Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of 3 Health Literacy Instruments (SAHL-E, AAHLS, and HLS-EU-Q47) in Hindi Among Rural Adults in North India: Dheeraj Sharma; J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(2):194-203. Published online March 30, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.893

322 View
56 Download

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Health literacy (HL) is a key determinant of health behaviors and health outcomes. However, the lack of validated Hindi-language instruments limits its assessment in India. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate 3 internationally recognized tools—the Short Assessment of Health Literacy in English (SAHL-E), the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS), and the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47)—for Hindi-speaking adults in rural North India.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study enrolled 250 adults from 5 villages in Uttar Pradesh. Translation followed forward–backward procedures with expert review and pretesting. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency (Cronbach α), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), convergent and known-groups validity, and feasibility indicators (completion rates and interview duration).
Results
All instruments demonstrated strong psychometric performance. Cronbach α values were 0.84 (SAHL-E), 0.87 (AAHLS), and 0.93 (HLS-EU-Q47), and ICCs ranged from 0.86 to 0.94. Factor structures aligned with theoretical expectations. Convergent correlations ranged from 0.42 to 0.61 (p<0.001), and known-groups validity analyses showed significant differences according to education and occupation. Completion rates exceeded 98%, and the mean interview duration was approximately 32 minutes.
Conclusions
The Hindi-adapted SAHL-E, AAHLS, and HLS-EU-Q47 demonstrated strong reliability, validity, and feasibility for assessing HL among rural adults in India.; Summary

Key Message
The Hindi versions of SAHL-E, AAHLS, and HLS-EU-Q47 showed acceptable reliability and construct validity among rural adults in North India. The instruments retained their expected factor structures and demonstrated moderate correlations with each other, indicating related but distinct dimensions of health literacy. These findings support their use for assessing health literacy in Hindi-speaking rural populations.

Prevalence and Severity of Depression Among Patients With Anemia Attending a Rural Outpatient Clinic in Faridabad, India: A Cross-sectional Study: Prince , Urvashi , Rajat Sharma, Jubair Shamsi, Satya Vir Singh; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(6):629-634. Published online August 9, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.363

1,629 View
228 Download

Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
This study was performed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression among patients previously diagnosed with anemia and to explore associated clinical and socio-demographic factors.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to February 2025, among 300 patients with anemia attending the outpatient clinic at the Rural Health Training Centre, Amrita School of Medicine, Faridabad, Haryana. Data on socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. Depression was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Associations of anemia severity with depression presence and severity were analyzed using the chi-square test, logistic regression, and ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders.
Results
The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score>9) among patients with anemia was 31.3%. Severe anemia was significantly associated with higher odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 8.07; p=0.027) and more severe depression (aOR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.14 to 7.27; p=0.026). Symptoms such as weakness (aOR, 3.57) and shortness of breath (aOR, 2.71) were also significantly associated with depression. Moderate anemia displayed a non-significant trend.
Conclusions
Severe anemia is independently associated with both the presence and severity of depression. Routine mental health screening should be integrated into anemia management protocols, especially in rural healthcare settings.; Summary

Key Message
Anemia is a common problem in India, whereas there is a growing awareness about mental health issues like depression. This study was conducted at a Rural Health Training Centre in India, to estimate the prevalence and severity of depression among patients with anemia. The prevalence of anemia was found to be 31.3% (PHQ-9 score > 9), and severe anemia was associated with higher odds of depression and more severe depression. Our study indicated a need of routine mental health screening in patients with anemia.

Predictors of Quality of Life Among Older Residents in Rural and Urban Areas in Indonesia: An Approach Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Dwi Rosella Komalasari, Chutima Jalayondeja, Wattana Jalayondeja, Yusuf Alam Romadon; J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(2):199-207. Published online November 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.423

5,826 View
505 Download
1 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding health and quality of life (QoL) in older adults in both rural and urban settings, each presenting unique advantages and challenges. This study aimed to explore the relationship between factors based on the ICF model and QoL among older residents of these areas.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 286 older adults aged 60 years or older from rural and urban areas of Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. The WHOQoL-BREF was utilized to assess QoL. The co-factors included personal factors, impairments, and activity limitations.
Results
Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that cardiovascular endurance was the strongest significant factor associated with QoL in rural areas (B=0.027, standard error [SE]=0.013, p=0.050). In urban areas, gender emerged as the most significant factor influencing QoL (B=-13.447, SE=2.360, p<0.001), followed by hemoglobin level (B=-1.842, SE=0.744, p=0.015), age (B=-0.822, SE=0.217, p<0.001), and cognitive function (B=0.396, SE=0.162, p=0.016).
Conclusions
Efforts to improve QoL for older adults in rural areas should focus on enhance physical performance through exercise. In urban areas, the maintenance of QoL is influenced by personal factors. It is crucial to address physical performance through exercise to enhance QoL in rural settings. Meanwhile, focusing on mental health, financial security, and social connections is recommended to improve QoL for older adults in urban areas.

Summary

Key Message
The ICF model offers a comprehensive framework to assess health and QoL in older adults living in rural and urban areas. Both areas highlight the distinct advantages and challenges unique. Cardiovascular endurance is a vital factor in determining the QoL for older adults in rural areas, while hemoglobin levels, age, and cognition shape the well-being of those in urban environments.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Determinants of Quality of Life among Older Adults Living in Agricultural Communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Yodfah Ratmanee
Community and Social Development Journal.2026; 27(1): 142. CrossRef

Empowering Rural Housewives in Iran: Utilizing the Transtheoretical Model to Increase Physical Activity: Mahboobe Borhani, Zakieh Sadat Hosseini, Najme Shahabodin, Ali Mehri, Mohadese Kiani, Marzieh Abedi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(2):167-175. Published online January 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.457

14,686 View
334 Download
3 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
Rural housewives are integral to household management and family care, yet their sedentary lifestyles present significant health risks. This study used the transtheoretical model (TTM) to investigate strategies that encourage and maintain regular exercise habits among rural housewives.
Methods
A semi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 with 114 housewives aged 30 to 59 who attended rural health centers in Gorgan, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Data collection involved a validated questionnaire that gathered demographic information and constructs of the TTM. The intervention group participated in a comprehensive educational program, which included four 60-minute sessions. Data were collected again 6 months post-intervention and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 21.
Results
The study encompassed women with an average age of 39.75±6.05 years, the majority of whom had educational levels below a diploma, and over 90% were married. We observed strong correlations between the processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance. At the outset, there were no significant differences in demographics or model structures between the 2 groups. However, 6 months post-intervention, the intervention group exhibited statistically significant differences in the mean scores of model structures, stages of change, and body mass index (<>p<0.05).
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of physical activity training for rural housewives. The findings suggest that the educational intervention, which utilized the TTM, significantly impacted the participants’ model structures and their stages of change.

Summary

Key Message
The study aimed to investigate strategies for promoting and sustaining regular exercise habits among rural housewives using the transtheoretical model (TTM). A semi-experimental study was conducted with 114 housewives aged 30 to 59 in Iran. The intervention group received a comprehensive educational program, and after 6 months, they exhibited significant differences in model structures, stages of change, and body mass index compared to the control group. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity training for rural housewives and suggest that the educational intervention utilizing the TTM substantially impacted the participants' model structures and stages of change.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The impact of training based on the transtheoretical model on increasing physical activity in overweight and obese housewives
Tayebeh Rakhshani, Zahra Jalalpour, Mohsen Jafari, Samira Taravatmanesh, Amirhossein Kamyab, Ali Khani Jeihooni
BMC Women's Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Lifestyle interventions to reduce non-communicable disease risk in female secondary school teachers of Islamabad; a quasi-experimental mixed-methods protocol
Zoha Imtiaz Malik, Shaheer Ellahi Khan, Abdul Momin Rizwan Ahmad
Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The effect of trans-theoretical model stage-matched intervention on medication adherence in hypertensive patients
Kamran Saeidi, Tina Ghavami, Soodeh Shahsavari, Soraya Siabani, Fatemeh Rajati
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Postpartum Depression in Young Mothers in Urban and Rural Indonesia: Alifa Syamantha Putri, Tri Wurisastuti, Indri Yunita Suryaputri, Rofingatul Mubasyiroh; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(3):272-281. Published online May 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.534

