Analysis on the Key Words related to Healthcare Issues of the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Major Korean Newspapers, 2020 / 農村醫學 地域保健

Background@#s: This study was performed to analyze the main key words of newspaper articles related to COVID-19 in 2020 for each category of quarantine measures according to the epidemic period of COVID-19. @*Methods@#We analyzed articles related to COVID-19 in three major newspapers of Korea between February 17 and December 31, 2020. We targeted the front page articles on mondays and thursdays. The analysis of the relationship between the two variables was confirmed through the chi-square test. @*Results@#As a result of analyzing the main key words for each category of quarantine measures, non-pharmaceutical intervention were the most common at 54.3%, followed by 3Ts(test, tracing, treatment and vaccine) at 31.9%. In the category of non-pharmaceutical intervention, social distancing was the most common at 33.9%. In the categories such as 3Ts(test, tracing, treatment) and vaccine, diagnostic tests were the most common at 41.8%. @*Conclusions@#It was identified that non-pharmaceutical intervention were the most common, and there was a difference in the reporting of main key words by category of quarantine measures for each epidemic period related to COVID-19 in 2020.

Factors that Influence Physician Salary Payment through Analyzing on Internet Invitation Webpage in Korea / 農村醫學 地域保健

Background@#s: Proper distribution and supply of physicians are factors that affect national health care systems. This study investigated the payment distribution levels and the determinants that influence the salary levels of hospital hired physicians. @*Methods@#We analyzed 4,014 job advertisements posted on an internet invitation information site about physician recruitment from May 2016 to May 2019. We used univariate analysis to determine the relationship between average monthly salary and the other related variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of physician salary level. @*Results@#The average monthly salary for the service physician was 15.4 million won, highest for orthopedic surgeons with 22.24 million won, and lowest for diagnostic laboratory physician with 11.4 million won. The factors significantly associated with average monthly salary were; non-major specialty, housing provision, no severance pay, and incentives(p<0.05). Non-major specialty, incentives, and the regions were predictors of the average standardized monthly salary(p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Factors associated with average monthly salary as revealed by this study were; medical specialty, hospital regional location, housing provision, payment of retirement allowance, and payment of other incentives respectively. However, this study was a cross-sectional study, and further studies will be required.

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.

Epidemiological Investigation for Outbreak of Clostridium perfringens Enteritis among Students at a College in 2018 / 農村醫學 地域保健

Purpose@#This study was conducted to provide the results of the epidemiological investigation for outbreak of Clostridium perfringens enteritis among students at a college in Sejong City. @*Methods@#This investigation was performed between May 25 and May 28, 2018. The Sejong City public health authority received a complaint which was about 40 university students experienced vomiting or diarrhea. We immediately set up an epidemiological investigation team and conducted a field epidemiological investigation. @*Results@#The overall incidence was 86 out of 153 (56.2%). The estimated risk exposure time was 12 o'clock on the previous day, and the cause was contaminated during distribution and storage of the lunch box provided for lunch on the day of the athletic competition, with 13 hours of average incubation period. The outbreak was closed on May 28, and the identified pathogen was Clostridium perfringens. @*Conclusions@#It was proposed that food poisoning by Clostridium perfringens was likely and contaminated during group meal.

Preparation and Measures for Elderly with Dementia in Korea: Focus on National Strategies and Action Plan against Dementia / 農村醫學 地域保健

No abstract available in English.

Factors associated with Experience of Diagnosis and Utilization of Chronic Diseases among Korean Elderly : Focus on Comparing between Urban and Rural Elderly / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the difference and related factors with general characteristic and health behaviors, a experience of diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases between rural and urban among elderly in Korea.@*METHODS@#We used the data of Community Health Survey 2017 which were collected by the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The study population comprised 67,835 elderly peopled aged 65 years or older who participated in the survey. The chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze data.@*RESULTS@#We identified many significant difference of health behaviors, an experience of diagnosis and treatment with chronic diseases between rural and urban. Compared to urban elderly, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of rural elderly were 1.136 (1.092–1.183) for diagnosis of diabetes, 1.278 (1.278–1.386) for diagnosis of dyslipidemia, 0.940 (0.904–0.977) for diagnosis of arthritis, 0.785(0.736–0.837) for treatment of arthritis, 1.159 (1.116–1.203) for diagnosis of cataracts, and 1.285(1.200–1.375) for treatment of cataracts. In the experience of diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, various variables were derived as contributing factors for each disease. Especially, there were statistically significant difference in the experience of diabetes diagnosis, arthritis diagnosis, cataract diagnosis and dyslipidemia except for hypertension diagnosis (p<0.01) between urban and rural elderly. There were statistically significant differences in the experience of treatment for arthritis and cataract (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference in the experience of treatment for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia between urban and rural elderly.@*CONCLUSION@#Therefore, it would be necessary to implement a strategic health management project for diseases that showed significant experience of chronic diseases with diagnosis and treatment, reflecting the related factors of the elderly chronic diseases among the urban and rural areas.

