Asthma and obesity: Is asthma a risk factor for obesity?

Many studies have shown that asthma and obesity are linked and affect each other. Although obesity is an important risk factor for asthma, it is controversial whether asthma is a risk factor for obesity vice versa. Recent United States and European cohort studies have published papers reporting that pediatric asthma is a risk factor for obesity in school-aged children or adolescents. Previous studies have shown inconsistent results, suggesting that the 2 diseases are highly complex and that the relationships between them are strong. In order to understand the relationships between the 2 diseases, it is necessary to approach them from a new point of view such as energy metabolism relevance or autonomic nervous system control.

North Korean refugee doctors' preliminary examination scores / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: Although there have been studies emphasizing the re-education of North Korean (NK) doctors for post-unification of the Korean Peninsula, study on the content and scope of such re-education has yet to be conducted. Researchers intended to set the content and scope of re-education by a comparative analysis for the scores of the preliminary examination, which is comparable to the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE). METHODS: The scores of the first and second preliminary exams were analyzed by subject using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The passing status of the group of NK doctors for KMLE in recent 3 years were investigated. The multiple-choice-question (MCQ) items of which difficulty indexes of NK doctors were lower than those of South Korean (SK) medical students by two times of the standard deviation of the scores of SK medical students were selected to investigate the relevant reasons. RESULTS: The average scores of nearly all subjects were improved in the second exam compared with the first exam. The passing rate of the group of NK doctors was 75%. The number of MCQ items of which difficulty indexes of NK doctors were lower than those of SK medical students was 51 (6.38%). NK doctors' lack of understandings for Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures, Therapeutics, Prenatal Care, and Managed Care Programs was suggested as the possible reason CONCLUSION: The education of integrated courses focusing on Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures and Therapeutics, and apprenticeship-style training for clinical practice of core subjects are needed. Special lectures on the Preventive Medicine are likely to be required also.

Development of a Modified Korean East Asian Student Stress Inventory by Comparing Stress Levels in Medical Students with Those in Non-Medical Students / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Medical students are usually under more stress than that experienced by non-medical students. Stress testing tools for Korean medical students have not been sufficiently studied. Thus, we adapted and modified the East Asian Student Stress Inventory (EASSI), a stress testing tool for Korean students studying abroad, and verified its usefulness as a stress test in Korean university students. We also compared and analyzed stress levels between medical and non-medical students. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted on medical and non-medical students of a national university, and the responses of 224 students were analyzed for this study. Factor analysis and reliability testing were performed based on data collected for 25 adapted EASSI questions and those on the Korean version of the Global Assessment of Recent Stress Scale (GARSS). A correlation analysis was performed between the 13 modified EASSI questions and the GARSS, and validity of the modified EASSI was verified by directly comparing stress levels between the two student groups. RESULTS: The 13 questions adapted for the EASSI were called the modified EASSI and classified into four factors through a factor analysis and reliability testing. The Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the modified EASSI and the Korean version of the GARSS, suggesting a complementary strategy of using both tests. CONCLUSION: The validity and reliability of the EASSI were verified. The modified Korean EASSI could be a useful stress test for Korean medical students. Our results show that medical students were under more stress than that of non-medical students. Thus, these results could be helpful for managing stress in medical students.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Is Related to Plaque Stability and Is a Potential Biomarker for Acute Coronary Syndrome

PURPOSE: Plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) binds to low-density lipoprotein. The levels of Lp-PLA2 reflect the plaque burden, and are upregulated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated the diagnostic value of Lp-PLA2 levels and found that it might be a potential biomarker for ACS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We classified 226 study participants into three groups: patients without significant stenosis (control group), patients with significant stenosis with stable angina (SA group), and patients with ACS (ACS group). RESULTS: Lp-PLA2 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly greater in the ACS group than in the SA group (p=0.044 and p=0.029, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Lp-PLA2 levels are significantly associated with ACS (odds ratio=1.047, p=0.013). The addition of Lp-PLA2 to the ACS model significantly increased the global chi2 value over traditional risk factors (28.14 to 35.602, p=0.006). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Lp-PLA2 was 0.624 (p=0.004). The addition of Lp-PLA2 level to serum hs-CRP concentration yielded an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.0368 (p=0.0093, standard error: 0.0142) and improved the ability to diagnose ACS. CONCLUSION: Lp-PLA2 levels are related to plaque stability and might be a diagnostic biomarker for ACS.

