• Health Policy and Management
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.260-265
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• 2013

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal variation of death from intentional self-harm by hanging, strangulation and suffocation (HSS: Korean Standard Classification of Diseases-6 code: X70) using the 2011 death registry data. Methods: The analysis was based on data of 8,359 HSS deaths from 2011 national vital statistics in Korea. Daily, weekly, and monthly death pattern on HSS were used to examine the relationship seasonal variation and HSS deaths. Results: A total of 8,359 HSS deaths occurred in 2011, with a mean age of 50.6 years. The HSS death rate (per 100,000) was 25.5 in male and 10.8 in female. In one day 17.6 males and 8.0 females occurred HSS death on average. The number of HSS death per day was the highest on 8th June (45 deaths), and lowest on 1st February (7 deaths) during the period. The variations of daily HSS death showed wide fluctuation from a peak of 34 to 45 deaths (29th May to 9th June) to a trough of 17-26 deaths (10th-13th September: the Korean thank-giving consecutive holidays), 13-20 deaths (2nd-5th February: the new year's day by the lunar calendar) and 8-9 deaths (24th-25th December: Christmas holidays). There were no significant difference between gender and seasonal variation (month, season, and week). Conclusion: The mean number of HSS death per day was highest in June (30.6 deaths), and months with the lowest number of deaths was January and December (range, 19.4 to 19.6 deaths). HSS death were more prevalent during summer and spring and were less likely to occur during winter. On Saturdays (21.0 deaths), the number of HSS death per day was the lowest, and Monday (27.9 deaths) was the highest. HSS death was less likely to occur on holidays (21.4 deaths). There was significant seasonal variation in HSS death by weekly and monthly (p<0.01).

• Korea journal of population studies
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.76-86
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• 1988

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the level of infant mortality rate and to find the cause of infant deaths prevailed in 1981~86 from vital registration data. In the course of that undertaking we have considered the non-registered portion of infant deaths especially for the non-registered portion of neonatal deaths. The main reason is that deaths occurring in the neonatal period and prior to the registration of the birth leave little incentive for the registration of either the birth or the death. From several ad-hoc survey's results and other countries' experiences it was, however, found that the proportion of neonatal deaths was 69.3%, the proportion of deaths in the period of first month in infanty was 7%, and the proportion of deaths in the period of 2 months and over in infancy was 23.7% respectivily. Thus, adoption the hypothesis that post-neonatal mortality is completly registered, we obtained the extimated number of infant deaths. Attempt to test the hypothesis was also made using the Brougeois- Pichats's function. The result was that the registered number of deaths in the post-neonatal period is almost compatible with the expected number. The major finding in this study was that the level of infant mortality rate in Korea was 19 per thousand live births in 1981 and 13 in 1986. This level of 1986 was almost identical with the level of Japan in 1970. It was also found that there was a difference in the level of infant mortality rate between sexes during 1981-83 but the difference was disappeared in 1985-86. Looking into the cause of infant deaths, it was found from registration that 21.2% of all infant deaths was due to congenital snomalies, 11.5% was due to pneumonia and 5.1% was due to the conditions originating in the perinatal period in that order. This pattern seems to be different with that of U.S.A., Japan and France. However, if we consider the non-registered neo-natal deaths, the order of the cause of infant deaths in Korea will be the same as compared countries. Finally, every efforts should should be made to obtain a good quality of data on infant mortality, making the non-registered events reported completely through hospitals.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.186-195
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• 2021

Purpose: The current status and rationale of industrial accidents needs to be examined to develop scientific and systemic preventive measures. Methods: The aim of this study is to analyze the current data on industrial accidents provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and categorize work-related deaths by types of industries and annual report. Results: First, the highest number of deaths occurred in industries that had less than 50 people. Second, in the manufacturing industry, the highest death rate was found in workers in the age group 50-59 years. In the construction industry, workers aged 50 and above had the highest number of deaths. In other industries, workers aged 60 and above had the highest number of deaths. Third, the highest number of deaths occurred in workers with less than one year of experience in any industry Fourth, in most industries, the highest work-related deaths occurred during weekdays (Monday~Friday). In 2015, the warehouse delivery industry had 33% higher work-related deaths on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as compared to other industries. Fifth, in most industries, the highest work-related deaths occurred from 8 AM to 6 PM. The warehouse delivery industry had higher work-related deaths from 10 PM to 8 AM as compared to other industries. Conclusion: In order to increase the efficacy of industrial accident prevention, it is necessary to establish an effective health management system and apply strict safety management activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.27 no.2_2
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• pp.457-465
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• 2024

