The Journal of Korean Medicine (대한한의학회지)

The Society of Korean Medicine (대한한의학회)
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Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 in Chungju City from 2021 July to 2021 December

2021년 7월 - 2021년 12월 충주시 COVID-19의 역학적 특성

  • Cheon-Hoo Jeon (Division of Infectious Disease Control, Chungju Public Healthcenter ) ;
  • Jungtae Leem (Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University )
  • 전천후 (충주시보건소 감염병관리과) ;
  • 임정태 (원광대학교 한의과대학 한국전통의학연구소)
  • Received : 2023.06.29
  • Accepted : 2023.08.17
  • Published : 2023.09.01
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Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Chungju City from July to December 2021. Methods: The authors processed and analyzed the epidemiological analysis report written by researcher. The estimated reproduction rate was analyzed using web-based software that calculates time-varying reproduction numbers. The results were analyzed through univariate multiple regression analysis, with a maximum significance level set at 0.05. Results: During the study period, a total of 1,188 patients were identified, with 7.9% of them progressing to a severe status. The maximum reproduction rate recorded was 3.48. Factors associated with the transition to a severe status included the presence of symptoms at the time of diagnosis, lack of vaccination, and belonging to the age group over 40. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be strongly supported that the measures implemented in Chungju City, such as social distancing, vaccination, and preemptive diagnostic tests, were appropriate. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Chungju City effectively managed the impact of COVID-19. Korean Medicine Doctors made significant contributions to the epidemiological investigations of COVID-19. To comprehensively manage infectious diseases, it is crucial to provide administrative and legal support and encourage active research to expand the role of Korean Medicine Doctors in this area.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government (No. NRF-2022R1C1C2008738). This research was also supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean Government (MIST) (No.NRF-2017R1A5A2015805). This research was also supported by the Bio&Medical Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (No. RS-2023-00261934).

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