• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.370-378
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• 2024

Objectives: Comorbidities increase susceptibility to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, but limited information has been published regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and COVID-19 co-infections. This study explored the relationships among socioeconomic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and COVID-19 infection rates among Korean men who have sex with men (MSM) who are also living with HIV. Methods: Data were collected through a web survey aimed at members of the largest gay portal site in Korea, supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (n=1005). The primary independent variables included COVID-19-related vaccinations and sexual behaviors. The dependent variable was the incidence of COVID-19 infection among respondents during the pandemic. For statistical analysis, hierarchical multiple logistic regression was performed, controlling for potential confounding variables. Results: Model I indicated that older MSM were less likely to contract COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96 to 0.99). Model II demonstrated that HIV-positive MSM were nearly twice as likely to be infected with COVID-19 compared to their HIV-negative counterparts (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.41). Furthermore, even after accounting for COVID-19 vaccination status in model III, HIV-positive MSM continued to show a higher risk of infection (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.35). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that HIV-positive MSM are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, even when their vaccination status is considered. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the prevention of COVID-19 infections in HIV-positive individuals by administering appropriate antiretroviral therapy and ensuring adherence to public health guidelines.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2024

Purpose: The effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination schemes and the combination of vaccines of various platforms for administering booster doses is still being studied since it will depend on the population's response to vaccines. We aimed to evaluate the safety, protection, and immunogenicity of the Salvadorean population's third dose booster COVID-19 vaccine and the potential benefit of homologous vs. heterologous regimens. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical observational cohort study in a population aged 18 to 65 years that was primarily vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Sinovac, or Pfizer/BioNTech. Volunteers were recruited (n=223) and followed up for 3 months after receiving the 3rd vaccine (BNT162b2) as a booster. Adverse reactions were monitored, serum anti-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) was assessed by chemiluminescence, and a polymerase chain reaction was carried out when subjects developed clinical signs. Results: The cohorts finally included 199 participants, and we observed only mild adverse effects in all cohorts. A significant increase in specific IgG levels was found after the booster dose in all cohorts. The heterologous scheme with Sinovac showed the greatest increase in antibody titer, and a decrease was observed in all participants after 3 months. During the follow-up period, 30 participants showed symptomatology compatible with COVID-19, but only four were laboratory-confirmed and they showed mild clinical signs. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the booster doses used were safe and promoted an immediate increase in immunogenicity, which decreased over time. The heterologous regimen showed stronger immunogenicity compared to the messenger RNA-based homologous scheme.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.44.1-44.12
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• 2022

Background: Recently, use of work-related communication technology-smartphones, tablets, and laptops-is increasing rapidly by development of technology with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Some studies have suggested that work-related communication technology has a significant link with work-family conflict (WFC) but these studies included only limited number of participants and lacked essential covariates. Therefore, this study analyzes this association using large representative data sample and selected waged workers who were married-couples with children. Methods: This study was conducted based on data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Surveys (KWCS). A total of 17,426 waged workers having a marriage partner and one or more children were selected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether WFC was associated with communication technology use. The odds ratios (ORs) for WFC were stratified by sex and working hours. Results: In fully adjusted model, WFC was higher those who used communication technology outside regular working hours compared with those who did not use it (OR: 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-1.97). When stratified by sex and working hours, the effect was greater in women than in men (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.42-2.26 vs. OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.17-1.97) and women who worked over 52 hours per week had the highest OR (3.40; 95% CI: 1.25-9.26). Conclusions: This study revealed that the work-related communication technology use outside regular working hours was associated with WFC. The association were greater among those having longer working hours and female workers. These results suggest that appropriate policy should be implemented to reduce working hours and right to disconnect after work, particularly in female workers.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.25-36
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• 2024