Improvement of Epidemiology Intelligence Service Officer Program for Preparedness and Response against Future Health Issues Included Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases in Korea / 보건행정학회지

The development and management of epidemiology intelligence service (EIS) officer with more specialized competence to cope with and prepare for health threats, including pandemic of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, is a high priority policy issue in Korea. First of all, we need to establish the training goal of EIS officer. It is necessary to establish manpower training and management system with at least three tiers including quantitative and qualitative targets. Second, at least 50% of all EIS officer must secure a physician and secure expertise and competence for epidemic. Third, for the ultimate purpose of EIS officer, the establishment of a public health expert should expand the scope of epidemiologist's work to health and medical care, occupational environment, and various disasters. Fourth, it is essential to expand the epidemiologist training and education program to the level of advanced countries. Especially, the training course should be expanded at least twice of current times. Fifth, it is necessary to independently install and operate the ‘EIS Officer Training Center’ as a mid- and long-term goal. Stewardship and governance are secured with the organization, personnel, etc. that can fully manage the planning, management, and evaluation of the EIS system. In the future, it will be necessary to establish a systematic and phased operational base of education and training programs for EIS officer, and establish a sustainable implementation system for strategy development. In addition, it is urgent to revise the guidelines for training public health professionals and strengthening competencies, and for establishing professional educational institutions.

Trauma Signature (TSIG) Analysis of Hebei Spirit Oil Spill, Taean, Korea : 2007 / 農村醫學 地域保健

No abstract available.

Impact of Awareness and Educational Experiences on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Ability to Execute of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Korean Adults / 農村醫學 地域保健

This study was performed to identify the impact of awareness and educational experiences on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the ability to execute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among Korean adults. This study used original data of 2014 Community Health Data Survey. 228,712 participants in this survey were resident in South Korea who is aged 19 or older on July 2014. Participants in this survey were sampled an average of 900 residents(target error ± 3 percent) per community health center of Korea. Data were analyzed by using R 3.1.3 employing chi-squared test, fisher's exact analysis, and logistic regression analysis. Ability to execute CPR was significantly higher in males(3.34 time), higher the education level (1.61 times), the white color occupation (1.14 times), the higher the income level (1.07 times), the higher the education level (0.91 times), non-hypertensive patients (1.12 times), non-diabetic patients (1.16 times), non-dyslipidemic patients (0.86 times), non-stroke patients (0.30 times), CPR education experience group (3.25 times), CPR experience group with manikin-based training (4.30 times), higher subjective health status (1.08 times, 1.16 times) respectively. This study identified that awareness, educational experience, and mannequin-based learning experience of CPR impacted on the ability to execute CPR. Responding to education-related factors could contribute to reducing the rate of out-of-hospital acute cardiac arrest by improving the ability to execute CPR of the general public.

Analysis of Vision Statements in 6th Community Health Plan of Local Government in Korea / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we analyzed vision statements of the 6th community health plan of local government in Korea. METHODS: We examined vision statements letters, missions and strategy plans, and long-term missions of 6th community health plans of 229 local government in Korea. We also analyzed the numbers of vision letters, sentence examination, word frequency, each vision statement with frequency analysis, chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Among 229 local government, 172(75.1%) of local government had the number of letters (Korean) less than 17 of vision statements, and there were a significant differences according to type of community health centers (p<0.05). Figuration (37.1%) were the most used in an expression of vision statement sentence, and special characters (43.2%) were the most used language except Korean. The most commonly used words of vision statement in order of frequency were ‘health’, ‘happiness‘, ‘with’, ‘citizen’, ‘city’, ‘100 years old’ etc. Chungcheong provinces and Daejeon metropolitan city had a highest score in directionality on phrase evaluation, and there were a significant differences according to regional classes of local government (p<0.01). Gyeongsang provinces, Ulsan, Daegu, and Busan metropolitan cities had a highest score in future orientation and sharing possibilities on phrase evaluation, and there were a significant differences according to regional classes of local government (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Vision is one of the most important component of community health plan. We need more detailed ‘vision statement guideline’ and the community health care centers of local government should effort to make more clear and complete their vision.

Current Status and Suggestions for the Improvement of Health and Medical Services of Hospital Ship in Chungcheongnam-do Province / 農村醫學 地域保健

No abstract available.

