Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

The Role of Family Interaction Frequency on Depressive Symptoms in Korean Older Adults Aged ≥80 and Living Alone: Horim A. Hwang, Bo Yung Bae, Hyunsuk Jeong, Minsun Yun, Jungeun Choi, Yujin Jeong, Hyeon Woo Yim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(1):86-94. Published online December 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.222

771 View
92 Download

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Korea is one of the fastest-aging societies, and a large proportion of its older population lives alone. This study examined the impact of family interaction frequency on the association between living alone and depressive symptoms among older adults aged ≥80 years using nationally representative survey data.
Methods
Among the 229 099 participants of the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey, 15 672 participants aged ≥80 years who either lived with close family or lived alone were included in the analysis. Participants living alone were classified according to the frequency of family interaction, ranging from less than once a month to more than once a week. The outcome variable was moderate to severe depressive symptoms, defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥10.
Results
The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among older adults living alone (9.4–14.1%, depending on the frequency of family interaction) than among those living with close family (6.5%). Older adults living alone who interacted with family less than once a month were more likely to report depressive symptoms compared with those living with close family (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 2.15). Weekly family interaction mitigated the impact of living alone on the prevalence of depressive symptoms (aOR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.42). The influence of family interaction on the association between living alone and depressive symptoms remained consistent across subgroups of men, women, and those with difficulty in daily activities.
Conclusions
Encouraging regular interaction among family members could serve as an effective strategy to protect the mental health of older adults.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 2019년 지역사회건강조사에 참여한 만 80세 이상의 노인 15,672 명의 자료를 활용하여, 가족과의 정기적인 소통이 독거로 인한 우울증상 유병률의 증가에 미치는 요인을 확인하고자 하였다. 가까운 가족인 배우자 또는 자식과 동거하는 노인들과 비교해 보았을 때, 주 1회 이상의 소통을 하는 독거 노인들의 우울증상 교차비는 유의하게 높지 않았다. 가족과의 정기적인 소통의 보호효과는 성별 또는 일상생활에 어려움에 따른 층화 분석을 한 경우에도 일관된 효과를 보였다.

Key Message
This study explored whether sufficiently frequent family interactions mitigate the increased odds of reporting depressive symptoms due to living alone among older adults aged ≥80. Family interaction of once a week or more frequent mitigated the impact of living alone among the older adults. The protective effect of family interaction remained consistent across gender and difficulty in daily activities.

Frailty Index Predicts Future All-cause Mortality and Quality of Life: A 2-Year Follow-up Study Among Korean Older Adults From a Population-based Cohort Study: Woolim Ko, Hyunsuk Jeong, Hyeon Woo Yim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(6):572-580. Published online November 10, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.210

2,039 View
175 Download

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
The frailty index (FI), a proxy measure of accelerated biological aging, predicts adverse outcomes in older adults. We investigated whether the FI predicts mortality in a community-based Korean older adult population and its association with subjective health status over 2 years.
Methods
This prospective cohort study included 936 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years. The FI, calculated from 28 self-reported baseline variables, was scored on a scale from 0 to 1 (<0.25: non-frail; 0.25-0.34: mildly frail; ≥0.35: moderately to severely frail). The primary outcome was 2-year all-cause mortality. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Quality of life was assessed using the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Three-Level (EQ-5D-3L), with the proportions reporting extreme problems and prevalence ratios of problems across frailty groups. Analyses were conducted using the GENMOD procedure in SAS version 9.4.
Results
Of the 936 participants, 111 (11.9%) were non-frail, 230 (24.6%) were mildly frail, and 595 (63.6%) were moderately to severely frail. The prevalence of moderate to severe frailty increased with age. The moderate-severe frailty group had a ≥5-fold increased risk of mortality compared to the non-frail group (adjusted RR, 5.79; 95% CI, 1.39 to 24.07). Among those completing follow-up, the moderate-severe frailty group reported more problems across all EQ-5D-3L domains at 2 years.
Conclusions
Frail older adults are at increased risk of mortality, but this risk was significant only for those in the moderate-to-severe frailty category at 2-year follow-up. The FI is a valuable predictor of premature death and health challenges in older adults.; Summary