15,351 View
414 Download
12 Web of Science
20 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
Young mothers are vulnerable to postpartum depression due to role transition-related stress. Understanding the causes underlying these stressors is essential for developing effective interventions.
Methods
This study analyzed the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research data. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess postpartum depression symptoms in mothers aged 15-24 years with infants aged 0-6 months. In 1285 subjects, the risk factors for postpartum depression were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.
Results
The overall prevalence of depression in the 6 months postpartum was 4.0%, with a higher prevalence in urban areas (5.7%) than in rural areas (2.9%). Urban and rural young mothers showed distinct postpartum depression risk factors. In urban areas, living without a husband (odds ratio [OR], 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24 to 11.76), experiencing preterm birth (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.50 to 14.50), having pregnancy complications (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.20 to 7.66), and having postpartum complications (OR, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.98 to 13.80) were associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. In rural areas, postpartum depression was significantly associated with a smaller household size (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.00 to 10.38), unwanted pregnancy (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.15 to 16.86), and pregnancy complications (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.31 to 8.88).
Conclusions
In both urban and rural contexts, postpartum depression relates to the availability of others to accompany young mothers throughout the postpartum period and offer support with reproductive issues. Support from the family and the healthcare system is essential to young mothers’ mental health. The healthcare system needs to involve families to support young mothers’ mental health from pregnancy until the postpartum period.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Assessing maternal postnatal depression, bonding and practices in mothers of preterm and low birth weight infants in Indonesia
Ricvan Dana Nindrea, Linda Rosalina, Milya Novera, Long Chiau Ming, Nissa Prima Sari, Nabil Aresto Avilla, Fanisha Anugrah Rahmadhani Putri, Nailah Putri Rivani
MethodsX.2026; 16: 103750. CrossRef
REPERCUSSÕES DA GRAVIDEZ E DO PUERPÉRIO NA SAÚDE MENTAL DE MÃES ADOLESCENTES
Kezia Cristina Batista dos Santos, Amanda Lohanna Marinho Teixeira, Mayra Sharlenne Moraes Araújo, Joelmara Furtado dos Santos
Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro.2026; 1(02): 1. CrossRef
A Systematic Literature Review of Husband’s Support for the Incidence of Postpartum Depression in Indonesia
Nasrilia Rahmadina, Simanjuntak Widya Linawati, Salsabila Hana Husniah Khairunnisa, Ray Wagiu Basrowi, Dela Riadi
The Open Public Health Journal.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Integration of yoga exercise and educational postpartum class reduces cortisol level and depression score in mothers with postpartum depression risk
Zahra Azizah Danistya, Lilik Herawati, Herdika Ayu Retno Kusumasari, Budi Prasetyo, Sakinah Nuzuliya Izza, Mohd Nahar Azmi Mohamed
CHILD`S HEALTH.2026; 21(1): 26. CrossRef
Postpartum depressive symptoms and associated factors among women with lactation mastitis: a cross-sectional study
Jianrong Li, Yiming Hou, Nana Chen, Yingyi Fan, Xiaohua Pei
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Caregivers’ Baseline Mental Health Problems and Early Childhood Social Skills at One-Year Follow-Up in an Urban Area of Indonesia
Hilda Meriyandah, Yuri Nurdiantami, Smarika Shresta, Maiko Shigeeda, Tokie Anme
Children.2026; 13(4): 508. CrossRef
Postpartum depression and associated factors among childbearing women from the recent Demographic and Health Survey data of Mozambique: Multilevel analysis
Mamaru Melkam, Bezawit Melak Fente, Yohannes Mekuria Negussie, Zufan Alamrie Asmare, Hiwot Altaye Asebe, Beminate Lemma Seifu, Alemayehu Kasu Gebrehana, Sintayehu Simie Tsega, Meklit Melaku Bezie, Angwach Abrham Asnake
Heliyon.2025; 11(1): e41106. CrossRef
Intelligent Internet of Medical Things for Depression: Current Advancements, Challenges, and Trends
Md Belal Bin Heyat, Deepak Adhikari, Faijan Akhtar, Saba Parveen, Hafiz Muhammad Zeeshan, Hadaate Ullah, Yun-Hsuan Chen, Lu Wang, Mohamad Sawan, Stefano Cirillo
International Journal of Intelligent Systems.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Women with Postpartum Depression: A Literature Review
Ridha Wahyuni, Nik Nairan Abdullah, Akmal Hisyam Arshad
Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal.2025; 10(31): 231. CrossRef
Maternal postnatal depression, bonding, and health care practices in providing essential services for preterm and low birth weight infants in Indonesia
Ricvan Dana Nindrea, Long Chiau Ming, Nissa Prima Sari
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.2025; 33: 102028. CrossRef
Association between infant feeding practices, COVID-19 related cognitive factors, and postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional online study in Thailand
Wichukorn Suriyawongpaisal, Punpawee Kittikul, Eun Young Lee, Li-Yin Chien, Yan-Shing Chang, Kelly Pereira Coca, Doungjai Buntup, Seo Ah Hong
BMC Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The efficacy of integrative antenatal class (IAC) to improve the psychological well-being of pregnant mothers
Lastri M. Winarni, Rita Damayanti, Sabarinah Prasetyo, Yati Afiyanti
Journal of Education and Health Promotion.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Midwifery Counseling Strategies to Prevent Unintended Pregnancies among Young Mothers
Andi Sitti Umrah, Andi Kasrida Dahlan, Juliani Juliani
Journal of Applied Nursing and Health.2025; 7(2): 172. CrossRef
Factors associated with postpartum depression among women with birth complications in Ghana
Naomi Kyeremaa Yeboa, Elizabeth Chodzaza, Magdalene Akos Odikro, Masumbuko Albert Baluwa, Listowel Ferka, Lyson Ndaona, Ursula Kafulafula
British Journal of Midwifery.2025; 33(9): 480. CrossRef
Motherhood and mental health of adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Amber Hussain, Yared Asmare Aynalem, Tanya Park, Salima Meherali, Ejemai Eboreime
PLOS Global Public Health.2025; 5(9): e0005134. CrossRef
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale in Postpartum Mental Health Screening on Indonesian Version
Ratna Dewi Putri, Martha Irene Kartasurya, Sri Achadi Nugraheni, Bagoes Widjanarko, J.-H. Han, S. Changrob, A. Rachmatullah, W. Sabiiti, M.I. Kartasurya
BIO Web of Conferences.2025; 193: 00077. CrossRef
Common Mental Disorders and Associated Factors During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in Indonesia: An Analysis of Data From the 2018 Basic Health Research
Arum Ariasih, Besral, Meiwita Budiharsana, Sudarto Ronoatmodjo
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2024; 57(4): 388. CrossRef
Association Between Maternal Weight Perception Before and During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Status in Southern China
Qin Zhang, Menglu Qiu, Laidi Guo, Yuanyuan Li, Zhencheng Xie, Wanyi Yang, Lishan Ouyang, Jia Yin, Yun Zhou, Minghan Fu, Ye Ding, Zhixu Wang
Nutrients.2024; 16(21): 3696. CrossRef
Budaya dan Intervensi Depresi Postpartum: Tinjauan Literatur Sistematik Lintas Benua
Ria Anggraini, Ninik Setiyowati
Jurnal Psikologi.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Qualitative Study of Perinatal Mental Health Services: Experiences and Perspectives of Health Workers and Patients
Evi Diliana Rospia, Dwi Kartika Cahyaningtyas, Siti Mardiyah WD, Cahaya Indah Lestari
EMBRIO.2023; 15(2): 216. CrossRef

Ethnic Variation and Its Association With Malaria Awareness: A Cross-sectional Study in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia: Robertus Dole Guntur, Jonathan Kingsley, Fakir M. Amirul Islam; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(1):68-79. Published online November 15, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.367

9,396 View
153 Download
3 Web of Science
5 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study investigated associations between ethnicity and malaria awareness in East Nusa Tenggara Province (ENTP), Indonesia.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted upon 1503 adults recruited by multi-stage cluster random sampling. A malaria awareness questionnaire was used to collect data, according to which participants were classified as aware or unaware of malaria. Logistic regression was applied to quantify the strength of associations of factors with malaria awareness.
Results
The participation rate in this study was high (99.5%). The participants were distributed relatively evenly among the Manggarai, Atoni, and Sumba ethnicities (33.0, 32.3, and 30.2%, respectively). Malaria awareness was significantly different amongst these groups; it was most common in the Manggarai ethnicity (65.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 59.9 to 70.3) and least common in the Sumba ethnicity (35.0%; 95% CI, 27.6 to 42.4). The most prominent factor influencing the malaria awareness in the Sumba and Manggarai ethnicities was education level, whilst it was socioeconomic status (SES) in the Atoni ethnicity. The likelihood of malaria awareness was significantly higher in adults with an education level of diploma or above (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 21.4; 95% CI, 3.59 to 127.7 for Manggarai; aOR, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.81 to 26.6 for Sumba). Malaria awareness was significantly more common amongst high-SES adults in the Atoni group (aOR, 24.48; 95% CI, 8.79 to 68.21).
Conclusions
Low education levels and low SES were prominent contributors to lower levels of malaria awareness in rural ENTP. Interventions should focus on improving malaria awareness to these groups to support the Indonesian government’s national commitment to achieve a malaria elimination zone by 2030.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Determinants of delay in treatment-seeking among malaria patients attending health facilities in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2024: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Enyew Getaneh Mekonen, Agazhe Aemro
Malaria Journal.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Community perceptions and acceptance of ivermectin for malaria control on Sumba Island, Indonesia
Diana Timoria, Christa Dewi, Claus Bøgh, Tri Baskoro, Wisnu Nurcahyo, Vincentius Arca Testamenti, Lorenz von Seidlein, Kevin Kobylinski, Mary Chambers, Pyae Linn Aung
PLOS One.2026; 21(2): e0326646. CrossRef
Health Education Campaign to Improve Malaria Knowledge, Prevention, and Treatment Behaviors in Rural East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia: Protocol for a Cluster-Assigned Quasi-Experimental Study
Robertus Dole Guntur, Maria Lobo, Dony Martinus Sihotang, Yulianti Paula Bria, Damai Kusumaningrum
JMIR Research Protocols.2025; 14: e66982. CrossRef
The Declined Trend of Malaria over a Ten-year Period in the Rural East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia: A Medical Record Analysis
Maria Lobo, Robertus Dole Guntur, Damai Kusumaningrum, Yulianti Paula Bria
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.2024; 12(1): 107. CrossRef
The Variation of Malaria Prevention Measures Knowledge and their Associated Factors in Rural East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
Robertus Dole Guntur, Maria A. Kleden, Damai Kusumaningrum, Fakir M. Amirul Islam
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.2023; 11(E): 378. CrossRef