The direction of restructuring of a Korea field epidemiology training program through questionnaire survey among communicable disease response staff in Korea / 한국역학회지

We used a survey about the need for an educational training of infectious disease response staff in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and officer in metropolitan cities and provincial government to conduct field epidemiological investigation. The survey was conducted from January 25 to March 15, 2016. A total of 173 participants were selected from four different groups as follows: 27 clinical specialists, 22 Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers, 82 KCDC staff, and 42 local health department officials. Results revealed that 83% of KCDC staff and 95% of local health department officials agreed on the need for educational training to strengthen capability of personnel to conduct epidemic research and investigation. The level of their need for training was relatively high, while self-confidence levels of individuals to conduct epidemic research and investigation was low. It was concluded that there was a need to develop training programs to enhance the ability of public health officials, EIS officers, KCDC staff, and local health department personnel to conduct epidemic research and investigation.

Experience of 16 years and its associated challenges in the Field Epidemiology Training Program in Korea / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The field epidemiologist system of South Korea, which employs public health doctors who are relatively more readily available, was created in 1999 to ensure a ready supply of experts for epidemiological investigations and enable an effective response for new and reemerging infectious diseases. However, the 2015 outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome revealed limitations in the existing systems of management of field epidemiologists and communicable diseases.METHODS: The present study aims to evaluate data on current states, administrative reports, and other literature on the field epidemiologist system that has been in place in South Korea for 16 years since 1999 and to suggest appropriate future improvements in this system.RESULTS: By suggesting methods to evaluate the field epidemiologist system and training programs and by suggesting ways for the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct evaluations on its own, the present study provides supporting evidence for improvement of systems for training of experts in epidemiological investigations. Moreover, based on the findings, this study also suggests methods to systematically train experts in communicable diseases management and a sustainable system to establish the basis of and develop strategies for a systematic and phased management of field epidemiologist training programs.CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests the possibility of establishing dedicated training facilities, revising the guidelines on training and improvement of the competency of public health experts, while not limiting the scope of application to communicable diseases.

A Retrospective Mid- and Long-term Follow-up Study on the Changes in Hematologic Parameters in the Highly Exposed Residents of the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in Taean, South Korea

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze changes in hematologic parameters in the residents of the areas highly contaminated by the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in 2007 and those who participated in the clean-up activities. METHODS: According to demographic characteristics, health status and behavior, and level of exposure to oil, we compared the hematologic results in 2009 and 2012 among 701 residents. The hematologic parameters were composed of white blood cell (WBC) count, and levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit (Hct), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), total cholesterol (T-chol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (TG). RESULTS: Paired t-test revealed that the WBC count and levels of Hct, AST, ALT, glucose, and HbA1c significantly increased, whereas the BUN, Cr, HDL, and TG levels significantly decreased. Multiple linear regression modelling showed a relationship between the level of exposure to oil and temporal changes in Hct, glucose, HbA1c, and BUN levels. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a relationship between level of exposure to oil and changes in hematologic parameters over 3 years. Further studies should be conducted to determine the impact of oil spill on health such as the occurrence of diseases.

Experience of 16 years and its associated challenges in the Field Epidemiology Training Program in Korea / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The field epidemiologist system of South Korea, which employs public health doctors who are relatively more readily available, was created in 1999 to ensure a ready supply of experts for epidemiological investigations and enable an effective response for new and reemerging infectious diseases. However, the 2015 outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome revealed limitations in the existing systems of management of field epidemiologists and communicable diseases. METHODS: The present study aims to evaluate data on current states, administrative reports, and other literature on the field epidemiologist system that has been in place in South Korea for 16 years since 1999 and to suggest appropriate future improvements in this system. RESULTS: By suggesting methods to evaluate the field epidemiologist system and training programs and by suggesting ways for the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct evaluations on its own, the present study provides supporting evidence for improvement of systems for training of experts in epidemiological investigations. Moreover, based on the findings, this study also suggests methods to systematically train experts in communicable diseases management and a sustainable system to establish the basis of and develop strategies for a systematic and phased management of field epidemiologist training programs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests the possibility of establishing dedicated training facilities, revising the guidelines on training and improvement of the competency of public health experts, while not limiting the scope of application to communicable diseases.

The direction of restructuring of a Korea field epidemiology training program through questionnaire survey among communicable disease response staff in Korea / 한국역학회지

We used a survey about the need for an educational training of infectious disease response staff in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and officer in metropolitan cities and provincial government to conduct field epidemiological investigation. The survey was conducted from January 25 to March 15, 2016. A total of 173 participants were selected from four different groups as follows: 27 clinical specialists, 22 Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers, 82 KCDC staff, and 42 local health department officials. Results revealed that 83% of KCDC staff and 95% of local health department officials agreed on the need for educational training to strengthen capability of personnel to conduct epidemic research and investigation. The level of their need for training was relatively high, while self-confidence levels of individuals to conduct epidemic research and investigation was low. It was concluded that there was a need to develop training programs to enhance the ability of public health officials, EIS officers, KCDC staff, and local health department personnel to conduct epidemic research and investigation.

