Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Experience of Medical Personnel Dispatched to Isolated Psychiatric Institution in Korea During COVID-19: Content Analysis: Youngjoo Kim, Jung Hee Hyun, Jacob Lee, Yoonyoung Nam, Eunshil Yim, Kyounga Lee, Baegju Na; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(4):431-439. Published online June 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.680

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
This study investigates problems related to medical response, and the support system among medical personnel dispatched to the psychiatric hospital when the first cluster of infections occurred in a psychiatric hospital in Korea.
Methods
Contents analysis was conducted for the responses of the medical personnel who responded to the interview. Training about basic quarantine rules, and safety management is not provided in the early dispatch stages.
Results
No guidance is available regarding the human rights protection of medical staff. Additionally, no on-site situation-control tower is available. Participants reported that temporary quarantine measures implemented at Hospital D to restrict the movement of patients and medical staff from the external world are problematic. The most significant problem is the insufficient governmental systemic support and consideration for protecting. Both the human rights of psychiatric patients and the human rights of the medical staff who care for them.
Conclusions
Future responses to new infectious diseases should include the establishment of a continuous support system in the community by changing the collective and closed-room environments as well as isolation-centered mental healthcare systems to protect the human rights of patients with mental disorders. Additionally, response drills for people with mental illness in closed environments should be practiced in response to emerging infectious diseases at ordinary times. Finally, training and emergency measures for medical staff dispatched to these facilities and a manual for the protection of the human rights of medical staff should be prepared.; Summary

Korean summary
이 논문은 COVID-19 초기 확산 시기, 한국 청도군의 한 정신병원에서 집단감염이 발생했을 때 파견된 의료진의 경험을 질적 내용 분석을 통해 조사한 연구입니다. 연구 결과, 정부의 준비 부족, 현장 통제 시스템 부재, 감염병 대응 훈련 미비, 인권 보호 기준 부재 등 여러 문제점이 드러났으며, 향후 정신질환자 대상 감염병 대응을 위해 지역사회 기반의 지속 가능한 지원체계와 의료진 인권 보호 매뉴얼 마련이 필요하다고 제안합니다.

Key Message
This study qualitatively analyzed the experiences of medical personnel dispatched to a psychiatric hospital in Cheongdo-gun, Korea, during a COVID-19 outbreak. It revealed critical issues such as lack of governmental preparedness, absence of on-site control systems, inadequate training, and insufficient protection of human rights for both patients and staff. The findings highlight the need for a sustainable, community-based mental healthcare system and the development of emergency manuals and human rights protection protocols for medical personnel in future infectious disease responses.

The Development of an Assessment Instrument for Behavior Toward Hypoglycemia Risk Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outpatients in Jakarta, Indonesia: Putu Rika Veryanti, Rani Sauriasari, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Berna Elya, Muhammad Ikhsan Mokoagow; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(1):31-43. Published online November 13, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.313

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument for assessing patients’ behavior toward the risk of hypoglycemia through self-assessment. Insufficient education and supervision of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) outpatients by healthcare providers is a significant concern, affecting their behavior during the treatment process. Additionally, inappropriate behavior typically increases the risk of hypoglycemia. To mitigate this risk, several studies have recommended evaluating patients’ behavior, necessitating the development of a new instrument.
Methods
The study procedures were conducted in 3 stages: instrument development (face and content validity, stage I), construct validity and reliability test (stage II), and criterion validity (stage III). Stage I involved 5 healthcare practitioners, including internal medicine doctors, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists in hospitals and community health centers. Stage II included 20 respondents using a 1-shot test method. Stage III involved 237 type 2 DM outpatients at Central General Hospital (RSUP) in Jakarta, employing a cross-sectional design and consecutive sampling.
Results
The results indicated that the developed instrument was valid and reliable, comprising 9 domains (29 questions). These domains included behavior toward blood glucose monitoring, diet, physical activity, medication, assistance from healthcare providers, hypoglycemia management, self-care, family support, and insulin use. Furthermore, poor behavior was found to increase the risk of hypoglycemia by 2.36 times.
Conclusions
Based on these results, the developed instrument could be effectively used to evaluate behavior toward hypoglycemia among type 2 DM outpatients, confirming its validity and reliability.; Summary

Key Message
The development of an assessment instrument for behavior toward hypoglycemia risk among type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients in Jakarta, Indonesia have been carried out. The instrument contains 9 domains, included behavior toward blood glucose monitoring, diet, physical activity, medication, assistance from healthcare providers, hypoglycemia management, self-care, family support, and insulin use. Poor behavior was found to increase the risk of hypoglycemia by 2.36 times. The instrument developed is valid and reliable.