Korean summary
2년의 추적 관찰 기간 동안, 기저 시점의 중등도에서 중증의 노쇠 상태에 있던 노인은 노쇠하지 않은 노인에 비해 사망 위험이 5배 이상 높았으며, EQ-5D-3L로 평가한 다양한 삶의 질 영역에서도 더 큰 어려움을 겪는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 특히 중등도에서 중증의 노쇠 상태가 임상적 위험뿐만 아니라 주관적 삶의 질을 개선하기 위한 우선적 개입이 필요할 수 있음을 시사한다. 본 연구는 노인의 건강 결과를 향상시키기 위해서는 개별 질환 관리뿐 아니라 노쇠 상태를 체계적으로 평가하고 관리하는 것이 중요함을 제안한다.

Key Message
During the two-year follow-up period, older adults who were moderately to severely frail at baseline had a more than fivefold higher risk of death compared with those who were non-frail, and they also experienced greater difficulties across various quality-of-life domains as measured by the EQ-5D-3L. These findings suggest that moderate to severe frailty may require high-priority interventions to improve not only clinical risks but also subjective quality of life. This study indicates that, to improve health outcomes in older adults, it is important to systematically assess and manage frailty in addition to addressing individual diseases.

Association Between Non-adherence to Diabetes Management and Poor Sleep Quality Based on the Korean Community Health Survey: Horim A. Hwang, Hyunsuk Jeong, Hyeon Woo Yim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(3):260-268. Published online January 14, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.486

4,317 View
391 Download
1 Web of Science
1 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
Adhering to management guidelines, including routine follow-up and education, is crucial for the effective management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes is linked to poor sleep quality. We used nationally representative data from community-dwelling Koreans to investigate potential associations between non-adherence to diabetes management and poor sleep quality.
Methods
Of the 228 340 participants in the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey, we analyzed data from 68 246 participants aged 65 years and older. Based on their diabetes status and adherence to diabetes-related tests (glycated hemoglobin, fundus examination, and urine microalbuminuria) and management education, study participants were divided into 3 groups: no diabetes, adherence, and non-adherence. Outcome variables included poor overall sleep quality and sleep disturbances, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Results
The study included 934 participants in the adherence group (2.0%) and 13 420 in the non-adherence group (20.2%). Participants displaying non-adherence were significantly more likely to report poor overall sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.13) and to experience sleep fragmentation, nocturia, pain during sleep, and difficulty falling asleep compared to participants without diabetes. Even in the earlier stage of diabetes, non-adherent participants were more likely to report poor sleep quality (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.18).
Conclusions
Patients with diabetes who do not follow management guidelines are more likely to experience poor sleep quality than those without diabetes. Emphasizing diabetes management and increasing awareness of management strategies may improve sleep quality among patients with this disease.

Summary

Korean summary
혈당조절이 되지 않는 당뇨병이 수면 관련 문제의 발생 위험을 높이는 것은 기존 연구에서 알려져 있었으나, 당뇨관리 여부가 지역사회에 거주하는 당뇨환자들의 수면의 질에 미치는 영향은 충분히 탐구 되지 않았었다. 당뇨 관리 (연 2회 이상 당화혈색소 검사, 매년 당뇨합병증 검사, 당뇨관리교육 이수)에 순응하지 않는 당뇨환자들은 당뇨가 없는 일반인들에 비해 수면 문제를 호소할 가능성이 유의하게 높은 것이 확인되었다. 이는 당뇨 유병기간으로 층화분석하였을때도 일관되게 확인되었다.