Regional Differences in the Effects of Social Relations on Depression Among Korean Elderly and the Moderating Effect of Living Alone: Chanki Kim, Eun Jee Chang, Chang-yup Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(6):441-450. Published online October 22, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.337

8,439 View
167 Download
14 Web of Science
15 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
Socioeconomic disadvantages interact with numerous factors which affect geriatric mental health. One of the main factors is the social relations of the elderly. The elderly have different experiences and meanings in their social lives depending on their socio-cultural environment. In this study, we compared the effects of social relations on depression among the elderly according to their living arrangement (living alone or living with others) and residential area.
Methods
We defined social relations as “meetings with neighbors” (MN). We then analyzed the impact of MN on depression using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging Panel with the generalized estimating equation model. We also examined the moderating effect of living alone and performed subgroup analysis by dividing the sample according to which area they lived in.
Results
MN was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms among elderlies. The size of the effect was larger in rural areas than in large cities. However, elderly those who lived alone in rural areas had a smaller protective impact of MN on depression, comparing to those who lived with others. The moderating effect of living alone was significant only in rural areas.
Conclusions
The social relations among elderlies had a positive effect on their mental health: The more frequent MN were held, the less risk of depressive symptoms occurred. However, the effect may vary depending on their living arrangement and environment. Thus, policies or programs targeting to enhance geriatric mental health should consider different socio-cultural backgrounds among elderlies.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 사회적 관계가 노인의 우울에 미치는 영향이 독거 상태 및 거주 지역에 따라 달라지는지 확인하였다. 사회적 관계를 이웃과의 만남 빈도로 정의하고 고령화연구패널자료를 분석한 결과 사회적 관계의 효과 크기는 대도시에서 가장 작었고 독거의 조절효과는 농어촌에서만 유의하였다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Social frailty in older adults: A concept analysis
Anung Ahadi Pradana, Robbert J.J. Gobbens, Huei-Ling Chiu, Chen-Ju Lin, Shu-Chun Lee
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.2025; 130: 105729. CrossRef
The Effect of Virtual Intelligence Games Applied to Older Adults on Cognitive Skills
Meral Sertel, Muhammed Gündoğan, Beyzanur Bostanoğlu, Müberra Çolak
Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation.2025; 41(1): 65. CrossRef
Association between chronic diseases and depressive inclinations among rural middle-aged and older adults
Liuchun Xiang, Jie Yang, Masaaki Yamada, Yaojiang Shi, Haisong Nie
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Effect of Social Activity on All‐Cause Dementia Among South Korean Elders: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Wonseok Jeong, Wonjeong Jeong, Seungju Kim
Health Science Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Latent profile analysis of depressive symptoms in older patients with chronic diseases and their relationship with social support study
Langxuan Liu, Wenmian Wang, Xiaoxuan Gong, Yanping Zhang, Jing Zeng, Hao Zhang
BMC Psychology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Role of Chronic Disease Numbers in the Relationship Between Living Alone and Depression: A Four-Way Decomposition Analysis in a Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults
Haichen Wu, Pengxin Dong, Yidan Chai, Ping Huang, Lichong Lai, Jie Peng, Xiaoying Cao, Xiaoling Feng, Dongmei Huang, Huiqiao Huang
Clinical Interventions in Aging.2025; Volume 20: 1429. CrossRef
Sociodemographic moderators of the association between functional limitations and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults
Haijun Hao, Junyue Yue, Yeong Hun Yeo
Frontiers in Psychiatry.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between area deprivation index and concerns to COVID-19: A multi-level analysis of individual and area factors
Doo Woong Lee, Jieun Jang, Jaeyong Shin
SSM - Population Health.2024; 25: 101580. CrossRef
Nutritional Risk, Depression, and Physical Function in Older People Living Alone
Jeong-Hye Park, Se-Won Kang
Healthcare.2024; 12(2): 164. CrossRef
Urban-Rural Differences in Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Related Factors Among Older Adults: Findings from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging
Bongjeong Kim, Jinseub Hwang, Dohyang Kim, Soo Jin Kang
Research in Community and Public Health Nursing.2024; 35: 51. CrossRef
The Effectiveness of Digital Interactive Intervention on Reducing Older Adults’ Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Xinyu Shi, Jiaxin Zhang, Hailiang Wang, Yan Luximon
Gerontology.2024; 70(9): 991. CrossRef
Global rural health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: State of the science
Lisa Ann Kirk Wiese, Allison Gibson, Marc Aaron Guest, Amy R. Nelson, Raven Weaver, Aditi Gupta, Owen Carmichael, Jordan P. Lewis, Allison Lindauer, Samantha Loi, Rachel Peterson, Kylie Radford, Elizabeth K. Rhodus, Christina G. Wong, Megan Zuelsdorff, La
Alzheimer's & Dementia.2023; 19(9): 4204. CrossRef
Living alone and the risk of depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional and cohort analysis based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Guangjun Zheng, Biying Zhou, Zhenger Fang, Chunxia Jing, Sui Zhu, Mingliang Liu, Xia Chen, Lei Zuo, Haiyan Chen, Guang Hao
BMC Psychiatry.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Assessment of the relationship between living alone and the risk of depression based on longitudinal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Daolin Wu, Fuwei Liu, Shan Huang
Frontiers in Psychiatry.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of Serious Games on Depression in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Yesol Kim, Soomin Hong, Mona Choi
Journal of Medical Internet Research.2022; 24(9): e37753. CrossRef

The Association of Perceived Neighborhood Walkability and Environmental Pollution With Frailty Among Community-dwelling Older Adults in Korean Rural Areas: A Cross-sectional Study: Mi-Ji Kim, Sung-Hyo Seo, Ae-Rim Seo, Bo-Kyoung Kim, Gyeong-Ye Lee, Yeun-Soon Choi, Jin-Hwan Kim, Jang-Rak Kim, Yune-Sik Kang, Baek-Geun Jeong, Ki-Soo Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2019;52(6):405-415. Published online October 24, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.19.166

12,674 View
164 Download
16 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of frailty with perceived neighborhood walkability and environmental pollution among community-dwelling older adults in rural areas.
Methods
The participants were 808 community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years and older in 2 rural towns. Comprehensive information, including demographics, socioeconomic status, grip strength, polypharmacy, perceived neighborhood environment (specifically, walkability and environmental pollution), and frailty, was collected from participants using face-to-face interviews conducted between June and August 2018. Perceived neighborhood walkability was measured using 20 items that were selected and revised from the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, the Neighborhood Walkability Checklist from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey. The Kaigo-Yobo Checklist was used to assess participants’ frailty.
Results
The overall prevalence of frailty in this community-dwelling population was 35.5%. Sex, age, cohabitation status, educational attainment, employment status, grip strength, and polypharmacy were significantly associated with frailty. In the logistic regression analysis, frailty was associated with low perceived neighborhood walkability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.881; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.833 to 0.932; p<0.001) and severe perceived neighborhood environmental pollution (aOR, 1.052; 95% CI, 1.017 to 1.087; p=0.003) after adjusting for sex, age, cohabitation status, educational attainment, employment status, monthly income, grip strength, and polypharmacy.
Conclusions
More studies are warranted to establish causal relationships between walkability and environmental pollution and frailty.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 우리나라 농촌지역 노인들이 인지하는 지역 환경과 노쇠의 연관성을 확인하기 위하여 자기보고식 설문지로 인지된 보행편의성 및 환경오염을 측정하였고, Kaigo-Yobo 평가척도로 노쇠를 평가하였다. 연구 결과, 노쇠에 영향을 미칠 것으로 예상되는 변수들을 통제한 후에도 인지된 보행편의성의 감소와 인지된 환경오염의 증가는 노쇠와 관련성이 있었다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Risk prediction model of physical frailty for a rural older population: a cross-sectional study in Hunan Province, China
Xiuyan Guo, Chunhong Shi
Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The influence of the built environment and perceived neighborhood on physical frailty and sarcopenia in older adults: A systematic review
Lucas dos Santos Ferreira, Thais Evelin Marques da Silva, Eliziane Batista dos Santos, Felipe Fank, João Araújo Barros Neto, Enaiane Cristina Menezes
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.2025; 137: 105910. CrossRef
Medication Use by Older Adults with Frailty: A Scoping Review
Rishabh Sharma, Tanaya Sharma, Brent McCready-Branch, Arshia Chauhan, Caitlin Carter, SooMin Park, Imra Hudani, Prapti Choudhuri, Tejal Patel
Pharmacy.2025; 13(6): 170. CrossRef
Effect of walkability on the physical activity of hemodialysis patients: a multicenter study
Yoichi Sato, Naoto Usui, Yoshifumi Abe, Daisuke Okamura, Yota Kuramochi, Sho Kojima, Nobuto Shinozaki, Yu Shimano, Nobuyuki Shirai, Kenta Mikami, Yoji Yamada, Masakazu Saitoh
Renal Replacement Therapy.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Is tourist walkability and well-being different?
Myung Ja Kim, C. Michael Hall
Current Issues in Tourism.2023; 26(2): 171. CrossRef
Association Between Pollution and Frailty in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the UK Biobank
Nicola Veronese, Laura Maniscalco, Domenica Matranga, Guido Lacca, Ligia J. Dominguez, Mario Barbagallo
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.2023; 24(4): 475. CrossRef
Associations of Perceived and Objective Neighborhood Environment Attributes with Walking in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Faezeh Behnamifard, Zohre Shafieiyoun, Mostafa Behzadfar
Journal of Urban Planning and Development.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Frailty in Older Adults and Internal and Forced Migration in Urban Neighborhood Contexts in Colombia
Herney Rengifo-Reina, Tonatiuh Barrientos-Gutiérrez, Nancy López-Olmedo, Brisa N. Sánchez, Ana V. Diez Roux
International Journal of Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
The Effects of Neighborhood Physical and Social Environment on Physical Function among Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A One-Year Longitudinal Study
Masataka Ando, Naoto Kamide, Miki Sakamoto, Yoshitaka Shiba, Haruhiko Sato, Akie Kawamura, Shuichiro Watanabe
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(13): 7999. CrossRef
Association between Age-Friendliness of Communities and Frailty among Older Adults: A Multilevel Analysis
Jixiang Xu, Yingwei Chen, Yujie Wang, Junling Gao, Limei Huang
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(12): 7528. CrossRef
Differences in the Association of Neighborhood Environment With Physical Frailty Between Urban and Rural Older Adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS)
Yuri Seo, Miji Kim, Hayoung Shim, Chang Won Won
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.2021; 22(3): 590. CrossRef
Urban services, pedestrian networks and behaviors to measure elderly accessibility
Federica Gaglione, Caitlin Cottrill, Carmela Gargiulo
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment.2021; 90: 102687. CrossRef
Prevalence and risk factors of frailty among people in rural areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Rui Xu, Qiufang Li, Feifei Guo, Maoni Zhao, Luyao Zhang
BMJ Open.2021; 11(4): e043494. CrossRef
Perceived Neighborhood Environment Associated with Sarcopenia in Urban-Dwelling Older Adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS)
Yuri Seo, Miji Kim, Hyungeun Shin, Changwon Won
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(12): 6292. CrossRef
Frailty Status and Transport Disadvantage: Comparison of Older Adults’ Travel Behaviours between Metropolitan, Suburban, and Rural Areas of Japan
Takumi Abe, Akihiko Kitamura, Satoshi Seino, Yuri Yokoyama, Hidenori Amano, Yu Taniguchi, Mariko Nishi, Yu Nofuji, Tomoko Ikeuchi, Takemi Sugiyama, Shoji Shinkai
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(17): 6367. CrossRef
Contribution of Lifestyle Habits, Geographic Location and Type of Work to the Manifestation of Individual Frailty Components in the Youngest-Old

