Physical Activity and Successful Pregnancy in 6 Months: A Finding from the Pregnancy and Urban Environment Study

Purpose@#This study aimed to assess the association between physical activity and pregnancy in 6 months among infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). @*Methods@#The participants included in this study were infertile women who underwent IVF at Cha Fertility Center in Seoul Station from October 2019 to February 2020. Of 132 women who agreed to participate in the study, one was eliminated for omitting the exercise questionnaire. A survey assessing the level of physical activity of infertile women was conducted using the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires. We calculated metabolic equivalent task-minutes (MET-min) scores and obtained their IVF results after 6 months of the survey. Participants with less than 3,000 MET-min were classified into the minimally active group, and those with ≥3,000 MET-min were classified as the healthenhancing group. The 2 groups were compared based on age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, body mass index, infertility duration, nulliparity, harmful alcohol drinking, history of smoking, obesity, male factors, and pregnancy rates. Adjusted relative risk for pregnancy was calculated using log-binomial regression analysis. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in basal characteristics between the less active and health-enhancing groups. When controlling for all covariates, the relative risk for pregnancy was close to null with health-enhancing activity. The adjusted pregnancy rate decreased with increasing MET-min in the generalized additive model. @*Conclusion@#We observed no positive association between physical activity and pregnancy rate among interfile women undergoing IVF. To confirm our findings, subsequent interventional studies would be needed.

Physical Activity and Successful Pregnancy in 6 Months: A Finding from the Pregnancy and Urban Environment Study

Purpose@#This study aimed to assess the association between physical activity and pregnancy in 6 months among infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). @*Methods@#The participants included in this study were infertile women who underwent IVF at Cha Fertility Center in Seoul Station from October 2019 to February 2020. Of 132 women who agreed to participate in the study, one was eliminated for omitting the exercise questionnaire. A survey assessing the level of physical activity of infertile women was conducted using the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires. We calculated metabolic equivalent task-minutes (MET-min) scores and obtained their IVF results after 6 months of the survey. Participants with less than 3,000 MET-min were classified into the minimally active group, and those with ≥3,000 MET-min were classified as the healthenhancing group. The 2 groups were compared based on age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, body mass index, infertility duration, nulliparity, harmful alcohol drinking, history of smoking, obesity, male factors, and pregnancy rates. Adjusted relative risk for pregnancy was calculated using log-binomial regression analysis. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in basal characteristics between the less active and health-enhancing groups. When controlling for all covariates, the relative risk for pregnancy was close to null with health-enhancing activity. The adjusted pregnancy rate decreased with increasing MET-min in the generalized additive model. @*Conclusion@#We observed no positive association between physical activity and pregnancy rate among interfile women undergoing IVF. To confirm our findings, subsequent interventional studies would be needed.

Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak and infectious disease control in Korea

After the first diagnosis of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Korea on May 20th, 2015, significant fear and anxiety surrounding infectious diseases has emerged in the community. Using the recent MERS case in Korea as an example, we hope to identify problems in the governance of infectious diseases management and to suggest improvements. Korean Health authorities have demonstrated inadequacy in several areas in preparing for and responding to emerging infectious diseases threats. There is lack of monitoring or education regarding prevention, and there are no systems for monitoring people visiting or residing in infectious disease risk areas. Moreover, operating a continuous monitoring system by the Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (KCDC) is very difficult due to the lack of permanent support for a clear command and control system and specialists for responding to public health emergencies. The MERS situation has highlighted the importance of risk communication during public health crises. In order to advance the governance of infectious disease management, the KCDC should be improved as a priority. The Korean government should nurture the development of professional personnel who can respond to global health crises. Furthermore, the expansion of medical isolation facilities within hospital wards and emergency departments is needed. However, the cooperation of the public is a critical factor in this campaign. The public should be educated about appropriate action during disasters and public health crises, including strategies for practicing this action in everyday life.

The Effects of Temperature on Heat-related Illness According to the Characteristics of Patients During the Summer of 2012 in the Republic of Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between heat-related illnesses developed in the summer of 2012 and temperature. METHODS: The study analyzed data generated by a heat wave surveillance system operated by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the summer of 2012. The daily maximum temperature, average temperature, and maximum heat index were compared to identify the most suitable index for this study. A piecewise linear model was used to identify the threshold temperature and the relative risk (RR) above the threshold temperature according to patient characteristics and region. RESULTS: The total number of patients during the 3 months was 975. Of the three temperature indicators, the daily maximum temperature showed the best goodness of fit with the model. The RR of the total patient incidence was 1.691 (1.641 to 1.743) per 1degrees C after 31.2degrees C. The RR above the threshold temperature of women (1.822, 1.716 to 1.934) was greater than that of men (1.643, 1.587 to 1.701). The threshold temperature was the lowest in the age group of 20 to 64 (30.4degrees C), and the RR was the highest in the > or =65 age group (1.863, 1.755 to 1.978). The threshold temperature of the provinces (30.5degrees C) was lower than that of the metropolitan cities (32.2degrees C). Metropolitan cities at higher latitudes had a greater RR than other cities at lower latitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The influences of temperature on heat-related illnesses vary according to gender, age, and region. A surveillance system and public health program should reflect these factors in their implementation.