Effectiveness of double-dose oseltamivir for pediatric patients with severe 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the use and safety of double dose oseltamivir for patients manifesting severe respiratory symptoms or showing no improvement of clinical symptoms after 72 hours' treatment with the usual oseltamivir dosage. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical features of 2009 influenza A H1N1 inpatients who had been admitted to a university hospital's Department of Pediatrics between August 2009 and January 2010. The Influenza A H1N1 diagnoses were confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The study participants numbered 157 (mean age, 5.0 years; male-to-female ratio, 1.1:1). Among them, twenty (mean age, 5.2 years) were administered double dose oseltamivir. This double dose group showed higher peak body temperatures and more abnormal radiologic results than the other, usual-dose group. The mean time duration between high fever and afebrile status after initiation of double-dose oseltamivir administration was 2.1 days, whereas that within the usual-dose group was 1.7 days. There were no adverse effects in the patients treated with double-dose oseltamivir. CONCLUSION: Double-dose oseltamivir was well tolerated in patients with severe 2009 influenza A H1N1 infection.

The Prevention of Falls

Performing a fall-related multifactorial assessment combined with a multifactorial intervention is likely to reduce the rate of falls and risk of falling. For a high risk group, a more comprehensive assessment is required. Multifactoral intervention means the adjusted subset of interventions that target the risk factors that have been identified through a fall risk assessment. Overall, current evidence shows that they reduce the rate of falls in older people living in the community. Exercise programs are effective in reducing the rate of falls. Especially, programs including balance training are more beneficial. Exercise duration needs to be long enough to obtain its benefit. Patients who have fallen should have their medication reviewed and for older individuals, a reduction or withdrawal of the medication should be considered. An 800 IU vitamin D daily supplement is recommended for all older adults at risk of falls. Environmental hazard assessment and modification, managing vision impairment, postural hypertension, heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, foot and footwear problems and the use of assistive devices are also beneficial and recommended.

Characterization of the cytokine profile of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and PRP-induced cell proliferation and migration: Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9 in HaCaT cells

BACKGROUND: The underlying rationale of platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is that an injection of concentrated PRP at the site of injury may promote tissue repair via cytokine release from platelets. The molecular mechanisms of PRP therapy in the skin wound healing process are not well understood at present, and would benefit from clarification. METHODS: PRP was stimulated with angonists for 5 min, and cytokine profile analysis was performed. To investigate the wound healing activity of PRP, cell proliferation and migration analyses were performed in skin cells. The effects of PRP were analyzed on the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -9, and the activation of transcription factors. RESULTS: Thrombin was found to be a strong stimulator of PRP activation to release growth factors and chemokines. PRP induced cell proliferation and migration in HUVECs, HaCaT cells, and HDFs, as well as MMP-1and MMP-9 expression in HaCaT cells, but PRP did not have a significant effect on the expression or activity of MMPs in HDFs. The transcription factors, including signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) were found to be phosphorylated following PRP treatment in HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have identified the cytokine profile of activated PRP after agonist stimulation. We have shown that PRP plays an active role in promoting the proliferation and migration of skin cells via the regulation of MMPs, and this may be applicable to the future development of PRP therapeutics to enhance skin wound healing.

