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Original Articles
Who Dies Alone? Demographics, Underlying Diseases, and Healthcare Utilization Patterns of Lonely Death Individuals in Korea
Haibin Bai, Jae-ryun Lee, Min Jung Kang, Young-Ho Jun, Hye Yeon Koo, Jieun Yun, Jee Hoon Sohn, Jin Yong Lee, Hyejin Lee
Received November 16, 2024  Accepted February 7, 2025  Published online March 4, 2025  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.704    [Accepted]
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  • 13 Download
AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Lonely death is defined as “a person living in a state of social isolation, disconnected from family, relatives, and others, who dies from suicide, illness, or other causes.” This study investigated the characteristics of individuals who die alone in Korea.
Methods
We constructed a database of lonely death cases by linking data from the Korea Crime Scene Investigation Unit of the Korea National Police Agency with National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) records. A descriptive analysis was performed to evaluate the demographics, underlying diseases, and healthcare utilization patterns among lonely death cases.
Results
Among the 3,122 individuals identified as lonely death cases, 2,621 (84.0%) were male and 501 (16.0%) were female. The most common age group was 50–59 years (n= 930; 29.8%). The NHIS covered 2,161 individuals (69.2%), whereas 961 individuals (30.8%) were enrolled in Medical Aid (MA). The highest number of lonely deaths occurred in Seoul areas, with 1,468 cases (47.0%). Mental and behavioral disorders were diagnosed in 1,606 individuals (51.4%), and various alcohol-related diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, were also observed. Outpatient visits increased leading up to death but declined in the final 3 months, while hospitalizations decreased and emergency room visits slightly increased.
Conclusions
Most lonely death cases involved men in their 50s, with a disproportionately high number of MA beneficiaries compared to the general population. Many of these individuals also experienced mental health issues or alcohol-related disorders. Preventing social isolation and strengthening social safety nets are critical to reducing the occurrence of lonely deaths.
Summary
The Impact of COVID-19 on Admissions and In-hospital Mortality of Patients With Stroke in Korea: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Youngs Chang, Soo-Hee Hwang, Haibin Bai, Seowoo Park, Eunbyul Cho, Dohoung Kim, Hyejin Lee, Jin Yong Lee
J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(1):60-71.   Published online October 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.432
  • 753 View
  • 135 Download
AbstractAbstract AbstractSummary PDFSupplementary Material
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on admission rates and in-hospital mortality among patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
Methods
We constructed a dataset detailing the monthly hospitalizations and mortality rates of inpatients with stroke from January 2017 to December 2021. Employing an interrupted time series analysis, we explored the impact of COVID-19 on hospitalizations and 30-day in-hospital mortality among stroke patients.
Results
The number of ischemic stroke admissions decreased by 18.5%, from 5335 to 4348, immediately following the COVID-19 outbreak (p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate for ischemic stroke increased slightly from 3.3% to 3.4% immediately after the outbreak, although it showed a decreasing trend over time. The number of hemorrhagic stroke admissions fell by 7.5%, from 2014 to 1864, immediately following the COVID-19 outbreak. The 30-day in-hospital mortality rate for hemorrhagic stroke initially decreased from 12.9% to 12.7%, but subsequently showed an increasing trend.
Conclusions
We confirmed that COVID-19 impacted both the admission and death rates of stroke patients. The admission rate for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes decreased, while in-hospital mortality increased. Specifically, in-hospital mortality from ischemic stroke rose initially after the outbreak before stabilizing. Additionally, our findings indicate variable effects based on sex, age, and socioeconomic status, suggesting that certain groups may be more susceptible. This underscores the need to identify and support vulnerable populations to mitigate adverse health outcomes.
Summary
Korean summary
국민건강보험공단 데이터베이스를 자료원으로 하고 ITS 분석을 실시하여 코로나19가 뇌졸중 환자의 입원 및 30일 내 사망률에 미치는 영향을 조사했습니다. 그 결과 코로나19가 뇌졸중 환자의 입원율과 사망률에 모두 영향을 미친다는 사실을 확인했습니다. 특히, 75세 이상과 의료급여 수급자의 허혈성 및 출혈성 뇌졸중 입원율이 감소한 것으로 나타났습니다.
Key Message
Employing an interrupted time series analysis, we explored the impact of COVID-19 on hospitalizations and 30-day in-hospital mortality among stroke patients using the National Health Insurance Service Database. We confirmed that COVID-19 impacted both the admission and death rates of stroke patients. Specifically, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke admission rates decreased among individuals over 75 and MA beneficiaries.
Provider Perspectives, Barriers, and Improvement Strategies for Hospital Discharge Support Programs: A Focus Group Interview Study in Korea
Jae Woo Choi, Aejung Yoo, Hyojung Bang, Hyun-Kyung Park, Hyun-Ji Lee, Hyejin Lee
J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(6):572-585.   Published online October 4, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.275
  • 1,084 View
  • 128 Download
AbstractAbstract AbstractSummary PDFSupplementary Material
Objectives
Transitional periods, such as patient discharge, are notably challenging. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of providers involved in hospital discharge support programs, identify the primary obstacles, and propose strategies for improvement.