Advances in Geriatric Medicine and Research.2020;[Epub] CrossRef

Association Between Convenience of Transportation and Unmet Healthcare Needs of Rural Elderly in Korea: Youngeun Choi, Kiryong Nam, Chang-yup Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2019;52(6):355-365. Published online October 3, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.19.172

14,716 View
260 Download
30 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
In rural areas of Korea, where public transportation infrastructure is lacking and alternative systems are poor, the elderly experience inconveniences in using healthcare, although their need is high. This study aimed to analyze the association between the convenience of transportation and unmet healthcare needs among the rural elderly.
Methods
The data used were collected in the 2016 Community Health Survey among rural elderly individuals aged 65 or older. Dependent variable was the unmet healthcare needs, explanatory variable was the convenience of transportation. The elderly were divided into 3 groups: with no driver in the household, with a driver, and the elderly individual was the driver (the self-driving group). Covariates were classified into predisposing, enabling, and need factors. They included gender, age, education, income, economic activity, household type, motor ability, subjective health level, number of chronic diseases, anxiety/depression, and pain/discomfort. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and stratification.
Results
A significant association was found between the convenience of transportation and unmet healthcare needs. When examined unadjusted odds ratio of the group with a driver in the household, using the group with no driver as a reference, was 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.68), while that of the self-driving group was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.38). The odds ratios adjusted for all factors were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.80) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.91).
Conclusions
We confirmed a significant association between inconvenient transportation and unmet healthcare needs among the rural elderly even after adjustment for existing known factors. This implies that policies aimed at improving healthcare accessibility must consider the means of transportation available.

Summary

Korean summary
대중교통 인프라가 부족하고 대안적 교통수단 체계가 미흡한 농촌 지역 노인들은 의료 필요는 높으나 도보이동이나 불편한 이동수단을 이용하기 어려워 의료이용에 불편을 겪는다. 본 연구는 의료접근성 향상과 불평등한 접근성 문제에 대한 제안의 근거 마련을 목적으로 질병관리본부 지역사회건강조사 데이터를 이용하여 농촌 노인의 이동수단의 편의성과 미충족의료 경험의 연관성을 살펴보았다. 분석결과 농촌지역 노인에게 교통편 불편은 미충족의료 경험의 주된 이유로 나타났고 기존에 알려진 요인들을 보정한 후에도 이동수단의 편의성과 미충족의료 경험 사이에 유의한 관계가 있음을 확인하였다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Digital health services and rural healthcare access: Evidence from China
Xizi Wan, Yiyu Ao, Zhongmou Huang, Miao Yu
Health Policy and Technology.2026; 15(1): 101123. CrossRef
Impact of the Family Doctor Contracting System on unmet healthcare needs in Shandong Province, China
Jialong Tan, Jian Wang, Lingxuan Xu, Peilong Li, Jingjie Sun, Chen Chen
Health Policy and Planning.2026; 41(1): 22. CrossRef
‘Driving the Patients’: Taxi Drivers' Experiences With Patient Transportation
Trine Oksholm, Ann‐Kristin Fjørtoft
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Outdoor thermal comfort and multidimensional health effects of older adults in a subtropical city during autumn: roles of spatial type, activity, and urban–rural setting
Yuanjing Wu, Xinhui Fei, Songjun He, Wei Zhou, Shaozhen Fan, Yuping Tang, Qunyue Liu, Siren Lan
Energy and Buildings.2025; 347: 116242. CrossRef
Patients with diabetes in regions with population decline and likelihood of receiving diabetes management education and screenings for related complications in Korea
Yeong Jun Ju, Woorim Kim, Kyujin Chang, Tae Hoon Lee, Soon Young Lee
Preventive Medicine.2024; 178: 107793. CrossRef
Rural mobility in later life; counteracting accessibility poverty with digital service solutions
Vanessa Stjernborg, Gustav Lopez Svensson
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment.2024; 126: 104030. CrossRef
Inequalities in unmet health care needs under universal health insurance coverage in China
Jingxian Wu, Yongmei Yang, Ting Sun, Sucen He
Health Economics Review.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Does unequal economic development contribute to the inequitable distribution of healthcare resources? Evidence from China spanning 2001–2020
Afei Qin, Wenzhe Qin, Fangfang Hu, Meiqi Wang, Haifeng Yang, Lei Li, Chiqi Chen, Binghong Bao, Tianjiao Xin, Lingzhong Xu
Globalization and Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Does the Padma Bridge improve livelihoods of the local community? An application of the ordered logit model
Shayeda Shoulin, B. M. Assaduzzaman Nur, Md. Shibber Hossain, Md. Mizanur Rahman
SSRN Electronic Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Nonmedical problems among older adults visiting the emergency department for low acuity conditions: A prospective multicentre cohort study
Katherine Tanguay, Alexandra Nadeau, Audrey-Anne Brousseau, Patrick M. Archambault, Pierre-Hugues Carmichael, Marcel Emond, Jean-Francois Deshaies, Marie-Josée Sirois, Fabrice I. Mowbray, Pierre-Gilles Blanchard, Eric Mercier
Heliyon.2024; 10(15): e35352. CrossRef
Association between residing in municipalities facing population decline and satisfaction with neighboring healthcare infrastructure in older aged adults
Yeong Jun Ju, Woorim Kim, Kyujin Chang, Tae Hoon Lee, Soon Young Lee
BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Analysis of health behavior changes among residents in depopulation areas in Korea: a cross-sectional study based on Community Health Survey data from 2010 to 2019
Miyong Yon
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2024; 29(4): 348. CrossRef
Health Expenditures and Unmet Health Care Needs of Single-Person Households between Pre-Baby Boomer and Baby Boomer Generations: A Secondary Data Analysis
Dajung Ryu, Eunjung Ryu
Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2023; 35(1): 13. CrossRef
Transportation infrastructure development and subjective socio-economic status: A quasi-experiment in establishing rural bus stations in China
Yadong Cui, Su Xu, Yaohui Jiang, Zhaowen Zhang
Research in Transportation Business & Management.2023; 49: 101006. CrossRef
Impact of health and transportation on accessing healthcare in older adults living in rural regions
Sarah Krasniuk, Alexander M. Crizzle
Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives.2023; 21: 100882. CrossRef
Factors associated with the perceived need for assistance from voluntary services in home-based older adults in Chinese urban areas: a cross-sectional study
Lei Huang, Hongyan Wu, Fengjian Zhang, Huimin Zhao, Yuqin Chen, Mingjiao Feng, Yanjie You, Xiao Peng, Chunyan Guan, Yilan Liu
BMC Geriatrics.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors Associated with the Delay in Seeing a Doctor: Evidence of Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Shangren Qin, Xiaoyan Ni, Ye Ding
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.2023; Volume 16: 4239. CrossRef
Long-term Care Utilization Discrepancy Among the Elderly in Former Evacuation Areas, Fukushima
Yurie Kobashi, Tomohiro Morita, Akihiko Ozaki, Toyoaki Sawano, Nobuaki Moriyama, Naomi Ito, Masaharu Tsubokura
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness.2022; 16(3): 892. CrossRef
Association of Race and Neighborhood Disadvantage with Patient Engagement in a Home-Based COVID-19 Remote Monitoring Program
Bradley A. Fritz, Brett Ramsey, Dick Taylor, John Paul Shoup, Jennifer M. Schmidt, Megan Guinn, Thomas M. Maddox
Journal of General Internal Medicine.2022; 37(4): 838. CrossRef
The association between healthcare needs, socioeconomic status, and life satisfaction from a Chinese rural population cohort, 2012–2018
Caiyun Chen, Richard Huan Xu, Eliza Lai-yi Wong, Dong Wang
Scientific Reports.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
The impact of entering poverty on the unmet medical needs of Korean adults: a 5-year cohort study
Yun Hwa Jung, Sung Hoon Jeong, Eun-Cheol Park, Sung-In Jang
BMC Public Health.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Water, land, and air: how do residents of Brazilian remote rural territories travel to access health services?
Patty Fidelis de Almeida, Adriano Maia dos Santos, Lucas Manoel da Silva Cabral, Eduarda Ferreira dos Anjos, Márcia Cristina Rodrigues Fausto, Aylene Bousquat
Archives of Public Health.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Access Barrier in Rural Older Adults’ Use of Pain Management and Palliative Care Services: A Systematic Review
Zainab Suntai, Cho Rong Won, Hyunjin Noh
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®.2021; 38(5): 494. CrossRef
Unmet care needs of older people: A scoping review
Dominika Kalánková, Minna Stolt, P Anne Scott, Evridiki Papastavrou, Riitta Suhonen
Nursing Ethics.2021; 28(2): 149. CrossRef
Identification of Unmet Healthcare Needs: A National Survey in Thailand
Sukanya Chongthawonsatid
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2021; 54(2): 129. CrossRef
A Study on Supply–Demand Satisfaction of Community-Based Senior Care Combined with the Psychological Perception of the Elderly
Jiangang Shi, Wenwen Hua, Daizhong Tang, Ke Xu, Quanwei Xu
Healthcare.2021; 9(6): 643. CrossRef
Factors influencing emergency medical competencies of health centers and fire stations in areas that are vulnerable to earthquakes
Seolhyang Baek, Seungwoo Han
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine.2021; 8(3): 192. CrossRef
Unmet Healthcare Needs Among Elderly Malaysians
Shamsul Azhar Shah, Nazarudin Safian, Saharuddin Ahmad, Siti Rohani Nurumal, Zulkefley Mohammad, Juliana Mansor, Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah, Yugo Shobugawa, Megumi Rosenberg
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.2021; Volume 14: 2931. CrossRef
Influencing Factors of Transportation Costs regarding Healthcare Service Utilization in Korea
Su Yeon Jang, Jeong Yeon Seon, In-Hwan Oh
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Unmet Healthcare Needs and Associated Factors in Rural and Suburban Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ju Young Kim, Dae In Kim, Hwa Yeon Park, Yuliya Pak, Phap Ngoc Hoang Tran, Truc Thanh Thai, Mai Thi Thanh Thuy, Do Van Dung
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(17): 6320. CrossRef