This study used Korea's cause of death statistical data to identify the scale and characteristics of deaths from respiratory diseases in Jeollabuk-do over the past five years ('18~'22). The average number of deaths due to respiratory diseases in Jeollabuk-do over the past five years was approximately 11.5% of all deaths, and pneumonia accounted for 81.0% of deaths due to respiratory diseases. Deaths from respiratory diseases were highest among men, those in their 80s, those who were widowed, and those with elementary school education. The highest number of deaths by occupation were skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers, but when standardized by age, the highest number of deaths were among technicians and related workers. The main place of death due to respiratory diseases was found to be medical institutions. In order to reduce the occurrence and death of respiratory diseases, it is necessary to establish resident health promotion and disease management health policies that reflect regional characteristics.

• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1123-1130
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• 2018

Purpose: Exposure to indoor radon is associated with lung cancer. This study aimed to estimate the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to indoor radon exposure, its burden of disease, and the effects of radon mitigation in Korea in 2010. Materials and Methods: Lung cancer deaths due to indoor radon exposure were estimated using exposure-response relations reported in previous studies. Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated to quantify disease burden in relation to premature deaths. Mitigation effects were examined under scenarios in which all homes with indoor radon concentrations above a specified level were remediated below the level. Results: The estimated number of lung cancer deaths attributable to indoor radon exposure ranged from 1946 to 3863, accounting for 12.5-24.7% of 15623 total lung cancer deaths in 2010. YLLs due to premature deaths were estimated at 43140-101855 years (90-212 years per 100000 population). If all homes with radon levels above $148Bq/m^3$ are effectively remediated, 502-732 lung cancer deaths and 10972-18479 YLLs could be prevented. Conclusion: These findings suggest that indoor radon exposure contributes considerably to lung cancer, and that reducing indoor radon concentration would be helpful for decreasing the disease burden from lung cancer deaths.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.24-43
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• 2004

Although alcohol misuse contributes substantially to mortality from diseases, injuries and adverse effects, a few attempts have been made to figure out size of adverse consequences attributable to alcohol in Korea. This study was conducted to describe trends of estimated deaths attributable to alcohol in Korea. Estimations were made by employing Korean alcohol aetiological fraction(AEF) into deaths from alcohol-related diseases, injuries, and adverse effects from year of 1995 through 2000. Korean AEF was derived from previous studies on AEF applied to USA and Canada (Schultz et al.,1991; English et al., 1995) with reflecting peculiar drinking patterns in Korea. An average number of deaths attributable to alcohol was 21,123, accounting for 8.76% of all deaths reported to National Statistical Office during the period. Death rates attributable to alcohol tended to decrease from year of 1995 to 1997 and then increased with peak at year of 1999. Sex-age standardized alcohol attributable death rates varied among areas, with those of metropolitan areas being lower than those of non metropolitan areas. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) were estimated to reflect qualitative aspect of deaths attributable to alcohol. Similar change patterns during the year were observed between number of deaths and YPLL. Average YPLL of men was longer than that of women by about 4 years. Some implications for future study have been discussed.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.195-199
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• 2012

The records of 255 cyanide poisoning deaths obtained from National Forensic Service (NFS) headquarters, located in Seoul of Korea, from 2005 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was $41.88{\pm}13.09$ and range was 6~80 years (unknown in seven cases). The number of deaths of males and females were 200 and 53, respectively (unknown in two cases). The largest number of cases occurred in people aged 40-49 years (81 cases, 31.8%), followed by the age groups 30~39 years (51 cases, 20%), 50~59 years (44 cases, 17.2%) and 20~29 years (43 cases, 16.9%). The total number of deaths among other age groups (below 10, 10~19, 60~69, 70~79, over 80 years and unknown) were 36, representing only 14.1%. Of all cyanide poisoning deaths, 97.3% were due to suicide, and 14.5% of the total number who died received medical treatment. The most frequent site for ingestion was the person's own residence (120 cases, 47.1%) and the route of administration was mainly oral (252, 98.8%). From the total of 255 cyanide poisoning cases, white powders were submitted for analysis in 92 cases. Potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide occupied 51 and 41 cases, respectively. This study showed that poisoning deaths due to cyanide are one of the continuously reported public health problems in Korea. Enforcement of regulations and safety education to prevent cyanide poisoning should be carried out by the government.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.263-271
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• 2010