Implementation of a Videoconferencing System between Multiple Family Medicine Departments / 가정의학회지

Attending conferences is important for doctors and residents in family medicine. Nevertheless, departments of family medicine at many hospitals find it difficult to hold regular conferences. Holding joint videoconferences between Family Medicine Departments of several hospitals through a videoconferencing system could solve this problem. Therefore, Family Medicine Departments of Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, and Kangwon National University Hospital decided to hold regular joint videoconferences via a videoconferencing system. Eighty-one joint videoconferences were held from April 1 to October 29, 2010. PowerPoint slideshows were transferred to the other two locations in the same resolution as presenter's monitor. Image and voice of the speaker were transferred in real time and in acceptable quality. Joint videoconferences are feasible, satisfactory and useful for medical education, especially when individual family medicine departments are small and lack resources to hold face-to-face conferences. We expect that more family medicine departments will choose to participate in implementing similar joint videoconferencing systems in the future.

Multiple Mini-Interview in Selecting Medical Students / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: Selecting medical students through interviews seems difficult and the reliability of the results is one of the major concerns. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and acceptability of the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) in selecting medical students of Kangwon National University. METHODS: Eighty-four applicants participated in the MMI which consists of 3 8-minute stations that have 9 checklist items and 3 global items. The 3 domains that we chose were motivation to become a doctor, communication and interpersonal skills, and ethical decision-making. We placed 2 interviewers in each room. The interviewers were chosen from our faculty. We analyzed the reliability of the MMI with urGENOVA for PC. We conducted a survey of these applicants and interviewers. RESULTS: The reliability was 0.791. Students answered that the interview was impressive and enjoyable. Students were also satisfied with the level and quality of the MMI cases. They described that they were evaluated objectively. Interviewers also responded positively. They stated that more stations and more efforts to develop the cases were needed to improve the reliability and validity. CONCLUSION: The MMI was acceptable to our applicants and faculty. It is reliable for assessing medical school applicants in Korea. We should develop more stations and better cases to increase the reliability and validity of the MMI.

Communication Skills Improvement of Medial Students According to Length and Methods of Preclinical Training / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changing pattern of communication skills of medical students according to length and methods of training. METHODS: We evaluated a 1-week communications training course in 2003, a 1-year course in 2004, and a 1-semester course in 2005 during development of our curriculum. We have conducted the 10-minute CPX on abdominal pain annually since 2002 to assess the clinical performance of medical students who have completed the 3rd year clerkship. We selected CPX videos that were appropriate for assessment. One hundred sixty-four videos were available (1-week didactics: 42 cases, 1-week training: 28 cases, 1-semester training: 50 cases, 1-year training: 44 cases). We developed a 10-item global rating checklist to assess communication skills. A 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate each item (4-very likely, 0-least likely). Two expert standardized patient (SP) raters evaluated the communication skills of students independently. We analyzed the outcomes based on the training length and methods. The reliability (G coefficient) was 0.825 with 2 SPs and 1 station. RESULTS: The communication skills of students improved with practice and longer training, especially with regard to opening the interview, expressing empathy, understanding the patient's perspective, and preparing for the physical examination. Rapport-building, organization of the interview, understandable explanation, nonverbal communication, active listening and consideration during the physical examination was unchanged between durations of training. The scores for empathetic expression, active listening and understanding the patient's perspective were low across all groups. CONCLUSION: We should concentrate our efforts to improve students' skills in empathetic expression, active listening and understanding the patient's perspective.

Implementation of Student Internship with Intern-Level Responsibility / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the possibility of giving student interns intern- level responsibilities and to discuss the various obstacles. METHODS: Modifications were made to the student internship program, including rotations through major departments, for 4th-year medical students and was conducted at the College of Medicine, Kangwon National University. We surveyed 49 students for the evaluation of the program, administered a checklist evaluation for their performance, and interviewed two focus groups of faculties and residents to find out the obstacles of the program. RESULTS: Most of the students answered that the program was satisfactory and necessary. Of the students, 71.4% performed as an acting intern. The mean score of the students' performance was 84.1. The students had the most difficulty with time management and making diagnostic and management decisions. Initially, at the start of the program, both students and residents were somewhat confused about the student interns' duties. They suggested that definite learning objectives, legal and institutional support to students' clinical practice, and announcements to patients and hospital staff should be put in place prior to the implementation of such a program. CONCLUSION: We discovered that it was possible for student interns to perform at the level of interns. We suggest that systemic improvements continue for the establishment of such student internship program.