Brief Report

Drug Prescription Indicators in Outpatient Services in Social Security Organization Facilities in Iran: Afsoon Aeenparast, Ali Asghar Haeri Mehrizi, Farzaneh Maftoon, Faranak Farzadi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(3):298-303. Published online April 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.424

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Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
The aim of this study was to estimate drug prescription indicators in outpatient services provided at Iran Social Security Organization (SSO) healthcare facilities.
Methods
Data on all prescribed drugs for outpatient visits from 2017 to 2018 were extracted from the SSO database. The data were categorized into 4 main subgroups: patient characteristics, provider characteristics, service characteristics, and type of healthcare facility. Logistic regression models were used to detect risk factors for inappropriate drug prescriptions. SPSS and IBM Modeler software were utilized for data analysis.
Results
In 2017, approximately 150 981 752 drug items were issued to outpatients referred to SSO healthcare facilities in Iran. The average number of drug items per outpatient prescription was estimated at 3.33. The proportion of prescriptions that included an injection was 17.5%, and the rate of prescriptions that included an antibiotic was 37.5%. Factors such as patient sex and age, provider specialty, type of facility, and time of outpatient visit were associated with the risk of inappropriate prescriptions.
Conclusions
In this study, all drug prescription criteria exceeded the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization. To improve the current prescription patterns throughout the country, it would be beneficial to provide providers with monthly and annual reports and to consider implementing some prescription policies for physicians.

Summary

Key Message
In present research all drug prescriptions in Iran Social Security outpatient facilities were assessed. In all 45,312,540 studied prescriptions, the average number of drug items per prescriptions was 3.33 items. 17.5% of prescriptions contained injection and 37.5% contained antibiotic. Patient sex and age, provider specialty, type of facility were associated with the risk of inappropriate prescriptions. It seems that correct policy making and proper supervision alongside health education will be core basis for improving drug prescription and use.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Cross-Sectional Investigation on Drug-Drug Interactions in Prescriptions of Pediatric Outpatient Clinics at a Referral Center in Southern Iran
Sara Asadi, Omid Moradi, Hossein Amini, MReza Goodarzian, Maryam Babaei, Maral Goodarzian
Journal of Comprehensive Pediatrics.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Articles

Risks for Readmission Among Older Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Analysis Using Korean National Health Insurance Service – Senior Cohort Data: Yu Seong Hwang, Heui Sug Jo; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(6):563-572. Published online November 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.346

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The high readmission rate of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has led to the worldwide establishment of proactive measures for identifying and mitigating readmissions. This study aimed to identify factors associated with readmission, as well as groups particularly vulnerable to readmission that require transitional care services.
Methods
To apply transitional care services that are compatible with Korea’s circumstances, targeted groups that are particularly vulnerable to readmission should be identified. Therefore, using the National Health Insurance Service’s Senior Cohort database, we analyzed data from 4874 patients who were first hospitalized with COPD from 2009 to 2019 to define and analyze readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors correlated with readmission within 30 days.
Results
The likelihood of readmission was associated with older age (for individuals in their 80s vs. those in their 50s: odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 2.12), medical insurance type (for workplace subscribers vs. local subscribers: OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.99), type of hospital (those with 300 beds or more vs. fewer beds: OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.90), and healthcare organization location (provincial areas vs. the capital area: OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.41).
Conclusions
Older patients, patients holding a local subscriber insurance qualification, individuals admitted to hospitals with fewer than 300 beds, and those admitted to provincial hospitals are suggested to be higher-priority for transitional care services.; Summary

Korean summary
국내 만성폐쇄성폐질환(COPD)의 위험도 표준화 재입원율은 12.7%로, 주요 진단군 가운데 재입원율이 가장 높다. 국민건강보험공단 노인코호트를 활용하여 COPD로 입원한 환자의 재입원 위험 요인을 파악한 결과 고령 환자, 국민건강보험 지역가입자, 300병상 미만 규모 병원 또는 도 지역 소재 병원 에 입원한 환자의 경우 재입원 위험이 높았다. 재입원 위험이 높은 환자에 대하여 우선적으로 퇴원환자관리 서비스가 제공될 필요가 있다.

Key Message
The risk-standardized readmission rate for COPD in Korea is 12.7%, the highest among major diagnostic groups. Using the National Health Insurance Service Senior Cohort to identify risk factors for the readmission of patients hospitalized with COPD, it was found that older patients, local health insurance subscribers, those hospitalized in facilities with fewer than 300 beds, or in hospitals located in provincial areas had a higher risk of readmission. It is necessary to prioritize transitional care services for patients at a high risk of readmission.