Key Message
Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with increased risk of sleep-related problems, but the knowledge on the impact of poor diabetes management on the sleep quality of community dwelling patients with diabetes is limited. Diabetes patients who did not adhere to diabetes management (<2 hemoglobin A1c tests, did not take diabetes complication test, or received diabetes management education) were more significantly more likely to report overall poor sleep quality than those without diabetes. The above association remained significant when the patients were stratified by diabetes duration.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Assessment of Sleep Quality and Its Determinants Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Nur Mohamed, Rahma Haji Mohamud, Fadumo Hilowle, Tigad Ali, Yusuf Abdirisak Mohamed, Adan Gabow, Hawa Mohamed, Nor Sidow, Mohamed Sheikh Hassan, Mohamud Waberi
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity.2025; Volume 18: 1949. CrossRef

Prevalence of Depressive Disorder of Outpatients Visiting Two Primary Care Settings: Sun-Jin Jo, Hyeon Woo Yim, Hyunsuk Jeong, Hoo Rim Song, Sang Yhun Ju, Jong Lyul Kim, Tae-Youn Jun; J Prev Med Public Health. 2015;48(5):257-263. Published online September 21, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.15.009

11,993 View
106 Download
7 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
Although the prevalence of depressive disorders in South Korea’s general population is known, no reports on the prevalence of depression among patients who visit primary care facilities have been published. This preliminary study was conducted to identify the prevalence of depressive disorder in patients that visit two primary care facilities.
Methods
Among 231 consecutive eligible patients who visited two primary care settings, 184 patients consented to a diagnostic interview for depression by psychiatrists following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria. There were no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, or level of education between the groups that consented and declined the diagnostic examination. The prevalence of depressive disorder and the proportion of newly diagnosed patients among depressive disorder patients were calculated.
Results
The prevalence of depressive disorder of patients in the two primary care facilities was 14.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.1 to 19.2), with major depressive disorder 5.4% (95% CI, 2.1 to 8.7), dysthymia 1.1% (95% CI, 0.0 to 2.6), and depressive disorder, not otherwise specified 7.6% (95% CI, 3.7 to 11.5). Among the 26 patients with depressive disorder, 19 patients were newly diagnosed.
Conclusions
As compared to the general population, a higher prevalence of depressive disorders was observed among patients at two primary care facilities. Further study is needed with larger samples to inform the development of a primary care setting-based depression screening, management, and referral system to increase the efficiency of limited health care resources.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The role of gender differences in the outcome of juvenile social isolation: Emphasis on changes in behavioral, biochemical and expression of nitric oxide synthase genes alteration
Soroush Bijani, Fatemeh Sadat Kashfi, Sadaf Zahedi-Vanjani, Keivan Nedaei, Ali Sharafi, Ali Kalantari-Hesari, Mir-Jamal Hosseini
Heliyon.2024; 10(7): e28964. CrossRef
Depression rates and health-seeking behavior in primary care: Andersen model of health- care utilization
Lana Alhalaseh, Karim Alsawalha, Mohammed Qussay Al-Sabbagh, Farah Al-Khaleefa
Psychology, Health & Medicine.2023; 28(6): 1503. CrossRef
Prevalence of depressive disorders in a primary care setting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A cross-sectional epidemiological study
Ho Nguyen Yen Phi, Truong Quoc Tho, Bui Xuan Manh, Tran Anh Ngoc, Pham Thi Minh Chau, Nguyen Trung Nghia, Tran Trung Nghia, Huynh Ho Ngoc Quynh, Nguyen Tien Huy, Ngo Tich Linh, Pham Lê An
The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine.2023; 58(2): 86. CrossRef
Mental illness in patients with end-stage kidney disease in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study
Min-Jeong Lee, Eunyoung Lee, Bumhee Park, Inwhee Park
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice.2022; 41(2): 231. CrossRef
Prevalence of depressive symptoms in urban primary care settings: Botswana
Keneilwe Motlhatlhedi, Keneilwe Molebatsi, Grace N. Wambua
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Psychiatric comorbidities among endometrial cancer survivors in South Korea: a nationwide population-based, longitudinal study
Jaesung Heo, Mison Chun, Young-Taek Oh, O Kyu Noh
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
The prevalence of suicidal ideation and depression among primary care patients and current management in South Korea
Yoon-Joo Choi, Weon-Young Lee
International Journal of Mental Health Systems.2017;[Epub] CrossRef