Relationship of Sleep Parameters with Neurocognitive Function in the Elderly with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in the elderly is related to cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to analyze the difference in the neurocognitive function between the elderly groups with and without EDS and examine the correlation between sleep parameters and the neurocognitive function in the elderly with EDS. METHODS: Thirty seven subjects who visited Kangwon National University Hospital were recruited. We excluded those who had abnormalities in laboratory examination or chronic systemic diseases. For each subject, a neuropsychological battery in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K) Assessment Packet was applied. Nocturnal polysomnographies were conducted in 16 subjects with EDS. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the neurocognitive function between EDS positive and EDS negative groups. In the EDS positive group, the amount of stage 1 sleep negatively correlated with scores on Boston naming test, word list memory and Stroop interference, respectively (r=-0.611, -0.583, -0.611). Also, REM sleep amount positively cor-related with scores of word list recognition (r=0.568), and limb movement index negatively correlated with scores of word list memory (r=-0.523). CONCLUSION: The poor sleep quality was associated with impaired language, memory and executive functions. Also, increased limb movements were associated with the memory decline.

Mammographic Breast Density and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Korean Women Using Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND: Density patterns on mammography have been related to the risk factors for breast cancer in the western countries. High mammographic density appears to confer a 4-fold risk of breast cancer. While the proportion of high-density mammography is higher in Korean women than in Caucasian women, the incidence of breast cancer in Korean women is considerably lower. Therefore, we examined if the mammographic breast density pattern correlates with the risk factors for breast cancer in Korean women. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, we recruited 1,758 pre- and post-menopause women without prior history of breast cancer and breast surgery who underwent screening mammogram and completed a self-administered questionnaire in 6 general hospitals. On the basis of ACR BI RADS breast composition, four density patterns were classified in caudocranial and mediolateral mammography by a designated radiologist in each hospital. Multiple linear logistic regression was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability between the initial report and the report made by another blinded radiologist was high (Pearson's co-efficient=0.81). Overall, the age, body mass index, family history of breast cancer, and duration of hormone replacement therapy correlated with the mammographic density patterns. In pre-menopausal women, the high body mass index and parity (=2) were associated with low mammographic density. In post- menopausal women, older age, high body mass index, negative family history of breast cancer, and duration of hormone replacement therapy were associated with low mammographic density. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the mammographic breast density patterns correlated with risk factors for breast cancer in Korean women. While the proportion of high-density mammography is higher in Korean women, the incidence of breast cancer is lower than in the western population. This maybe dependent on other unknown factors. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2006;27: 33-41)

What Health Problems Do Korean Women Think Is Important?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the health problems which women feel important and what they want to know from their doctors in the family practice clinics. METHODS: The subjects were all female patients who visited the family practice clinics at the four hospitals in which some members of the Study Group for Women's Health in Korean Academy of Family Medicine worked from December 10 to 15, 2001. We surveyed by self-administered questionnaire on important health topic, health care services they woud like to receive, what they expected from their doctors, what topics they have difficulty in discussing with, the doctors preference of physician's gender. We analyzed the results by age groups; 19~44, 45~64, and 65 years old and over. RESULTS: A total of 437 women answered the questionnaires, whose mean age was 49.4 year. Health topics that women felt important were osteoporosis, stress, cervical cancer, arthritis, and stroke, which varied with the age groups and recent health perception. The provision of health care services which they desired were in the order of treatment, prevention and health promotion, and diagnosis, which varied with the age groups and recent health perception. What they expected from their doctors were in the order of giving accurate diagnosis, explaining the treatment plan, and answering their questions. They had difficulty undergoing physical exam undressed, gynecological exam, and discussing on their sexual problems. CONCLUSION: Women who visited the family practice clinics felt differently on important health problems according to the age groups. Overall, they wanted to receive health services on the treatment, prevention and health promotion of osteoporosis, stress, cervical cancer, and arthritis.