How Much Do Older Adults Living Alone in Rural South Korea Know About Dementia?: Mi Sook Kim, Dong-Soo Shin, Yong-jun Choi, Jin Soon Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2018;51(4):188-195. Published online June 19, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.17.084

9,300 View
150 Download
2 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study aimed to examine the level of dementia knowledge of older Korean adults living alone in rural areas and to identify related factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive design was applied. The participants were 231 older adults living alone who were recruited from 12 of the 13 primary health care posts in the rural area of Chuncheon. Participants’ level of dementia knowledge was assessed using the Dementia Knowledge Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the t-test, analysis of variance, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test were applied.
Results
Participants’ mean age was 77.3±5.4 years, and women comprised 79.7% of the sample. Over half of the participants (61.9%) had no formal education, and all the participants were enrolled in Medical Aid. The participants’ average percentage of correct answers was 61.6%. The highest rate (94.4%) was for the item “Dementia can change one’s personal character.” The item with the lowest proportion of correct answers was “Dementia is not treatable” (23.4%). Dementia knowledge was significantly associated with age, education, health coverage, source of living expenses, and dementia risk.
Conclusions
Dementia knowledge among Korean rural older adults living alone was relatively low. Participants’ misconceptions about symptoms and treatment could hinder them from seeking early treatment. The results of this study suggest the need for active outreach and health care delivery for rural older adults living alone in South Korea.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Estimates of Long-Term Care Utilization and Lifetime Distribution of Medical Cost for Dementia in Korea
Seok Jong Chung, Jee Eun Lee, Dong Wook Kim, So Ra Yoon, Dong Gyo Shin, Moon Young Choi, Jun Hong Lee
Korean Journal of Clinical Geriatrics.2021; 22(1): 22. CrossRef
The Changes for Strength of Oropharyngeal Muscles in Patients with Dementia and Dysphagia
Eun Kyu Ji, Hae Hyun Wang, Sung June Jung, Kyoung Bo Lee, Joon Sung Kim, Bo Young Hong, Tae-Woo Kim, Seong Hoon Lim
Brain & Neurorehabilitation.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

Brief Report

Throat Carriage Rate and Antimicrobial Resistance of Streptococcus pyogenes In Rural Children in Argentina: Gastón Delpech, Mónica Sparo, Beatriz Baldaccini, Gisela Pourcel, Sabina Lissarrague, Leonardo García Allende; J Prev Med Public Health. 2017;50(2):127-132. Published online January 4, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.15.073

11,067 View
203 Download
11 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) in children living in a rural community and to investigate the association between episodes of acute pharyngitis and carrier status.
Methods
Throat swabs were collected from September to November 2013 among children 5-13 years of age from a rural community (Maria Ignacia-Vela, Argentina). The phenotypic characterization of isolates was performed by conventional tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assayed for penicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and clindamycin (disk diffusion). The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined for penicillin, cefotaxime, tetracycline, and erythromycin.
Results
The carriage of β-hemolytic streptococci was detected in 18.1% of participants, with Streptococcus pyogenes in 18 participants followed by S. dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis in 5. The highest proportion of GAS was found in 8 to 10-year-old children. No significant association between the number of episodes of acute pharyngitis suffered in the last year and the carrier state was detected (p>0.05). Tetracycline resistance (55.5%) and macrolide-resistant phenotypes (11.1%) were observed. Resistance to penicillin, cefotaxime, or chloramphenicol was not expressed in any streptococcal isolate.
Conclusions
The present study demonstrated significant throat carriage of GAS and the presence of group C streptococci (S. dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis) in an Argentinian rural population. These results point out the need for continuous surveillance of GAS and non-GAS carriage as well as of antimicrobial resistance in highly susceptible populations, such as school-aged rural children. An extended surveillance program including school-aged children from different cities should be considered to estimate the prevalence of GAS carriage in Argentina.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The Role of Physical Examination and Clinical Scores in Distinguishing Streptococcal Colonization from Pharyngitis in Pediatric Patients: Insights from a Common Clinical Scenario
Victor Daniel Miron, Doina Anca Pleșca, Anuța Bilașco, Claudiu Filimon, Sigrid Covaci, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu
Microorganisms.2025; 13(3): 529. CrossRef
A systematic review of asymptomatic colonisation with Group A Streptococcus in lower- and middle-income countries
Hermaleigh Townsley, Thomas E. Locke, Nicholas Laundy, Christopher Keil, Alexander J. Keeley, Jean Hamilton, Abdullah Pandor, Thomas C. Darton, Thushan I. de Silva
Journal of Infection.2025; 91(4): 106615. CrossRef
State transitions across the Strep A disease spectrum: scoping review and evidence gaps
Prerana Parajulee, Jung-Seok Lee, Kaja Abbas, Jeffrey Cannon, Jean Louis Excler, Jerome H. Kim, Vittal Mogasale
BMC Infectious Diseases.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Recent development and fighting strategies for lincosamide antibiotic resistance
Yingying Yang, Shiyu Xie, Fangjing He, Yindi Xu, Zhifang Wang, Awais Ihsan, Xu Wang, Graeme N. Forrest
Clinical Microbiology Reviews.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors of Streptococcus pyogenes among apparently healthy school children in Mekelle city primary schools, Northern Ethiopia
Hadush Negash Meles, Brhane Berhe Aregawi, Miglas Welay Gebregergis, Haftamu Hailekiros, Yemane Weldu, Pugazhenthan Thangaraju, Muthu Thiruvengadam, Naiyf S. Alharbi, Muthupandian Saravanan
Heliyon.2024; 10(14): e34769. CrossRef
Cannabinoids as Antibacterial Agents: A Systematic and Critical Review of In Vitro Efficacy Against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus
Dhakshila Niyangoda, Myat Lin Aung, Mallique Qader, Wubshet Tesfaye, Mary Bushell, Fabian Chiong, Danny Tsai, Danish Ahmad, Indira Samarawickrema, Mahipal Sinnollareddy, Jackson Thomas
Antibiotics.2024; 13(11): 1023. CrossRef
The rise and fall of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: a mini review
Yunmei Liang, Dingle Yu, Qinghua Lu, Yuejie Zheng, Yonghong Yang
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Throat carriage rate, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of group A Streptococcus among healthy school children in Jigjiga City, Eastern Ethiopia
Shamil Barsenga, Habtamu Mitiku, Tewodros Tesfa, Tadesse Shume
BMC Pediatrics.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Streptococcal Throat Carriage among Primary School Children Living in Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Kevin B. Edem, Enobong E. Ikpeme, Mkpouto U. Akpan
Journal of Child Science.2021; 11(01): e28. CrossRef
Microorganisms causing respiratory diseases in children in relation to age and diagnosis
H. O. Isaieva, M. M. Mishyna, M. O. Gonchar, O. L. Logvinova, M. A. Basiuk
Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems.2020; 11(4): 552. CrossRef
Asymptomatic carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes among school children in Sana’a city, Yemen
Arwa Mohammed Othman, Rowa Mohammed Assayaghi, Huda Zaid Al-Shami, Riyadh Saif-Ali
BMC Research Notes.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Articles