Purpose : After coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, many people around the world became aware of respiratory diseases and developed increased interest in health and exercise. As the elderly population grows larger, the prevalence of brain diseases and respiratory conditions increases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on pulmonary function and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in the elderly population. Methods : In this study, we measured the pulmonary function and performed EEG of 30 elderly individuals. The participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group completed a DNS exercise training protocol, while the control group performed simple exercise training. After the exercise, the pulmonary function and EEG testing were repeated, and the amounts of change within and between groups were determined. Results : In terms of pulmonary function, the experimental group's forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) increased significantly after the exercise (p<.05), while the FVC differed significantly between groups (p<.05). In terms of EEG findings, the relative alpha waves significantly decreased in the F3 region (p<.05), while the relative beta waves significantly increased in the F4 region (p<.05). The relative gamma waves increased significantly in the Fp2 and P3 regions (p<.05), while the values in the F3 region differed significantly between groups (p<.05). Conclusion : DNS exercises performed by this elderly population demonstrated significant clinical value by providing fundamental data about both pulmonary function and EEG activity.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.253-264
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the association between eating habits and the utilization of dietary supplements (DSs) according to food-related lifestyle (FRL) among Korean adults. Methods: This study included a total of 300 participants (150 men and 150 women) in their 20s to 60s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. We identified two groups by factor and cluster analysis: an 'active pursuit' group and a 'passive pursuit' group. Differences in eating habits and DS utilization between the two groups were analyzed by chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of variables on DS consumption according to FRL. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, alcohol drinking frequency, total dietary score, change in DS consumption after coronavirus disease 2019, and current DS consumption (P < 0.05). The proportion who perceived many health benefits of DSs was higher in the 'active pursuit' group than in the 'passive pursuit' group (P = 0.003). The most commonly consumed type of DSs was multivitamins & minerals for the 'active pursuit' group, and omega-3 fatty acids for the 'passive pursuit' group. The 'an active pursuit' group consumed DSs 2.93 times more (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-5.97) compared to the 'passive pursuit' group, after adjusting for confounders. In the 'active pursuit' group, the health pursuit (odds ratio [OR] = 6.54, 95% CI: 1.44-29.61) and rational consumption pursuit factors (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.83) were associated with DS consumption, whereas only the health pursuit factor had a significant association (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.08-13.88) within the 'passive pursuit' group. However, total dietary score and DSs consumption did not show a relationship. Conclusions: By understanding the consumption characteristics of DSs according to FRL, this can serve as basic data necessary for promoting health through the utilization of DSs and healthy behaviors.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.240-249
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors associated with nurses' vaccination acceptance in the initial stage of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Korea. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from hospital-level or higher medical institutions from May 5 to May 7, 2021 with a total of 368 nurses via an online survey. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with vaccination acceptance. Results: The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination had an average score of 4.28 ± 0.80 out of 7 points. Among the sub-areas of acceptance, the safety of the vaccine exhibited the lowest score (average, 2.80 ± 0.83). The factors related to COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in nurses were age (over 40 compared to under 29) (β = .16, p = .008), experience (more than 11 years compared to under 5) (β = .16, p = .010), the absence of a preferred vaccine (β = -.14, p = .004), and educational background (a master's degree or higher compared to a bachelor's degree or lower) (β = .12, p = .042). Conclusion: In the initial stage of COVID-19 vaccination, nurses believed that the COVID-19 vaccine was important and that people should be vaccinated, but had concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine. Older age, more experience, the absence of a preferred vaccine, and a higher educational background were associated with higher acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, more active education on the necessity and value of vaccination for young people is required at the individual and socio-cultural level, and a sufficient supply of preferred vaccines at the national level is needed.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.212-221
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of social phobia between social interaction anxiety and endemic blue among university students who experienced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. The participants were 196 university students from 10 universities located in four major regions across the Republic of Korea. Data were collected from July 12 to 31, 2022, through an online self-reported questionnaire and were then analyzed using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression. The mediating effect was analyzed using PROCESS macro model 4 with a bootstrapping method using IBM SPSS 27.0. Results: There were significant positive correlations among social interaction anxiety, social phobia, and endemic blue. Social interaction anxiety had significant effects on social phobia (β=0.77, p<.001) and social interaction anxiety (β=0.33, p<.001) and social phobia had a significant effect on endemic blue (β=0.29, p=.001). Concerning the influence of social interaction anxiety on endemic blue, a significant indirect mediating effect of social phobia was confirmed, and the size of the indirect effect was 0.14 (0.04~0.24). Conclusion: In order to manage the social and psychological health of university students who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic period, it is necessary to develop strategies to overcome endemic blue that reduce social interaction anxiety and take into account the mediating effect of social phobia.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2024