Objectives : The records of 447 pesticide poisoning deaths from the National Forensic Service (NFS) headquarters located in Seoul of Korea from 2005 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Methods : The data of each case were analyzed by using the SPSS program. Results : The mean age was $57.8{\pm}14.8$ years and the range was 16-92 years. The numbers of deaths of males and females were 301 and 134, respectively. The largest number of cases occurred in people aged 50-59 years (n=92, 20.6%) followed by the age groups 40-49 years (n=91, 20.4%), 60-69 years (n=88, 19.7%), and 70-79 years (n=75, 16.8%). The total number of deaths among other age groups (10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 80-89, and 90-99 years) was 73, representing only 16.3%. Of all pesticide poisoning deaths, 96.2% were due to suicide, and 28.4% of the total number who died received medical treatment. The mostfrequent site of ingestion was the person's own residence (n=279, 62.4%). The most common classes of pesticide were bipyridylium herbicide (paraquat, 31.1%), organophosphate insecticide (21.7%), and carbamate insecticide (15.4%). The major pesticides having a high proportion of fatalities were paraquat (31.1%), methomyl (11.4%), glyphosate (9.1%), dichlorvos (5.6%), phosphamidon (4.6%), and methidathion (4.0%). Conclusions : This study showed that poisoning deaths due to pesticides are one of the major public health problems in Korea. Enforcement of regulations and safety education to prevent pesticide poisoning should be carried out by the government.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.275-280
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• 2023

Currently, the cumulative number of confirmed cases from the coronavirus in Korea is 30.17 million, and the cumulative number of deaths also reaches 33,444 (as of January 31, 2023). Therefore, this study aims to conduct an empirical analysis on the establishment of quarantine systems in major domestic cities as it is necessary to analyze the influencing factors of COVID-19 and discuss policy directions necessary to establish an effective quarantine system in the future. Among them, 16 cities in Korea with a relatively weak quarantine infrastructure were compared with the interrelationship between "number of upper-level hospitals", "number of urban populations", "number of infected", and "number of deaths", and ultimately the results of quarantine for each local government. In conclusion, the average population of 16 cities is 0.792 million, and the average number of infected people is 0.458 million, and the average cumulative infection rate is 57.8%. Seven cities exceed the average cumulative infection rate: Suwon (61.6%), Yongin (59.1%), Seongnam (61.8%), Hwaseong (65.6%), Anyang (60.7%), Cheonan (62.9%), and Jeonju (62.9%). In addition, despite the establishment of excellent treatment facilities in the city (ave=0.0129), the ratio of "accumulated deaths" (ave=0.11%) was high in Changwon (0.12%/0.0193), Ansan (0.12%/0.0138), Cheongju (0.11%/0.0174), and the ratio of "accumulative deaths" was low (0.09%) despite the construction of relatively poor treatment facilities. Through the results of this study, we expect a paradigm shift in the infectious disease management system in major cities in Korea after post-COVID-19.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.261-270
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• 2013

Objectives: This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics and medical causes of death among meteorological disaster casualties and compared them with deaths from all causes. Methods: Based on the death data provided by the National Statistical Office from 2000 to 2011, the authors analyzed the gender, age, and region of 709 casualties whose external causes were recorded as natural events (X330-X389). Exact matching was applied to compare between deaths from meteorological disasters and all deaths. Results: The total number of deaths for last 12 years was 2 728 505. After exact matching, 642 casualties of meteorological disasters were matched to 6815 all-cause deaths, which were defined as general deaths. The mean age of the meteorological disaster casualties was 51.56, which was lower than that of the general deaths by 17.02 (p<0.001). As for the gender ratio, 62.34% of the meteorological event casualties were male. While 54.09% of the matched all-cause deaths occurred at a medical institution, only 7.6% of casualties from meteorological events did. As for occupation, the rate of those working in agriculture, forestry, and fishery jobs was twice as high in the casualties from meteorological disasters as that in the general deaths (p<0.001). Meteorological disaster-related injuries like drowning were more prevalent in the casualties of meteorological events (57.48%). The rate of amputation and crushing injury in deaths from meteorological disasters was three times as high as in the general deaths Conclusions: The new information gained on the particular characteristics contributing to casualties from meteorological events will be useful for developing prevention policies.