English Abstract

The Association between Sleep and Obesity in Korean Adults.: Young Jun Park, Won Chul Lee, Hyeon Woo Yim, Young Moon Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2007;40(6):454-460.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2007.40.6.454

8,650 View
101 Download
12 Crossref

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Obesity is currently an epidemic in Korea, and sleep duration is thought to be one of the risk factors for obesity. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that short sleep duration is associated with obesity in Korean adults. METHODS: The data from the 2001 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey were used, and 6,174 subjects aged 18~80 years were included in the analysis. Sleep duration was measured using information obtained from self-reported questionnaires. Obesity, the main outcome variable, was measured according to body mass index. Multiple regression modeling was used to adjust for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: The study results revealed a negative association between sleep duration and body mass index among Korean adults. These associations persisted after controlling for the potential confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis that sleep duration is associated with obesity in Korean adults. In addition, these observations support earlier experimental sleep studies and provide a basis for future studies on weight control intervention by increasing the amount of sleep.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Anti-Diabetic and Lipid-Improving Effects of Alpinia galanga Extract and Caffeine in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Su-Jin Park, Kyung-Ok Shin
Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life.2024; 34(2): 108. CrossRef
Analysis of Lifelong for Health of Middle-Aged Men by Using Machine Learning Algorithm
Jiyong Kim, Jisoo Lee, Minseo Park
Journal of the Korean Institute of Industrial Engineers.2021; 47(6): 504. CrossRef
Mental health according to sleep duration in stroke survivors: A population‐based nationwide cross‐sectional study
Hye‐Mi Moon, Yoonjung Kim
Geriatrics & Gerontology International.2020; 20(3): 223. CrossRef
Association of Exposure to Artificial Light at Night While Sleeping With Risk of Obesity in Women
Yong-Moon Mark Park, Alexandra J. White, Chandra L. Jackson, Clarice R. Weinberg, Dale P. Sandler
JAMA Internal Medicine.2019; 179(8): 1061. CrossRef
Population-Based Cross-Sectional Data From South Korean Adults Suggest That Sleep Duration Might be Associated With Periodontitis
Tarek Elmajie
Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice.2018; 18(2): 187. CrossRef
The Effect of Sleep Duration on the Risk of Unintentional Injury in Korean Adults
Yeon-Yong Kim, Un-Na Kim, Jin-Seok Lee, Jong-Heon Park
Journal of Preventive Medicine & Public Health.2014; 47(3): 150. CrossRef
The Traditional Korean Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Decreased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1998–2009
Kyung Won Lee, Mi Sook Cho
Journal of Medicinal Food.2014; 17(1): 43. CrossRef
Factors Associated with Sleep Duration in Korean Adults: Results of a 2008 Community Health Survey in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Korea
So Yeon Ryu, Ki Soon Kim, Mi Ah Han
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2011; 26(9): 1124. CrossRef
Short sleep duration as a possible cause of obesity: critical analysis of the epidemiological evidence
L. S. Nielsen, K. V. Danielsen, T. I. A. Sørensen
Obesity Reviews.2011; 12(2): 78. CrossRef
Effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid on serum and brain concentrations of glutamate and GABA in diet-induced obese rats
Hyesung Lee, Moon-Jeong Chang, Sun-Hee Kim
Nutrition Research and Practice.2010; 4(1): 23. CrossRef
South Korean Study in a Public Health -Preventive Medicine and Sports Environment-
Dan Silviu Radut, You Jin Kim, Byung Nam Min, Ki Jeoung Cho, Jong Young Lee
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2009; 42(4): 209. CrossRef
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Yoon-Kyung Shin, Seung-Chul Hong
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2008; 51(3): 244. CrossRef

Original Articles

Analysis of Cancer Screening Recommendations by Physicians for Various Types of Cancer.: Yong Mun Park, Won Chul Lee, Keun Sang Yum, Jung Wan Koo, Hyeon Woo Yim, Kang Sook Lee, Hoon Kyo Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 2000;33(1):99-108.

