• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.379-385
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• 2005

The impact of the next influenza pandemic is difficult to predict. It is dependent on how virulent the virus is, how rapidly it spreads from population to population, and the effectiveness of prevention and response efforts. Despite the uncertainty about the magnitude of the next pandemic, estimates of the health and economic impact remain important to aid public health policy decisions and guide pandemic planning for health and emergency sectors. Planning ahead in preparation for an influenza pandemic, with its potentially very high morbidity and mortality rates, is essential for hospital administrators and public health officials. The estimat ion of pandemic impact is based on the previous pandemics- we had experienced at least 3 pandemics in 20th century. But the epidemiologi cal characteristics - ie, start season, the impact of 1st wave, pathogenicity and virulence of the viruses and the primary victims of population were quite different from one another. I reviewed methodology for estimation and modelling of pandemic impact and described some nations's results using them in their national preparedness plans. And then I showed the estimates of pandemic influenza impact in Korea with FluSurge and FluAid. And, I described the results of pandemic modelling with parameters of 1918 pandemic for the shake of education and training of the first-line responder health officials to the epidemics. In preparing influenza pandemics, the simulation and modelling are the keys to reduce the uncertainty of the future and to make proper policies to manage and control the pandemics.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.386-390
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• 2005

Influenza A viruses periodicall y cause worldwide epidemics, or pandemics, with high rates of illness and death. A pandemic can occur at any time, with the potential to cause serious illness, death and social and economic disruption throughout the world. Historic evidence suggests that pandemics occurred three to four times per century. In the last century there were three influenza pandemics. The circumstances still exist for a new influenza virus with pandemic potential to emerge an d spread. The unpredictability of the timing of the next pandemic is underlined by the occurrence of several large outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza since the early 1980s. In 1999, the World Health Organization published the Influenza pandemic plan. The role of WHO and guidelines for national and regional planning. And in 2005, WHO revised the global influenza preparedness plan for new national measures before and during pandemics. This document outlines briefly the Korean Centers for Disease Control's plan for responding to an influenza pandemic. According to the new pandemic phases of WHO, we set up the 4 national levels of preparedness and made guidelines for preventing and control the epidemics in each phase. And also we described the future plans to antiviral stockpiles and pandemic vaccine development.

• East Asian Journal of Business Economics (EAJBE)
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2024

Purpose: This paper explores the nuanced approaches undertaken by private companies in formulating and implementing business continuity plans (BCPs) in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Research design, data, and methodology: Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study delves into the multifaceted strategies employed by private sector entities, ranging from risk assessment and remote work policies to supply chain diversification and employee well-being initiatives. Result: The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of business continuity planning during a pandemic, offering valuable insights for academia, industry practitioners, and policymakers. The research findings present a detailed account of how private companies have tailored their business continuity plans in response to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Conclusion: This academic exploration sheds light on the dynamic landscape of business continuity planning in private companies responding to the global pandemic. Insights into the effectiveness of remote work policies, supply chain diversification, employee safety measures, and financial strategies contribute to the understanding of best practices and areas requiring further attention. These recommendations aim to inform future business continuity planning efforts, enhance organizational resilience, and mitigate the impact of global health crises on private sector operations.

• Land and Housing Review
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.77-93
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• 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant social changes through government prevention and control measures, changes in people's risk perceptions, and lifestyle changes. In response, urban inhabitants changed their behaviors significantly, including their preferences for transportation modes and urban spaces in response to government quarantine policies and concerns over the potential risk of infection in urban spaces. These changes may have long-lasting effects on urban spaces beyond the COVID-19 pandemic or they may evolve and develop new forms. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential for urban spaces to adapt to the present and future pandemics by examining changes in urban residents' preferences in travel modes and urban space use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that overall preferences for travel modes and urban spaces significantly differ between the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. During the pandemic, preferences for travel modes and urban spaces has decreased, except for privately owned vehicles and green spaces, which are perceived to be safe from transmission, show more favorable than others. Post-pandemic preferences for travel modes and urban spaces are less favorable than pre-pandemic with urban spaces being five times less favorable than transportation. Although green spaces and medical facilities that were positively perceived during the pandemic are expected to return to the pre-pandemic preference level, other factors of urban spaces are facing a new-normal. The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on urban residents' preferences for travel modes and urban space use. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing strategies to adapt to present and future pandemics and improve urban resilience.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.25-33
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• 2024

