Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Special Article

An Introduction to Causal Mediation Analysis With a Comparison of 2 R Packages: Sangmin Byeon, Woojoo Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(4):303-311. Published online July 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.189

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Traditional mediation analysis, which relies on linear regression models, has faced criticism due to its limited suitability for cases involving different types of variables and complex covariates, such as interactions. This can result in unclear definitions of direct and indirect effects. As an alternative, causal mediation analysis using the counterfactual framework has been introduced to provide clearer definitions of direct and indirect effects while allowing for more flexible modeling methods. However, the conceptual understanding of this approach based on the counterfactual framework remains challenging for applied researchers. To address this issue, the present article was written to highlight and illustrate the definitions of causal estimands, including controlled direct effect, natural direct effect, and natural indirect effect, based on the key concept of nested counterfactuals. Furthermore, we recommend using 2 R packages, ‘medflex’ and ‘mediation’, to perform causal mediation analysis and provide public health examples. The article also offers caveats and guidelines for accurate interpretation of the results.

Summary

Korean summary
전통적 매개분석은 여러 유형의 변수 혹은 복잡한 상호작용을 포함할 경우, 직접 및 간접효과의 정의가 불분명하다는 비판에 직면해왔다. 이에 대한 대안으로서 인과매개분석은 반사실적 개념에 기반하여 직접 및 간접효과를 명료하게 정의하며 유연한 모델링을 가능하게 한다. 다만 이 새로운 접근의 주요 개념을 응용 연구자들이 이해하는 데에는 다소 어려운 측면이 있다. 이러한 점에서 이 논문에서는 중첩된 반사실적 변수에 기반한 인과적 모수의 정의를 상술하고 인과매개분석을 위한 대표적인 R 패키지인 medflex 및 mediation을 활용하여 공공 보건 사례에 대한 분석 실례 및 유의사항을 제공하였다.

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Perspective

iDENTIfyme Informative Campaign: Raising Forensic Dental Identification Awareness in the Community: Emilio Nuzzolese; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(3):218-219. Published online April 20, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.081

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Abstract PDF

The identification of human remains can be performed visually through families and next-of-kin, but it is not advisable to rely only on visual recognition; instead, it is preferable to conduct a forensic comparison of antemortem and postmortem data for primary identifiers (fingerprints, DNA, and dental data). A dental autopsy is particularly valuable in the identification process of skeletonized, carbonized, saponified, and fragmented human remains. The principal challenge in the identification process is the search and collection of antemortem data. To this end, all dental information held on a missing person can represent a precious source of individualizing information that families should share with the police or investigating agencies after reporting a disappearance.

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Citations

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Creating Awareness Regarding Forensic Odontology Among Non-Forensic Persons for Successful Dental Identifications
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English Abstract

Job Satisfaction, Subjective Class Identification and Associated Factors of Professional Socialization in Korean Physicians.: Hyung Gon Yoon, Seok Jun Yoon, In Kyoung Hwang, Yeong Bae Mun, Hee Young Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2008;41(1):30-38.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2008.41.1.30

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Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the core properties of professional socialization and social status satisfaction, economic reward satisfaction, and subjective class identification. METHODS: Medical knowledge and skill, autonomy, and professional value factors were used as essential properties of professional socialization to determine the association with job satisfaction and subjective class identification. The authors used a self-administered questionnaire survey and collected nationwide data between July and August 2003, with 211 responses used for final analysis. RESULTS: 'Age' and 'trust and respect' were positively associated with social status satisfaction, and 'occupation' was negatively associated. 'Income' and 'trust and respect' were positively related to economic reward satisfaction, and 'practicing for oneself', and 'a sense of duty and attendance' were negatively related. 'Practicing for oneself', 'not believing explanations', and 'a sense of duty and attendance' had a positive relationship with subjective class identification. 'Income', 'knowledge system', 'medical mistakes', 'treating like goods', 'meaning and joy', and 'trust and respect' had a negative relationship. CONCLSIONS: The core property variables of professional socialization had a different relationship with social status satisfaction, economic reward satisfaction and subjective class identification. In particular, many core property variables were associated with subjective class identification positively or negatively. The development of professional socialization would help promote job satisfaction and subjective class identification.

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Citations

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The Gap Between Physicians and the Public in Satisfaction with the National Health Insurance System in Korea
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