A Qualitative Inquiry Into the Challenges of Medical Education for Retention of General Practitioners in Rural and Underserved Areas of Iran: Sajad Delavari, Mohammad Arab, Arash Rashidian, Saharnaz Nedjat, Rahmatollah Gholipour Souteh; J Prev Med Public Health. 2016;49(6):386-393. Published online November 1, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.16.062

11,772 View
166 Download
14 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
General practitioners (GPs) retention in rural and underserved areas highly effects on accessibility of healthcare facilities across the country. Education seems to be a critical factor that affects GPs retention. Thus, the present study aimed at inquiry into medical education challenges that limit their retention in rural and underserved areas.
Methods
A qualitative approach was applied for the aim of this study. Data were gathered via 28 semi-structured interviews with experts at different levels of Iran’s health system as well as GPs who retained and refused to retain working in rural settings. Interviews mainly were performed face-to-face and in some cases via telephone during 2015 and then coded and analyzed using content analysis approach.
Results
Iran’s medical education is faced with several challenges that were categorized in four main themes including student selection, medical students’ perception about their field of study, education setting and approach, curriculum of medical education. According to experts this challenges could results in making GP graduates disinterested for practicing in rural and underserved areas.
Conclusions
Challenges that were found could have negative effects on retention. Modification in student’s perception about rural practice could be done via changing education setting and approach and curriculum. These modifications could improve GPs retention in rural and underserved areas.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploring the motivations and challenges of private dental practitioners in rural India: A qualitative analysis
Vaibhav Kohli, Pankaj Chaudhary, Ayush Razdan Singh, Priyanka Bhushan, Nancy Srivastava, Rohit Sharma, Kumar Gaurav Chhabra, Mrunal Meshram
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.2025; 14(8): 3292. CrossRef
Telemedicine Solutions for Chronic Pain: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Novel System
Shahabedin Rahmatizadeh, Zeinab Kohzadi, Ali Dabbagh, Hassan Emami, Zahra Kohzadi, Mehrdad Taheri
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Adopting a comprehensive approach to optimize medical education delivery in rural areas: A narrative review
Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Sudhakar Bobhate, Prithvi Brahmanand Petkar, Vaishnavi H. Mishra
Journal of Clinical Sciences.2024; 21(4): 197. CrossRef
Identifying factors affecting dentists retention in deprived areas in Iran
Mohammadreza Amiresmaeili, Majid Heidari Jamebozorgi, Azam Heidari Jamebozorgi
The International Journal of Health Planning and Management.2022; 37(3): 1340. CrossRef
Retention of dental practitioners in rural health services in Iran: Experiences from Kerman province
Mohammadreza Amiresmaili, MajidHeidari Jamebozorgi, AzamHeidari Jamebozorgi, Morteza Arab-Zozani
Dental Research Journal.2022; 19(1): 34. CrossRef
Influencing factors on the tendency of general practitioners to join in urban family physician program: a cross-sectional survey on Iranian physicians
Mohsen Bayati, Arash Rashidian, Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi, Sajad Delavari
Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Challenges Associated with the Education of Family Physicians in Iran: A Systematic Review
Abtin Heidarzadeh, Bita Hedayati, Mark K. Huntington, Mehdi Alvandi, Alireza Aarabi, Babak Farrokhi, Marzieh Nojomi, Somayeh Noori Hekmat, Roksana Mirkazemi
Journal of Medical Education.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Evaluating the Current Status of Education in Family Physicians in Iranian Medical Schools
A Heidarzadeh, M Nojomi, M Alvandi, A Mohammadi, F Mohseni, P Naghshpour
Research in Medical Education.2022; 14(3): 29. CrossRef
A National Survey on the characteristics of Iranian General Practitioners and Their Preferred Specialty: A Need to Transition toward Preventive Medicine
Yaser Sarikhani, Peivand Bastani, Mohsen Bayati
International Journal of Preventive Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Self-medication Pattern and Prevalence Among Iranian Medical Sciences Students
Nastaran Niroomand, Mohsen Bayati, Mozhgan Seif, Somayeh Delavari, Sajad Delavari
Current Drug Safety.2020; 15(1): 45. CrossRef
Preferences of Medical Sciences Students for Work Contracts in Deprived Areas of Iran: A Discrete Choice Experiment Analysis

Ali Kazemi Karyani, Behzad Karami Matin, Parisa Malekian, Delnia Moradi Rotvandi, Saeed Amini, Sajad Delavari, Shahin Soltani, Satar Rezaei
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy.2020; Volume 13: 927. CrossRef
Inequity in the distribution of rural family physicians in Iran: a cross sectional study
Rasoul Tabari-Khomeiran, Elham Ehsani-Chimeh, Ali Davoudi Kiakalayeh, Enayatollah Homaie Rad, Sajad Delavari
International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare.2019; 12(4): 258. CrossRef
Healthcare-seeking behavior and its relating factors in South of Iran
Atefeh Khajeh, Hossein Molavi Vardanjani, Alireza Salehi, Negin Rahmani, Sajad Delavari
Journal of Education and Health Promotion.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Viewpoint: Primary care in Iran needs a paradigm shift
Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi, Sajad Delavari, Sara Ghasemi
British Journal of General Practice.2018; 68(670): 235. CrossRef

Unsafe Disposal of Child Faeces: A Community-based Study in a Rural Block in West Bengal, India: Preeti PS, Sanjaya Kumar Sahoo, Dhiraj Biswas, Aparajita Dasgupta; J Prev Med Public Health. 2016;49(5):323-328. Published online September 8, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.16.020

