors. The final study included 1,095 subjects enrolled in a rural part of Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea for a cohort study in 2003. Of these, 762 (69.6%) subjects had participated in the repeat survey. During the five-year follow-up, incidence density was significantly higher for women than for men (men, 30.0/1,000 person-years; women, 46.4/1,000 person-years). In both men and women, incidence of metabolic syndrome showed a significant increase with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components at baseline. Compared with individuals presenting none of components at baseline, relative risks were increased 1.22 (men; 95% CI, 0.43-3.51), 2.21 (women; 95% CI, 0.98-4.97) times more for individuals with one component of metabolic syndrome and 5.30 (men; 95% CI, 2.31-12.13), 5.53 (women; 95% CI, 2.78-11.01) times more for those who had two components. In multivariate analysis, the most powerful risk factor for metabolic syndrome was abdominal obesity in men and low HDL-cholesterol in women (adjusted relative risk, 3.28, 2.53, respectively). Consequently, finding a high risk group for metabolic syndrome according to gender and prevention of metabolic syndrome through lifestyle modification are essential.

Development and Evaluation of a Community Staged Education Program for the Cardiocerebrovascular Disease High-risk Patients / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate an education program for cardiocerebrovascular high-risk patients. METHODS: This program was developed according to Tyler's model for curriculum development. To evaluate the effects of this program, we measured clinical outcome change (weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure) and behavior change stages (checking blood pressure, blood sugar levels, doing physical activity, consistent maintenance of food intake, eating low amounts of salt, abstention from tobacco and alcohol) before and 4 weeks after participation in the education program. The group of subjects consisted of High-risk group patients who attended basic program(32 patients), and staged program(37 patients) during KHyDDI meetings from Oct. 2009 to May 2010. RESULTS: The staged educational program was developed three aspects(disease, nutrition and exercise)and three stages(basic, in-depth and individual education). In the staged education program, the evaluations were made by measuring clinical outcome and stage of behavior before and after education. Significant differences were found in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, consistent maintenance of food intake(p<0.05), and eating low salt(p<0.001) and their self efficacy. CONCLUSION: In the practice-oriented staged education program, significant differences were found in the clinical outcomes and stage of behavior before and after education. Possible limitations of the study include the small number of participating subjects and the short follow-up management period, but the results indicate that continued application of this program could contribute to the prevention of cardiocerebrovascular diseases for the elderly patients with long periods of chronic diseases.

Frequency and Related Factors of Masked Hypertension at a Worksite in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Masked hypertension is associated with metabolic risks and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of and risk factors of masked hypertension in Korean workers. METHODS: The study was conducted among 121 employees at a hotel in Gyeongju, Korea, from December 2008 to February 2009. We measured blood pressure (BP) both in the clinic and using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitors for all subjects. Hypertension was defined independently by both methods, and subjects were classified into four groups: true normotension, masked hypertension, white coat hypertension, and sustained hypertension. RESULTS: The frequency of masked hypertension in our study group was 25.6%. Compared with true normotension, the factors related to masked hypertension were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 10.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41 to 81.09), aging one year (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.99), clinic BP 120-129/80-84 mmHg (OR, 8.42; 95% CI, 1.51 to 46.82), clinic BP 130-139 / 85-89 mmHg (OR, 12.14; 95% CI, 1.80 to 81.85), smoking (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 1.15 to 26.54), and increase of total cholesterol 1 mg / dL (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.08). In males only, these factors were clinic BP 120-129 / 80-84 mmHg (OR, 15.07; 95% CI, 1.55 to 146.19), clinic BP 130-139 / 85-89 mmHg (OR, 17.16; 95% CI, 1.56 to 189.45), smoking (OR, 11.61; 95% CI, 1.52 to 88.62), and increase of total cholesterol 1 mg/dL (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of masked hypertension was high in our study sample. Detection and management of masked hypertension, a known strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, could improve prognosis for at-risk populations.