Determinants of Mental Health Care Utilization in a Suicide High-risk Group With Suicidal Ideation / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The suicide rate in Korea is increasing every year, and is the highest among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Psychiatric patients in particular have a higher risk of suicide than other patients. This study was performed to evaluate determinants of mental health care utilization among individuals at high risk for suicide. METHODS: Korea Health Panel data from 2009 to 2011 were used. Subjects were individuals at high risk of suicide who had suicidal ideation, a past history of psychiatric illness, or had utilized outpatient services for a psychiatric disorder associated with suicidal ideation within the past year. The chi-square test and hierarchical logistic regression were used to identify significant determinants of mental health care utilization. RESULTS: The total number of subjects with complete data on the variables in our model was 989. Individuals suffering from three or more chronic diseases used mental health care more frequently. Mental health care utilization was higher in subjects who had middle or high levels of educational attainment, were receiving Medical Aid, or had a large family size. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to control risk factors in high-risk groups as part of suicide prevention strategies. The clinical approach, which includes community-based intervention, entails the management of reduction of suicidal risk. Our study identified demographic characteristics that have a significant impact on mental health care utilization and should be considered in the development of suicide prevention strategies. Further studies should examine the effect of mental health care utilization on reducing suicidal ideation.

Recognition and Using Status of Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) as Fumigant for Controlling Chestnut Weevil, Curculio sikkimensis among Chestnut Farmers / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: We surveyed the awareness and current status of using fumigant carbon disulfide for exterminate Curculio sikkimensis among chestnut farmers in Chungnam Province to suggest directions for health education and public relations. METHODS: We designed questionnaires to evaluate recognition of fumigant carbon disulfide. We conducted a questionnaire survey to assess recognition and recognition level of fumigant carbon disulfide by the study variables. RESULTS: The recognition status for fumigant carbon disulfide was 74.5%, but the recognition level was low (know well 27.5%). The path of recognition was 45.1% and 15.7% for neighbor and rural technology center, respectively. The recognition status for warning label of fumigant carbon disulfide was 52.9%. Recognition for warning label of fumigant carbon disulfide was tended to increase with high educational attainment, bigger owning land area. Recognition on the content of warning label were 29.4%, 27.5%, 21.6%, and 21.6% for inflammability, toxicity, hazard, and explosiveness, respectively. Using personal protection equipment was tended to increase with the high status of awareness on fumigant carbon disulfide. CONCLUSIONS: Health education programs for using fumigant carbon disulfide are needed for chestnut farmers. In addition, publicity information activities about prevention and protection of carbon disulfide poisoning are needed for high risk farmers.

Relationship between handwashing practices and infectious diseases in Korean students / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between practice and infectious diseases in elementary, middle and high school students. METHODS: In 16 metropolitan cities and province of the Korea, the students who from fourth grade of elementary school to third grade of high school were surveyed by personal interviews and an web-based online survey from 5 to 25 September, 2014. We analyzed data with chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Common cold, diarrhea, and eye infections were more prevalent among students in higher grade than lower grade. In particular, common cold was more prevalent among girls than boys, using hand sanitizer than washing with soaps, and students who wash the dorsal side of hand than not wash the dorsal side of hand. CONCLUSIONS: Higher-grade students showed low status of hand washing practice. Hand washing was determined as the fact which influences to increase the prevention of communicable disease such as common cold. Considering the fact that youth groups have higher risk of being infected due to their group life, schools are recommended to provide adequate educations regarding proper hand washing practice with soap.

The prevalence of burnout and the related factors among some medical students in Korea / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the prevalence of burnout and its related factors in medical students in Korea. METHODS: All available medical students in the metropolitan city of Daejeon, Korea, were asked to answer self-administered questionnaires from July 1 to July 26 in 2013. A total of 534 medical students participated. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) and structured questionnaires on related factors were used. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were used to verify the applicability of the MBI-SS to medical students in Korea. We also performed chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to identify the factors that were associated with burnout. RESULTS: The MBI-SS was reliable and valid in measuring burnout in Korean medical students. Our confirmatory factor analysis approved and explained the appropriateness of the model fit. The prevalence of burnout among medical students was 26.4% (n=141). Such rates were higher in students who were female, experienced greater levels of depression, had poor academic performance, feared dropping out, and were stressed by the poor quality of the class facilities. CONCLUSION: The MBI-SS is a valid instrument to measure academic burnout in Korean medical students. Further studies should be performed, because improvements in the mental health of medical students will benefit these doctors-to-be and their future patients.