11,740 View
181 Download
21 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
A clean India is the responsibility of all Indians. One of the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Initiative) is to bring about behavioural changes regarding healthy sanitation practices. While large-scale programs in India have increased latrine coverage, they have to some extent failed to bring behavioural changes ensuring optimal latrine use, including the safe disposal of child faeces, which is a significant source of exposure to faecal pathogens. Hence, this study was done to explore child faeces disposal practices in rural West Bengal and to elicit the determinants of unhygienic faeces disposal.
Methods
Data collection was done using an interview method among the mothers of 502 under-5 children, following a pre-designed, semi-structured schedule during house-to-house visits in a set of villages in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
Results
The prevalence of unsafe disposal of child faeces was 72.4%, and maternal education, per capita income, and water source were found to be significantly associated with unsafe child faeces disposal.
Conclusions
This study draws attention to the unsafe disposal of child faeces in this area of India and raises questions about the efficiency of sanitation campaigns in rural India that focus on expanding coverage rather than emphasizing behavioural changes, which are crucial to ensure the safe disposal of child faeces. Thus, it is urgently necessary to strengthen efforts focusing on behavioural changes regarding the safe disposal of child faeces in order to minimise adverse health outcomes.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Mapping spatial inequality: unsafe child feces disposal practices across 707 districts in India
Margubur Rahaman, U. Venkatesh, Gurucharan Karmakar, Kunal Keshri, Sanju Purohit, Md Abdul Latif
BMC Public Health.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
No Child’s Play: Under-five Child Feces Management in a Rural Area of Bengaluru Urban District, India
Anissa Mary Thomas Thattil, Twinkle Agrawal, Abdul Kader Surti, Stallon Sebastian, Kiyana Mirza, George Jacob, Farah Naaz Fathima
Indian Journal of Community Medicine.2024; 49(1): 138. CrossRef
Effect of Positive Deviance Approach on Promotion of Safe Disposal of Child’s Feces in Rural Tamil Nadu: A Community-Based Quasi-Experimental Study
S. Nancy, S Gayathri, K. Mujibur Rahman, P. K. Govindarajan
Indian Journal of Community Medicine.2024; 49(1): 46. CrossRef
Exploring drivers of unsafe disposal of child stool in India using hierarchical regression model
Margubur Rahaman, Avijit Roy, Pradip Chouhan, Md. Juel Rana, Pintu Paul
PLOS ONE.2024; 19(3): e0295788. CrossRef
Decomposing rural-urban gap in unsafe disposal practice of child stool in India using nationwide sample survey data
Avijit Roy, Margubur Rahaman, Pradip Chouhan
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Individual and community level factors of safe child feces disposal among youngest children in East Africa: a multilevel modeling analysis using recent national demography and health survey data
Bewuketu Terefe, Nega Tezera Assimamaw, Bogale Chekole
Archives of Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Knowledge and management practices for disposable baby diapers among child caregivers in informal urban settlements in Uganda
Allan Ssembuusi, Solomon Tsebeni Wafula, David Musoke, Simon Kasasa
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development.2024; 14(8): 670. CrossRef
Associated factors of safe child feces disposal in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from recent demographic and health surveys of 34 sub-Saharan countries
Getu Debalkie Demissie, Muluken Fekadie Zerihun, Daniale Tekelia Ekubagewargies, Yigizie Yeshaw, Tadeg Jemere, Bisrat Misganaw, Amare Tariku, Asmamaw Atnafu, Biniyam Sahiledengle
PLOS ONE.2023; 18(2): e0281451. CrossRef
Pattern of child faeces management and disposable diaper usage among under-fives in an Urban Slum of Bandung, Indonesia
Lina Agestika, Neni Sintawardani, Umi Hamidah, Sikopo Nyambe, Taro Yamauchi
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development.2022; 12(1): 32. CrossRef
Hygienic Child Feces Disposal Practice and Its Associated Factors among Mothers/Caregivers of Under Five Children in West Armachiho District, Northwest Ethiopia
Moges Addis, Walelegn Worku, Laekemariam Bogale, Alebachew Shimelash, Eniyew Tegegne
Environmental Health Insights.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Contextual and psychosocial factors influencing caregiver safe disposal of child feces and child latrine training in rural Odisha, India
Gloria D. Sclar, Valerie Bauza, Alokananda Bisoyi, Thomas F. Clasen, Hans-Joachim Mosler, Alison Parker
PLOS ONE.2022; 17(9): e0274069. CrossRef
Interventions to address unsafe child feces disposal practices in the Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review
Lauren Sprouse, Anna Liles, Ryan Cronk, Valerie Bauza, James B. Tidwell, Musa Manga
H2Open Journal.2022; 5(4): 583. CrossRef
Are children’s stools in Ghana disposed of safely? Evidence from the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey
Abdul-Aziz Seidu
BMC Public Health.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Geographical variation and factors associated with unsafe child stool disposal in Ethiopia: A spatial and multilevel analysis
Biniyam Sahiledengle, Zinash Teferu, Yohannes Tekalegn, Tadesse Awoke, Demisu Zenbaba, Kebebe Bekele, Abdi Tesemma, Fikadu Seyoum, Demelash Woldeyohannes, Harvie P. Portugaliza
PLOS ONE.2021; 16(4): e0250814. CrossRef
Unhygienic stool-disposal practices among mothers of children under five in Cambodia: Evidence from a demographic and health survey
Pisey Vong, Pannee Banchonhattakit, Samphors Sim, Chamroen Pall, Rebecca S. Dewey, Alessandra N. Bazzano
PLOS ONE.2021; 16(7): e0249006. CrossRef
Factors associated with safe child feces disposal in Ethiopia, India, and Zambia
Rachel Beardsley, Ryan Cronk, Wren Tracy, Lisa Fleming, Maybin Ng'ambi, James B. Tidwell, Musa Manga
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.2021; 237: 113832. CrossRef
A multilevel analysis of individual and contextual factors associated with the practice of safe disposal of children’s faeces in sub-Saharan Africa
Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Kwaku Kissah-Korsah, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Louis Kobina Dadzie, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Eugene Budu, John Elvis Hagan, Srinivas Goli
PLOS ONE.2021; 16(8): e0254774. CrossRef
Unsafe child feces disposal status in Ethiopia: what factors matter? Analysis of pooled data from four demographic and health surveys
Biniyam Sahiledengle
BMC Public Health.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Individual and contextual factors associated with disposal of children’s stools in Papua New Guinea: evidence from the 2016–2018 demographic and health survey
Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Louis Kobina Dadzie, Ishmael Bukari, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Sanni Yaya
BMC Public Health.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Determinants of disposal of child faeces in latrines in urban slums of Odisha, India: a cross-sectional study
Fiona Majorin, Corey L Nagel, Belen Torondel, Parimita Routray, Manaswini Rout, Thomas F Clasen
Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.2019; 113(5): 263. CrossRef
Prevalence and associated factors of safe and improved infant and young children stool disposal in Ethiopia: evidence from demographic and health survey
Biniyam Sahiledengle
BMC Public Health.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

C-reactive Protein Concentration Is Associated With a Higher Risk of Mortality in a Rural Korean Population: Jung Hyun Lee, Hyungseon Yeom, Hyeon Chang Kim, Il Suh, Mi Kyung Kim, Min-Ho Shin, Dong Hoon Shin, Sang-Baek Koh, Song Vogue Ahn, Tae-Yong Lee, So Yeon Ryu, Jae-Sok Song, Hong-Soon Choe, Young-Hoon Lee, Bo Youl Choi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2016;49(5):275-287. Published online August 23, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.16.025

13,247 View
205 Download
5 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, has been widely used as a preclinical marker predictive of morbidity and mortality. Although many studies have reported a positive association between CRP and mortality, uncertainty still remains about this association in various populations, especially in rural Korea.
Methods
A total of 23 233 middle-aged participants (8862 men and 14 371 women) who were free from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and acute inflammation (defined by a CRP level ≥10 mg/L) were drawn from 11 rural communities in Korea between 2005 and 2011. Blood CRP concentration was analyzed as a categorical variable (low: 0.0-0.9 mg/L; intermediate: 1.0-3.0 mg/L; high: 3.1-9.9 mg/L) as well as a continuous variable. Each participant’s vital status through December 2013 was confirmed by death statistics from the National Statistical Office. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the independent association between CRP and mortality after adjusting for other risk factors.
Results
The total quantity of observed person-years was 57 975 for men and 95 146 for women, and the number of deaths was 649 among men and 367 among women. Compared to the low-CRP group, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality of the intermediate group was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.40) for men and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.61) for women, and the corresponding values for the high-CRP group were 1.98 (95% CI, 1.61 to 2.42) for men and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95) for women. Similar trends were found for CRP evaluated as a continuous variable and for cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusions
Higher CRP concentrations were associated with higher mortality in a rural Korean population, and this association was more prominent in men than in women.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Dose–Response Association Between Handgrip Strength and All‐Cause Mortality Across Different Levels of Systemic Inflammation
Andrea Tur‐Boned, Lars Louis Andersen, Rubén López‐Bueno, Rodrigo Núñez‐Cortés, Carlos Cruz‐Montecinos, Luis Suso‐Martí, Ana Polo‐López, Joaquín Calatayud
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Binary cutpoint and the combined effect of systolic and diastolic blood pressure on cardiovascular disease mortality: A community-based cohort study
Ju-Yeun Lee, Ji Hoon Hong, Sangjun Lee, Seokyung An, Aesun Shin, Sue K. Park, Tariq Jamal Siddiqi
PLOS ONE.2022; 17(6): e0270510. CrossRef
Association of serum high-sensitivity C reactive protein with risk of mortality in an Asian population: the Health Examinees cohort
Sang-Ah Lee, Sung Ok Kwon, Hyerim Park, Xiao-Ou Shu, Jong-Koo Lee, Daehee Kang
BMJ Open.2022; 12(7): e052630. CrossRef
Associations of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen with mortality from all-causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer among U.S. adults
Junxiu Liu, Yanan Zhang, Carl J. Lavie, Fred K. Tabung, Jiting Xu, Qingwei Hu, Lixia He, Yunxiang Zhang
Preventive Medicine.2020; 139: 106044. CrossRef
Sex differences in the association between self-rated health and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in Koreans: a cross-sectional study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Se-Won Park, Seong-Sik Park, Eun-Jung Kim, Won-Suk Sung, In-Hyuk Ha, Boyoung Jung
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.2020;[Epub] CrossRef

Trends in Cigarette Use Behaviors Among Adolescents by Region in Korea: Nam Soo Hong, Keon Yeop Kim, Soon-Woo Park, Jong-Yeon Kim, Jisuk Bae, Won Kee Lee, Ki Su Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2011;44(4):176-184. Published online July 29, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2011.44.4.176

14,027 View
68 Download
10 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives

Understanding recent trends in cigarette smoking among adolescents is important in order to develop strategies to prevent cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to compare recent trends in cigarette smoking for adolescents living in rural areas, small towns and metropolitan cities in Korea.

Methods

The raw data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) from 2005 to 2009 were used. Data were analyzed by using the method of complex survey data analysis considering complex sampling design. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate significant linear time trends in cigarette smoking. The indicators of cigarette use behaviors were 'current smoking rate', 'frequent smoking rate', 'heavy smoking rate' and 'smoking experience rate before 13 years of age'. All analyses were conducted according to gender.