Methods
In this qualitative cross-sectional study, we interviewed 49 healthcare professionals, comprising doctors, nurses, and social workers, who participated in two pilot programs. We organized focus group interviews with 3-6 participants per group, segmented by the type of discharge support program and profession. For data analysis, we employed phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method.
Results
Participants recognized the importance of the discharge support program and anticipated its benefits. The Rehabilitation Hospital Discharge Patient Support program saw more active involvement from doctors than the Establishment of a Public Health-Medical Collaboration System program. Both programs highlighted the critical need for more staff and better compensation, as identified by the doctors. Nurses and social workers cited the heavy documentation burden, uncooperative attitudes from patients and local governments, and other issues. They also anticipated that program improvements could be achieved through the standardization of regional welfare services and better coordination by local governments serving as welfare service regulators. All groups—doctors, nurses, and social workers—underscored the significance of promoting these programs.
Conclusions
Discharge support programs are crucial for patients with functional impairments and severe illnesses, particularly in ensuring continuity of care. Policy support is essential for the successful implementation of these programs in Korea.
Summary
Korean summary
퇴원 지원 사업에 참여하는 의사, 간호사, 사회복지사 등 퇴원지원사업 담당자를 대상으로 시범사업 수행에 있어 주요 문제점과 개선방안을 인터뷰를 통해 조사하였을 때 참가자들은 퇴원 지원 사업이 필요하고 특히 기능 저하가 심한 환자들에게 도움이 될 것이라고 응답하였다. 그러나, 의사의 참여 부족, 연계 가능한 서비스의 부족, 다학제 팀구성이 어려운 보상 수준, 의료기관 간 의사소통의 문제 등 어려움을 지적하였다. 다학제팀 구성과 안정적인 운영을 위한 적절한 수가와 인센티브 구조 마련, 지역과의 네트워크와 지방정부 중심의 조정기능 강화가 문제 해결에 도움이 될 수 있을 것이다.
Key Message
Interviews with doctors, nurses, and social workers involved in discharge support programs revealed key challenges and improvement strategies during pilot projects. Participants acknowledged the necessity of discharge support programs, particularly for patients with severe functional impairments. However, they pointed out difficulties such as insufficient participation from doctors, a lack of available services, inadequate compensation hindering multidisciplinary team, and communication issues between medical institutions. Establishing appropriate reimbursement and incentive structures for stable multidisciplinary team operation, strengthening networks with local communities, and enhancing coordination led by local governments could help address these challenges.
Changes in the Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Disaggregated Analysis by Region and Hospital Type in Korea
EunKyo Kang, Won Mo Jang, Min Sun Shin, Hyejin Lee, Jin Yong Lee
J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(2):180-189.   Published online March 20, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.479
  • 2,991 View
  • 113 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
AbstractAbstract AbstractSummary PDF
Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global shortage of medical resources; therefore, we investigated whether COVID-19 impacted the quality of non-COVID-19 hospital care in Korea by comparing hospital standardized mortality rates (HSMRs) before and during the pandemic.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance discharge claim data obtained from January to June in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Patients’ in-hospital deaths were classified according to the most responsible diagnosis categories. The HSMR is calculated as the ratio of expected deaths to actual deaths. The time trend in the overall HSMR was analyzed by region and hospital type.
Results
The final analysis included 2 252 824 patients. In 2020, the HSMR increased nationwide (HSMR, 99.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.7 to 101.0) in comparison to 2019 (HSMR, 97.3; 95% CI, 95.8 to 98.8). In the COVID-19 pandemic zone, the HSMR increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 112.7; 95% CI, 107.0 to 118.7) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 101.7; 95% CI, 96.9 to 106.6). The HSMR in all general hospitals increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 106.4; 95% CI, 104.3 to 108.5) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 100.3; 95% CI, 98.4 to 102.2). Hospitals participating in the COVID-19 response had a lower HSMR (HSMR, 95.6; 95% CI, 93.9 to 97.4) than hospitals not participating in the COVID-19 response (HSMR, 124.3; 95% CI, 119.3 to 129.4).
Conclusions
This study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted the quality of care in hospitals, especially general hospitals with relatively few beds. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to prevent excessive workloads in hospitals and to properly employ and coordinate the workforce.
Summary
Korean summary
코로나19 대유행 지역은 비감염 지역과 달리 2019년에 비해 2020년에 HSMR이 크게 증가했고, 상대적으로 병상 수가 적은 종합병원에서 HSMR이 증가했다. 코로나19 대응에 참여하는 병원은 병원 규모와 관계없이 HSMR이 낮은 경향을 보였다. 감염병 유행 시 병원의 과도한 업무량이 부여되지 않게하고 인력을 적절하게 고용하여 조정하는 것이 필요하다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • National Expenditures on Anticancer and Immunomodulating Agents During 2013–2022 in Korea
    Jieun Yun, Youngs Chang, Minsol Jo, Yerin Heo, Dong-Sook Kim
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Impact of COVID-19 on Admissions and In-hospital Mortality of Patients With Stroke in Korea: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
    Youngs Chang, Soo-Hee Hwang, Haibin Bai, Seowoo Park, Eunbyul Cho, Dohoung Kim, Hyejin Lee, Jin Yong Lee
    Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2025; 58(1): 60.     CrossRef

JPMPH : Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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