Purpose: As infectious diseases spread, hospitals have converted general wards into negative pressure isolation wards through remodeling. During the conversion process, there were limitations in converting the existing ward into an effective isolation ward due to its existing structure and mechanical system. To minimize these problems, this study proposes some general ward planning methods taking into account effective conversion to an infectious disease ward. Methods: Seven rapid conversion isolation wards have been analyzed in order to check their appropriateness as a negative pressured isolation unit. Then, general ward design planning methods that can minimize problems in rapidly converted negative pressured wards have been derived. Results: If general wards can be efficiently converted into negative pressure isolation wards, many isolation facilities can be secured effectively in a short period of time during a pandemic.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.69-77
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• 2024

Purpose: This paper aims to tackle the challenges and opportunities of cities' response to COVID-19 and provide cities with policy implications for better adapting to the post-pandemic era. Cities around the world are facing new challenges and have had to adapt to maintain social distancing measures while also addressing equity and social inclusion issues. Research design, data and methodology: The research methodology relies on an examination of existing literature, coupled with trend analysis employing discourse analysis to investigate post-pandemic urban resilience. The article also attempts to employ the concepts of adaptive urbanism and spatial flexibility and their potential to address these challenges not only in response to the pandemic, but also in the long-term. Results: The article explores the impact of COVID-19 on urban spatial structure through a public health lens and proposes actions that cities are able to take to enhance their resilience in the aftermath of the pandemic. Conclusions: It underscores the significance of reconstructing with improved distribution dynamics and provides valuable guidance for companies and policymakers on navigating these challenges. Ultimately, it also suggests that the pandemic has initiated a worldwide restructuring of urban planning, potentially leading to the emergence of smart cities grounded in science and technology.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.455-463
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• 2022

Objectives: Economic hardship has a serious impact on adolescents' mental health. The financial impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was more severe for low-income families, and this also impacted adolescents. This study aimed to examine the associations of economic deterioration (ED) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and low socioeconomic status (SES) with adolescents' suicidal behaviors. Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which included 54 948 middle and high school students. Odds ratios (ORs) of suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts related to ED and SES were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. We calculated relative excess risks due to interaction to assess additive interactions. Results: The ORs for suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts related to combined severe ED and low SES were 3.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.13 to 4.23), 3.88 (95% CI, 3.09 to 4.88), and 4.27 (95% CI, 3.21 to 5.69), respectively. Conclusions: ED and low SES were significantly associated with suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Although no significant additive interaction was found, the ORs related to suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts were highest among adolescents from low-income families with severe ED. Special attention is needed for this group, considering the increased impact of economic inequality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted societies, particularly the elderly with higher susceptibility and mobility constraints. This study investigates COVID-19's influence on elderly travel at subway stations using card data. Analyzing pre/post-COVID-19 data via multilinear regression, we found factors like subway transfer lines, presence of rivers, the area of traditional markets, number of traditional Korean medicine clinics, number of cultural facilities, and number of large commercial facilities correlated positively with elderly travel. Post-COVID-19, effects of variables related to public transportation and employment, and indoor leisure facilities decreased, while the effects of outdoor and traditional culture-related facilities increased. These findings indicate significant pandemic-induced alterations in the mobility patterns of senior citizens in Seoul, highlighting shifts towards safer, more accessible environments.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.82-86
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• 2024

Purpose: This study examined the quality of life (QoL) and quality of care (QoC) in inpatient hospice settings in Korea before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Data were obtained from three institutions that participated in two prospective cohort studies. The primary outcomes measured were the QoL of patients with terminal cancer and their family caregivers (FCs), as well as the QoC as perceived by the FCs. Results: Multivariable regression analysis revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, both patients and FCs experienced better QoL than before the pandemic, and FCs reported a higher QoC. Conclusion: Health policymakers should consider our findings when planning for future pandemics.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-81
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• 2012

Objectives: Effective and efficient response for public health crisis necessitate planning how to respond and mobilize the resources in schools. We preformed this study to develop the strategies to improve efficiency of school health education in an outbreak of pandemic disease. Methods: We tried to review the policies, regulations and response systems of all related sectors, and advanced cases associated with pandemic disease control measures by searching databases and on-line networks connected with the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Results: It was important to implement a consistent and systematic approach for educational offices and schools to prevent confusion resulted from the inaccurate information. First, the systems and action plans for school health should be established to prepare and respond to an outbreak of pandemic disease. Secondly, the strategies to improve the efficiency of school health education in public health crisis should be in place. Finally, the personnel pool would be needed to provide the crisis management programs. Conclusion: In order for staffs and students to have abilities to respond in an outbreak of pandemic disease, comprehensive school health approaches and efficient educational efforts should be prepared in collaboration with related sectors.