• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제84권3호
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• pp.176-181
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• 2021

At the beginning of February 2020, Daegu faced a serious situation due to the rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. The healthcare system in Daegu Metropolitan City was ill-prepared for this sudden disaster situation. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing in South Korea. Daegu has limited medical resources compared to the Seoul Metropolitan Area, and it is hypothesized that a review of the outbreak therein could provide information that will be valuable for dealing with future outbreaks. The likelihood of death due to COVID-19 depends on the capacity of the area for the treatment of critically ill patients. This report reviews the overall treatment process followed for critically ill patients in Daegu.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.89-97
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• 2022

More than 2 years after the explosion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, extensive efforts have been made to develop safe and efficacious vaccines against infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The pandemic has opened a new era of vaccine development based on next-generation platforms, including messenger RNA (mRNA)-based technologies, and paved the way for the future of mRNA-based therapeutics to provide protection against a wide range of infectious diseases. Multiple vaccines have been developed at an unprecedented pace to protect against COVID-19 worldwide. However, important knowledge gaps remain to be addressed, especially in terms of how vaccines induce immunogenicity and efficacy in those who are elderly. Here, we discuss the various vaccine platforms that have been utilized to combat COVID-19 and emphasize how these platforms can be a powerful tool to react quickly to future pandemics.

• 대한기관윤리심의기구협의회지
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.33-36
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• 2020

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was discovered in Wuhan, China. The disease was so severe that as early as 30 January 2020 COVID-19 was declared by WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. There have been a lot of concerns about conducting COVID-19 clinical researches scientifically and ethically in pandemic. This article is directed at addressing these issues from the perspective of IRB. First of all, the urgency of COVID-19 research requires prompt IRB process through efficient ethics review and oversight system. IRB should determine whether the risks that will be presented to human subjects are justified after assessing possible harm and anticipated benefits. The safety of subjects should not be compromised. Furthermore, informed consent should be voluntarily obtained by sufficient information in consideration of special circumstances during a pandemic.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.508-517
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• 2021

Background: After the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in January 2020, Korea has experienced three waves in 2020. This study aimed to analyze changes in health care utilization according to the period of the 1st to 3rd waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We analyzed 3,354,469,401 national health insurance claims from 59,104 medical facilities between 2017 and 2020. Observed-to-expected ratios (O:E ratio) with data from 2017 to 2019 as expected values and data from 2020 as observed values were obtained to analyze changes in medical utilization. T-test was used to test whether the difference of observed and expected values was statistically significant. Results: In 2020, the O:E ratio was 0.894, indicating a decrease in health care utilization overall during the pandemic. The O:E ratio of the 1st wave was 0.832, which was lower than those of the second (0.886) and third (0.873) waves. Health care utilization decreased relatively more among outpatient, women, children and adolescents, and health insurance patients. And health care utilization decreased more in small medical facilities and in Daegu and Gyeongbuk during the first wave. During the pandemic, the O:E ratios of respiratory diseases were 0.486-0.694, while chronic diseases and mental diseases were more than 1.0. Conclusion: Health care utilization decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic overall, and there were differences by COVID-19 waves, and by the characteristics of patients and medical facilities. It is necessary to understand the cause of changes in health care utilization in order to cope with the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제15권sup1호
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• pp.53-69
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To determine the weight change trend among the adult Turkish population after 1 yr of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and factors associated with weight change. MATERIALS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 26 February and 6 March 2021 using an online questionnaire that included questions for sociodemographic variables, eating habits, stress level, and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18. Those who weighed themselves 1-2 weeks before the pandemic was declared in Turkey and remembered their weight were invited to participate in the study. Trends in weight and body mass index (BMI) change were calculated. The variables associated with a 1% change in BMI were assessed using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: The study was conducted with 1,630 adults (70.25% female) with a mean age of 32.09 (11.62) yrs. The trend of weight change was found to increase by an average of 1.15 ± 6.10 kg (female +0.72 ± 5.51, male +2.16 ± 7.22 kg) for the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of participants with a normal BMI (18.50-24.99 kg/m²) decreased to 51.91% from 55.75%. Consuming an "Increased amount of food compared to before the pandemic" was found to be the independent variable that had the strongest association with a 1% increase in BMI (β = 0.23 P < 0.001). The average change in the BMI was higher in older individuals than in those who were younger. A high stress level was associated with a decrease in BMI (β = -0.04 P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the factors associated with weight change after 1 yr of the pandemic in the Turkish population was reported for the first time. A high stress level and increased weight gain trend still occur in Turkey after 1 yr of the pandemic.

• 한국식생활문화학회지
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.265-277
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• 2022

This study investigated alterations in the health behaviors and eating habits due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An online survey was administered to 270 university students from September 22, 2021 to October 26, 2021. While the frequency of eating at home had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic, there was a decrease in the frequency of eating out, drinking, and eating vegetables. However, the frequency of eating delivery, takeout, and convenience foods and the utilization of online shopping and delivery apps had considerably increased. In addition, when selecting menus, considerations of health, hygiene, and convenience were more important during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical activity more than 3 days a week had decreased, whereas sedentary time showed a proportionate increase. The percentage of people who perceived their health status to be worsening was determined to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. To prepare for the era of infectious diseases, future research needs to identify health behaviors and dietary problems by administering surveys that include a large sample size and participants of various ages. Moreover, health promotion and nutrition management plans should be prepared accordingly.