Purpose: Even after allergic rhinitis is diagnosed and treated, various symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose recur periodically due to various environmental factors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of mask-based aromatherapy as a method of alleviating allergic rhinitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study participants were adults between the ages of 19 and 60 who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and had a Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of 2 or more. Participants were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy group that was provided aromatherapy essential oils and a control group that did not receive aromatherapy. Participants in the aromatherapy group were asked to drop an aromatherapy essential oil onto a disposable face mask and wear it twice a day for two weeks. Results: The aromatherapy group experience significant alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms (visual analogue scale, F = 11.22, p < .001; TNSS, F = 15.82, p < .001). The aromatherapy group also showed significantly higher improvements in fatigue (F = 8.28, p < .001), allergic rhinitis-specific quality of life (F = 11.12, p < . 001). Conclusion: The oils used in this study appeared to be effective in relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In particular, the mask drop inhalation method was applied in light of mandatory mask-wearing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic during this study period. Mask drop inhalation is a method of inhaling oil close to the nose and is considered an effective method for reducing the inconvenience of applying oil.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2022

Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we conducted a Delphi survey that included the experts from the field of COVID-19 immunization in children aged 5-11 years. The aim was to organize collective expert opinions on COVID-19 vaccination in young children in the Republic of Korea, and so thus assist the vaccination policy. Methods: The panels included pediatric infectious disease specialists, preventive medicine experts, infectious disease physicians, and COVID-19 vaccine experts consulting the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Delphi survey was conducted online using a questionnaire from February 14 to February 27, 2022. Results: The Delphi panels agreed that children were vulnerable to COVID-19, and the severity of illness was modest. Furthermore the panels reported that children with chronic illness were more susceptible to a worsening clinical course. There were generally positive opinions on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5-11 years, and experts gathered a slightly positive opinion that the adverse events of pediatric COVID-19 were not numerous. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination were evaluated at a level similar to the potential risks in children. Currently, the only approved mRNA platform vaccine in children seemed to be sustainable; however, the recombinant protein platform COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated as better options. Conclusions: Due to the surge of the Omicron variant and an increase in pediatric cases, the COVID-19 vaccination in young children may have to be considered. Panels had neutral opinions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5-11 years. Thus monitoring of the epidemiology and the data about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination should be continued.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2021

After initial reports of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in April 2020 in Europe, this disease has been known to occur in children with recent history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and most cases have been reported in Europe and the Unites States of America. We report a case of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with MIS-C with acute myocarditis and successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), methylprednisolone, and anakinra. At initial presentation, she had persistent high fever, generalized rash, generalized swelling, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. She showed a remarkably elevated level of inflammation and cardiac enzyme markers and had a previous history of COVID-19 5 weeks before the initial presentation. After extensive work up, other infectious and non-infectious causes were excluded. She was diagnosed with MIS-C and initially treated with IVIG and high-dose methylprednisolone; however, despite treatment, her heart function deteriorated and coronary artery dilatation progressed. Therefore, anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, was administered on hospital day 6, after which her cardiac function exhibited improvement. She was discharged on hospital day 19 without any symptoms, and follow-up echocardiography after 1 month revealed fully recovered heart function with normal coronary arteries.