2,675 View
21 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the present status of cancer screening recommendations(beginning age, interval, recommended screening methods, etc.) by physicians and analyze the association between physician's characteristics and the content of their recommendations. METHODS: Data were collected from March 1 to April 30 of 1997, and 373 physicians who were from different hospital settings all over Korea were interviewed by telephone about their screening recommendations for stomach, cervical and breast cancer for those who provided cancer screening services. RESULTS: For stomach cancer screening, respondents recommended that cancer screening begin at 40 years of age(57.8%), with a 1 year interval(77.2%), and by gastrofibroscopy (86.2%). For cervical cancer screening, respondents recommended that cancer screening begin at 25 years of age(42.0%), with a 1 year interval(67.8%), and by using a Pap smear(100.0%). For breast cancer screening, respondents recommended that cancer screening begin at 35 years of age(38.7%), with a 1 year interval(57.3%), and by mammography (97.3%). CONCLUSIONS: To establish appropriate cancer screening recommendations for Korea, it may be useful to consider the above results concerning medical care providers.; Summary

Comparison of Histopathologic Stages of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Cervical Neoplasm Patients.: Hyeon Woo Yim, Won Chul Lee, In Young Hwang, Yong Il Kwon, Jong Sup Park, Hoon Kyp Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 1998;31(4):583-591.

2,528 View
20 Download

Abstract PDF: Screening is for the early detection and treatment of diseases in prior to development of symptoms, so that more favourable prognosis could be obtained. To evaluate efficiency of screening test for cervical neoplasms, we compared the histopathologic stages of asymptomatic cervical neoplasm patients diagnosed by screening test, with those of symptomatic patients confirmed by pathology. Total 1,120 cases of cervical neoplasm patient, diagnosed at Kang-nam St. Mary's hospital from Jan. 1990 to Dec. 1996, were reviewed by chart, and classified as asymptomatic and symptomatic group based on the presence of subjective symptoms on their hospital visit. Their histopathologic stages were analysed. The results were as follows, 1. From the total of 1,120 patient, asymptomatic group comprised 264 cases (25.5%). Asymptomatic proportion increased 15.3% in 1991 to 34.7% in 1996. 2. Mean age for the occurrence of cervical neoplasm was 44.3 +/- 10.4 years for the asymptomatic group, and 49.3+/-13.2 years for the symptomatic group, showing statistically significant differences(p=0.001). 3. Among the study subjects, 465 cases(45.0%) had CIS(carcinoma in situ), and 569 cases(55.0%) had invasive cancers. 4. Percentage of cervical neoplasm patient diagnosed at asymptomatic stages were 45.8% in twenties, 32.0% in thirties, 27.7 % in forties, 21.7% in fifties, 18.7% in sixties and 1.8% in above seventies, showing statistically significant differences according to age group(p=0.001). 5. In thirties, 87.2% of the asymptomatic patients were diagnosed as CIS and 45.0% of symptomatic patient were diagnosed as CIS. With increment of ages, CIS proportion were markedly decreased. 6. 76.9% of asymptomatic patients were diagnosed as CIS, and 34.0 % of symptomatic patients were diagnosed as CIS, suggesting screening test at asymptomatic stage can increase CIS proportion. 7. CIS proportion of asymptomatic patient was highest in thirties(40.4%) and 2nd highest in forties(34.0%). Screening test for cervical neoplasm should be actively carried out from the thirties.; Summary

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search