The Current Status of Utilization and Demand on Cancer Information in the Faculties of Medical School in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the availability and demand for overall cancer-related information, and to establish a basic plan for the construction of a cancer database and information system based on the research results from Korea. METHODS: Postal and telephone surveys were carried out, between August 2001 and November 2001, of 323 affiliated faculty professors from medical universities and colleges in Korea. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistical methods, with regard to the present status and demand for health and cancer-related information. RESULTS: Most (over 80%) subjects studied utilized the health-related information provided on Internet website from foreign countries, such as Medline, but similar comprehensive information system lacked in Korea. The construction of a cancer-related database of domestic research results was revealed to be in a great demand. Information on registration and statistics (52.8%), study results (48.5%) and study resources (37.4%) were the major ingredients required in the database. In constructing a database of the cancer-related research results, a full-text service, continuous updating of data, and the development of standardized user-friendly searching tool were regarded as the necessary components. The formulation of an information sharing system, regarding cancer-related clinical trials, was investigated as being quite feasible. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the great importance of cancer information systems, and much demand for an available cancer-related database based on Korean research results.

Standardization of Korean version of 7-Minute Screen Test

BACKGROUND: The 7-Minute screen (7MS) test consists of four individual tests (Benton orientation test, Enhanced cued recall, Clock drawing and Category fluency). It can be used in the early detection of dementia in the primary care setting. The aim of this study is to develop the Korean version of 7MS and to obtain normal values for the Korean elderly population. METHODS: The 7MS was translated into Korean and modified by a group of several neurologists, psychi-atrists and family physicians. Some pictures that were considered less familiar with Korean elderly people were replaced by familiar items. The Korean version was administered to 330 elderly people who visited one Health Promotion Center. Of these, nineteen subjects were excluded in the final analysis because they did not meet the inclu-sion criteria for normal elderly. RESULTS: The mean age and education level of the subjects were 64.2 +/-5.4 years and 1 1 . 5 +/-4.8 years, respectively. Mean K-MMSE (Korean version of minimental examination) score was 27.63 +/-1 . 7 4 . Mean scores of 4 individual tests of the Korean version of 7MS significantly correlated with education level(for each, p < 0.01), but not with age. The mean score of clock drawing test in men was significantly greater than that of women ( p < 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: We provide normal values of Benton orientation test, Enhanced cued recall and Category flu-ency according to educational level (more than 6 years and 6 years or less than it), and those of Clock drawing test according to gender and education level.

Do the family physicians having their clinic in seoul want to join in education for students and resident

BACKGROUNDS: The education by the family physician. is important for more practical primary care medicine education. In this study, we try to know the presnent state of education and the future and the number of education resource and how to multiply this resource. METHODS: we have got the list of family physicians who have their clinic in Seoul by the help of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine. And we performed telephone questionary. We also asked the demographic factors RESULTS: 134 persons were asked questionary by the telephone. 17persons were joining in education. Trainee by the 3rd grade hospitals was the major, the next was by 2nd grade hospital, and doctors who did not have the training. 14 persons have begun education by asking of the training hospital, 3 persons wanted it, but none thought it beneficial to them. 44 persons wanted to join education in the future, and there was no difference between the 3rd and the 2nd grade hospital trainee. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the 3rd and 2nd grade hospital trainee but 2nd grade hospital trainee was less joining than the 3rd. This shows that the 2nd grade hospital trainee can be the good pool of the future education if there are adequate supply. So many adequate supply is necessary.