Construction of the Mobility to Participation Assessment Scale for Stroke (MPASS) and Testing Its Validity and Reliability in Persons With Stroke in Thailand: Jiraphat Nawarat, Kanda Chaipinyo; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(4):334-341. Published online June 13, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.605

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study was conducted to develop the Mobility to Participation Assessment Scale for Stroke (MPASS) and assess its content validity, internal consistency, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, and convergent validity in people with stroke living in the community.
Methods
The MPASS was developed using published data on mobility-related activity and participation timing in elderly individuals, and then reviewed by community physical therapists. Content validity was established by reaching a consensus of experienced physical therapists in a focus group. The MPASS was scored for 32 participants with stroke (mean age 61.75±4.92 years) by 3 individual testers. Reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using the Cronbach alpha coefficient (α), and convergent validity using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) to compare the MPASS to the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index as a referent test of mobility.
Results
The MPASS consists of 8 items, and its scoring system provides information on the ability of people with stroke to reach a movement level enabling them to live in society, including interactions with other people and safe living in the community. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were excellent (ICC, 0.948; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.893 to 0.982 and ICC, 0.967; 95% CI, 0.933 to 0.989, respectively). Internal consistency was good (α=0.877). The convergent validity was moderate (r=0.646; p<0.001).
Conclusions
The newly developed MPASS showed acceptable construct validity and high reliability. The MPASS is suitable for use in people with stroke, especially those who have been discharged and live in the community with the ability to initiate sitting.; Summary

Association Between Cohabitation Status and Sleep Quality in Families of Persons With Dementia in Korea: A Cross-sectional Study: Seung Hoon Kim, Minah Park, Sung Hoon Jeong, Sung-In Jang, Eun-Cheol Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(5):317-329. Published online August 14, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.077

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify the association between cohabitation status and sleep quality in family members of people with dementia (PwDs).
Methods
Data of 190 365 participants aged ≥19 years from the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey were analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their cohabitation status with PwDs. Multiple logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the cohabitation status of PwDs’ relatives and sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and PSQI subscales.
Results
Compared to participants without PwDs in their families, both cohabitation and non-cohabitation with PwDs were associated with poor sleep quality (cohabitation, male: odds ratio [OR],1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.52; female: OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.64; non-cohabitation, male: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.24; female: OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.33). In a subgroup analysis, non-cohabiting family members showed the highest odds of experiencing poor sleep quality when the PwD lived alone (male: OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.91; female: OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.01). Cohabiting male and female participants had higher odds of poor subjective sleep quality and use of sleeping medications than non-cohabiting male and female participants, respectively.
Conclusions
The residence of PwDs and cohabitation status may contribute to poor sleep quality among PwDs’ family members. The circumstances faced by cohabiting and non-cohabiting family members should be considered when evaluating sleep quality in family members of PwDs, and appropriate interventions may be needed to improve sleep quality in both cohabiting and non-cohabiting family members.

Summary

Korean summary
2018년 지역사회건강조사를 이용하여 190 365명을 대상으로 가족 중 치매환자 유무 및 치매환자와의 동거여부와 수면의 질 사이의 연관성을 분석하였다. 치매환자와의 동거여부와 상관없이 가족 중 치매환자가 존재하는 것은 낮은 수면의 질과 유의한 연관성이 있었다. 가족 중 치매환자가 있지만 동거하지 않는 가족 구성원의 경우 치매환자가 혼자 살 때 낮은 수면의 질과의 연관성이 가장 높게 나타났다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Negative Consequences of Sleep Deprivation Experienced by Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia on Caregivers and Care Recipients: A Scoping Review
Jieyu Mao, Miyae Yamakawa, Xujing Hu, Hitomi Chikama, Toshiyuki Swa, Yasushi Takeya
International Journal of Nursing Practice.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The relationships between care burden and sleep quality in migrant care workers: an evaluation of the mediating factors
I-Ming Chen, Jia-Chi Shan, Tzu-Yun Lin, Jennifer Yi-Ying Chen, Po-Chang Tseng, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Shih-Cheng Liao, Hsi-Chung Chen
Critical Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors related to cognitive performance among black caregivers of persons living with a chronic illness: An exploratory study
Glenna Brewster, Irene Yang, Jordan Pelkmans, Melinda Higgins, Drenna Waldrop, Sandra B. Dunbar, Katherine A. Yeager
Geriatric Nursing.2024; 59: 159. CrossRef
Association Between Sleep Quality and Anxiety in Korean Adolescents
Hyunkyu Kim, Seung Hoon Kim, Sung-In Jang, Eun-Cheol Park
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2022; 55(2): 173. CrossRef
Association of compliance with COVID-19 public health measures with depression
Ju An Byun, Tae Jun Sim, Tae Yoon Lim, Sung-In Jang, Seung Hoon Kim
Scientific Reports.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Perspective

Dilemmas Within the Korean Health Insurance System: Donghwi Park, Min Cheol Chang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2020;53(4):285-288. Published online July 1, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.20.074

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