• 의학교육논단
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.231-239
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• 2022

This study aimed to examine the influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on areas of Korean medical students' lives, assess concerns, and investigate the strategies they used to cope with stress due to the pandemic. An online survey with a total of 53 items on the impact of COVID-19, concerns, and coping strategies was sent to medical students, and responses were collected from April 27, 2021 to May 30, 2021. In total, 1,329 students were included in the study. Analysis was performed using the chi-square test, independent-sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance, and the post-hoc Scheffé test or Games-Howell test was performed for multiple comparisons. The main negative impacts of the pandemic were on hobbies/leisure activities and mental health, and medical students expressed the highest levels of concern regarding restriction of movement, returning to everyday life, and risk of infection for family and friends. Female students more strongly agreed that COVID-19 had increased their depressed mood and anxiety (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Furthermore, the negative impacts of the pandemic on different areas of life significantly affected current levels of depressed mood and anxiety. To cope with pandemic-related stress, students used several strategies such as talking with family or friends (91.5%), sleeping (83.1%), exercising (72.8%), using social networking services (60.8%), drinking alcohol (37.8%), and practicing meditation/mindfulness (24.4%); the effectiveness of these strategies ranged from 3.45 to 4.19 on a 5-point Likert-type scale (1-5). The study findings suggest that COVID-19 has influenced the mental health of medical students and raised concerns in many areas of their lives. Students used various strategies to cope with the pandemic-related stress; since the effectiveness of frequently used approaches varied, it is essential to guide medical students to develop effective coping strategies.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제56권5호
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• pp.413-421
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• 2023

Objectives: This study explored the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on psychosocial stress in prime working-age individuals in Korea, focusing on gender inequalities. We hypothesized that the impact of COVID-19 on mental health would differ by age and gender, with younger women potentially demonstrating heightened vulnerability relative to men. Methods: The study involved data from the Korea Community Health Survey and included 319 592 adults aged 30 years to 49 years. We employed log-binomial regression analysis, controlling for variables including age, education, employment status, marital status, and the presence of children. The study period included 3 phases: the period prior to the COVID-19 outbreak (pre-COVID-19), the early pandemic, and the period following the introduction of vaccinations (post-vaccination). Results: The findings indicated that women were at a heightened risk of psychosocial stress during the early pandemic (relative risk [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.05) and post-vaccination period (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10) compared to men. This pattern was prominent in urban women aged 30-34 years (pre-COVID-19: RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10; early pandemic: RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.25; post-vaccination period, RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.31). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unequal impacts on psychosocial stress among prime working-age individuals in Korea, with women, particularly those in urban areas, experiencing a heightened risk. The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific needs and implementing appropriate interventions to mitigate the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic.

• 산업융합연구
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.137-154
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• 2024

본 연구는 통합적 문헌고찰을 통해 COVID-19 팬데믹 상황에서의 임신부 스트레스의 특징을 파악하고자 하였다. 자료수집은 2020년부터 출간된 문헌 중 영어 또는 한글로 발표된 논문들을 대상으로 2023년 5월 1일부터 2023년 8월 10일까지 수행하였다. 문헌검색은 PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, CINAHL의 국외 검색엔진과 RISS, KISS, 국회도서관의 국내 검색엔진을 사용하였는데, 'pregnan*', 'maternity', 'COVID', 'corona', 'pandemic', 'infection', 'stress'코로나, '팬데믹', '감염', 및 '스트레스'의 검색어를 조합하여 실시하였고, 질평가를 거쳐 최종 13편의 문헌이 선정되었다. COVID-19 팬데믹 상황에서 임신부 스트레스 정도는 대체로 증가하였으며, 임신부 스트레스 주요 요인으로는 임신부의 의학적 상태, 정신심리적 요인, 사회경제적 요인이 있었다. COVID-19 팬데믹 상황 하에서 임신부를 대상으로 이루어진 스트레스 감소 중재는 비대면 교육 및 훈련이 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구결과를 바탕으로 신종 감염재난 상황을 대비할 수 있는 스트레스 감소 프로그램 개발의 토대가 될 수 있을 것이라 사료된다.

• Hip & pelvis
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.253-258
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• 2023

Purpose: To figure out how complete control of family visits to prevent infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the activity recovery of hip fracture patients admitted to nursing hospitals. Materials and Methods: Eighty-one patients with hip surgery in the two years prior to COVID-19 pandemic were classified as Group A, and 103 patients in the next two years were designated as Group B. The subjects' walking ability was evaluated by using the modified Koval index (MKI). In order to analyze the impact of the family visit control to the subjects, each group was classified into two different groups: (1) inpatients group who admitted to nursing hospitals and (2) home-treated patients. Additionally, statistical elements were processed in consideration of other factors that may affect the results of the experiment. Results: The MKI evaluated at 6 months postoperative was 3.31±1.79 in Group A and 2.77±1.91 in Group B, and it was meaningfully low after the pandemic (P=0.04). There was significantly low among both of Group A 2.74±1.76 and Group B 1.93±1.81 after the pandemic (P=0.03) among those treated at the nursing hospital. The rate of deterioration of the MKI was 35 (43.2%) in Group A and 57 (55.3%) in Group B, which increased by 12.1% after the pandemic. Conclusion: The pandemic had a negative effect on the recovery of postoperative activities of elderly hip fracture patients who admitted to nursing hospitals when family access was completely restricted to prevent infection.