Follow-up examination of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

BACKGROUND: The New Bethesda System terminology has opened a series of problems about the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion categories, particularly on their follow up. METHODS: We observe 12300 Pap smear examination, from jan 1995 to Dec 1999, in the Health promotion Center in a university hospital. Subjects were defined a the Health Promotion Center in a university hospital by electrical record and chart review. RESULTS: We find 48 cases of ASCUS and 33 cases of LSIL. When it is followed up by Pap smear, 34 cases of ASCUS are confirmed normal 19 cases(55.9%), benign cellular change 6 cases(17.6%), ASCUS 5 cases(14.7%), HSIL 4 cases(11.8%) and 27 cases of LSIL are confirmed normal 11 cases(40.7%), benign cellular change 3 cases(11.1%), ASCUS 3 cases(11.1%), LSIL 8 cases(29.6%), HSIL 2 cases(7.4%). 14 cases of ASCUS and 23 cases of LSIL are diagnosed by biopsy. Hostologic results of 14 cases of ASCUS are confirmed cervicitis 10 cases(71.4%), Moderate dysplasia 2 cases(14.3%), carcinoma in sute 2 cases(14.3%) and histologic results of 23 cases of LSIL are confirmed cervicitis 15 cases(65.2%), mild dysplasia 3 cases(13%), moderated dysplasia 3 cases(13%), sever dysplasia 1 cases(4.3%), carcinoma in situ 1 case(4.3%). Pap smear only was used for follow-up at family medicine clinic and 14 cases(29.2%), 4 cases(12.1%) are follow-up loss. CONCLUSION: After it is diagnosed ASCUS or LSIL Lesion of Pap smear in healthy care visitors, Follw-up loss is high in only follow-up Pap smear examination and follow-up results are presented more we severe lesions. To reduce follow-up loss, aggressive diagnosis and managements may be needed more than Pap smear follow-up examination.

Associated factor of prevalence of asymptomatic gallstone

BACKGROUND: Because of improvement of economic state and eating habit changes in Korea, 60-70% of gallbladder stones are cholesterol stones. As ultrasonography was used increasingly, detection of asymptomatic gallstone were increased. There has been few studies about asymptomatic gallstone in Korea. So, this study was designed to obtain associated factor of prevalence of asymptomatic gallstone. METHODS: We screened adults over 20 years who were visited the health Promotion Center in a university hospital from May 1995 to May 1999. Subjects were defined as case group(584 subjects) who were diagnosed gallstone by abdominal ultrasonogaphy by radiologist. Control group(1153 subjects) were selected by random sampling from visitors of the Health Promotion Center. Every subjects were assessed with respect to gender, age, height, weight, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride. Social-Economic state, smoking were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Associated factor of prevalence of asymptomatic gallstone were analyzed by Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Age, BMI(Body Mass Index), fasting blood glucose were associated with gallstone by Chi-square test(P40 years old) and were associated with BMI(>25 kg/m2), fasting blood glucose. CONCLUSION: Associated factors of prevalence of asymptomatic gallstone were increased by age(>40 years old) and were associated with BMI(>25 kg/m2), fasting blood glucose, and were not different from those in West countries. further studies will be needed about associated factors according to the composition of gallstone and developing from asymptomatic gallstone to asymptomatic gallstone.

Clinical efficacy of the 7-Minute Screen at primary care setting

BACKGROUND: Because dementia tends to be underdiagnosed, Solomon PR developed a brief neurocognitive screening battery to identify Alzheimer's dementia. The 7-Minute Screen consists of four individual tests(orientation, memory, clock drawing, verbal fluency). It can be rapidly administered and it may be appropriately used in the primary care setting. We attempted to develop a screening tool of dementia based on the 7-Minute Screen at primary care setting in Korea. METHODS: We adapted the 7 Minute Screen to the Korean version of 7 Minute Screen(7 MS-K). 7 MS-K and MMSE-K were administered to 61 elderly people who visited the Sungbuk Public Health Center. Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: The 7 MS-K has a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 90% for cutoff point of MMSE-K 23/24. Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability for the entire battery was very high(both r=1). Mean time of administration was 10 minutes. CONCLUSION: 7 MS-K has a reasonable validity, reliability and can be administered in a brief period, and requires no clinical judgement and minimal training. It may be a useful tool for screening dementias in primary care setting.