Results

Statistically significant increasing trends in current smoking rate and frequent smoking rate were observed and borderline significant increasing trends in heavy smoking rate were shown among rural boys. Among metropolitan city boys, statistically significant increasing trends were also seen for frequent smoking. Statistically significant decreasing trends in current smoking rate were observed among small town and metropolitan city girls. Smoking experience rate before 13 years of age for rural girls decreased significantly.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking prevalence among adolescents in the rural areas has increased in the last five years especially among boys. Our findings suggest that anti-tobacco program for adolescents should be conducted primarily for those in rural areas.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Trends in the Prevalence of Korean Adolescent Smokers According to Smoking Cessation Policy and COVID-19
Mina Kim, Hiejin Noh
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2025; 37(1): 93. CrossRef
The positive impact of smoking cessation on fracture risk in a nationwide cohort study
Jin-Sung Park, Kyung-Chung Kang, Se-Jun Park, Jeong-Keun Kim, Kyungdo Han, Jae-Young Hong
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Differences in Health Behavior Profiles of Adolescents in Urban and Rural Areas in a Korean City
Myungah Chae, Kihye Han
Healthcare.2021; 9(3): 282. CrossRef
Gender differential secular trend in lifetime smoking prevalence among adolescents: an age-period-cohort analysis
Jun Hyun Hwang, Soon-Woo Park
BMC Public Health.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Trends in the ease of cigarette purchase among Korean adolescents: evidence from the Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey 2005–2016
Seo Young Kang, Jung Ah. Lee, Hong-Jun Cho
BMC Public Health.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Age-period-cohort analysis of smoking prevalence among young adults in Korea
Yong Ho Jee, Sung-il Cho
Epidemiology and Health.2016; 38: e2016010. CrossRef
Data Resource Profile: The Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS)
Yoonjung Kim, Sunhye Choi, Chaemin Chun, Suyeon Park, Young-Ho Khang, Kyungwon Oh
International Journal of Epidemiology.2016; : dyw070. CrossRef
Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders in Asian Populations of British Columbia
Joshua D. Lee, Colleen Guimond, Irene M. Yee, Carles Vilariño-Güell, Zhi-Ying Wu, Anthony L. Traboulsee, A. Dessa Sadovnick
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques.2015; 42(4): 235. CrossRef
Factors Related to Increasing Trends in Cigarette Smoking of Adolescent Males in Rural Areas of Korea
Nam Soo Hong, Sin Kam, Keon Yeop Kim
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2013; 46(3): 139. CrossRef
Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in university students in the city of Leon, Mexico
Maciste H. Macías-Cervantes, Victoriano Pérez-Vázquez, Antonio E. Rivera-Cisneros, Andrés Martínez-Rivera, Joel Ramírez-Emiliano, Carlos Kornhauser
Health.2013; 05(11): 1861. CrossRef

English Abstracts

Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension and Related Factors in the Jurisdictional Areas of Primary Health Care Posts in a Rural Community of Korea.: Hyung Min Lee, Yu Mi Kim, Cheol Heon Lee, Jin Ho Shin, Mi Kyung Kim, Bo Youl Choi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2011;44(2):74-83.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2011.44.2.74

7,180 View
109 Download
13 Crossref

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify and assess the factors related to the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension based on jurisdictional areas of primary health care posts in a rural community of Korea. METHODS: This study was performed on 4598 adults aged over 30 years in a rural community and we measured their blood pressure (BP) from October. 2007 to August. 2009. Hypertension is defined as a condition characterized by a systolic BP > or =140 mmHg, a diastolic BP > or =90 mmHg or reported treatment with antihypertensive medications. We analyzed the factors related with the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension using chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 34.7%. The age-adjusted rates of hypertension awareness, treatment and control were 50.6%, 93.9% and 64.1%, respectively. Awareness of hypertension was related with increasing age. Higher awareness was found among men who were felt more stress, were obese and had hypercholesterolemia, and among women who were regulary taking medicine for hypertension, were obese and had diabetes mellitus. In women, the hypertension treatment was related a Medical aid and education for hypertension management. Controlled hypertension was more common among men who were educated about the management of hypertension and among women who had hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of hypertension was low and the control of hypertension was high compared with the nationwide data (KNHANES 2005). The results suggest that understanding the characteristics of hypertension in a community is important to perform a community based hypertension control program.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Comparison of Health Status in Primary Care Underserved Area Residents and the General Population in Korea
Min So Kim, Kyae Hyung Kim, Sang Min Park, Jong-goo Lee, Yeon Seo Ko, A Ra Cho, Yoon Su Ku
Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2020; 41(2): 119. CrossRef
Performance of a Community-based Noncommunicable Disease Control Program in Korea: Patients 65 Years of Age or Older
Sun Mi Lim, Sung-Hyo Seo, Ki Soo Park, Young Hwangbo, Yeonok Suh, Sungin Ji, Jeongmook Kang, Hyeonji Hwang, Jose Rene Bagani Cruz, Yoon Hyung Park
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
The Effect of Special Medical Examination for Night Shift Workers and Follow-Up Management Against Hypertension
Won Seon Choi, Ji-Won Lee, Jae Yong Lee, Kyeong Yeon Kim, Jun-Pyo Myong, Won-Chul Lee
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(5): 719. CrossRef
Decrease in Smoking and Related Factor after the Price Raise of Tobacco in Hypertension Patients: Using 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Mi Hyun Joo, Mi Ah Han, Jong Park, Seong Woo Choi, So Yeon Ryu, Jun Ho Shin
Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics.2019; 44(1): 83. CrossRef
Evaluation of Community-based Hypertension Control Programme in South Korea
Sun Mi Lim, Yoon Hyung Park, Won Gi Jhang, Young Taek Kim, Eun Mi Ahn, Ga Hyun Kim, Young Hwangbo
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.2018; 47(4): 143. CrossRef
Metabolomics-based prediction models of yeast strains for screening of metabolites contributing to ethanol stress tolerance
Z Hashim, E Fukusaki
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science.2016; 36: 012046. CrossRef
Hypertension awareness and the related factors by age
Heeran Chun, Il-Ho Kim
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2016; 33(5): 37. CrossRef
Factors Related to Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients in Jeju Province
Yeong Ju Ko, Eunok Park
Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing.2013; 27(2): 267. CrossRef
Related Factors of Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Korea : Using the Fourth Korea National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey
Dong-Min Chang, Il-Su Park, Jong-Hyun Yang
The Journal of Digital Policy and Management.2013; 11(11): 509. CrossRef
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adults in rural north-western China: a cross-sectional population survey
Caixia Dong, Pengfei Ge, Xiaolan Ren, Haoqiang Fan, Xiang Yan
Journal of International Medical Research.2013; 41(4): 1291. CrossRef
Effects of a hypertension management program by Seongcheon primary health care post in South Korea: an analysis of changes in the level of knowledge of hypertension in the period from 2004 to 2009
I. H. Song, S.-A. Kim, W.-S. Park
Health Education Research.2012; 27(3): 411. CrossRef
Serum Lipid Concentrations, Prevalence of Dyslipidemia, and Percentage Eligible for Pharmacological Treatment of Korean Children and Adolescents; Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007–2009)
Seung Yang, Jin Soon Hwang, Hong Kyu Park, Hae Sang Lee, Hae Soon Kim, Eun Young Kim, Jung Sub Lim, Weili Zhang
PLoS ONE.2012; 7(12): e49253. CrossRef
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Saudi Adult Population: A National Survey
Abdalla A. Saeed, Nasser A. Al-Hamdan, Ahmed A. Bahnassy, Abdelshakour M. Abdalla, Mostafa A. F. Abbas, Lamiaa Z. Abuzaid
International Journal of Hypertension.2011; 2011: 1. CrossRef

Change of Cognitive Function and Associated Factors among the Rural Elderly: A 5-Year Follow-up Study.: Sang Kyu Kim, Pock Soo Kang, Tae Yoon Hwang, Joon Sakong, Kyeong Soo Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2007;40(2):162-168.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2007.40.2.162

6,047 View
39 Download
3 Crossref

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This prospective population-based cohort study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors of cognitive impairment and the degree of cognitive function change through a 5-year follow-up. METHODS: The baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in 1998 and 2003, respectively. Among 176 subjects who had normal cognitive function in the baseline study, 136 were followed up for 5 years. The cognitive function was investigated using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Stata. RESULTS: Of the 136 subjects analyzed, 25 (18.4%) were cognitively impaired. Old age and low social support in the baseline survey were risk factors for cognitive impairment after 5 years. In the generalized estimating equation for 128 subjects except severe cognitive impairment about the contributing factors of cognitive function change, the interval of 5 years decreased MMSE-K score by 1.02 and the cognitive function was adversely affected with increasing age, decreasing education and decreasing social support. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study population was small, it was considered that the study results can be used to develop a community-based prevention system for cognitive impairment.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Status of Physical and Mental Function and, Its Related Factors Among the Elderly People Using from Long-Term Care Insurance Service
Nam-Kyou Bae, Young-Soo Song, Eun-Sook Shin, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(12): 5976. CrossRef
Toxicities and functional consequences of systemic chemotherapy in elderly Korean patients with cancer: A prospective cohort study using Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Dong-Yeop Shin, Jeong-Ok Lee, Yu Jung Kim, Myung-Sook Park, Keun-Wook Lee, Kwang-Il Kim, Soo-Mee Bang, Jong Seok Lee, Cheol-Ho Kim, Jee Hyun Kim
Journal of Geriatric Oncology.2012; 3(4): 359. CrossRef
Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Cognitive Function Change of the Elderly in a Rural Area, Korea
Sang-Kyu Kim, Tae-Yoon Hwang, Kyeong-Soo Lee, Pock-Soo Kang, Hee-Soon Cho, Young-Kyung Bae
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2009; 42(4): 261. CrossRef

Original Articles

Investigation of Health Hazards in the Underground Storage Facilities of Ginger Roots.: Hyun Sul Lim, Geun Ryang Bae; Korean J Prev Med. 2002;35(1):72-75.

25,841 View
27 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the health hazards in the underground storage facilities of ginger roots. METHODS: The authors reviewed the emergency rescue records from the Seosan fire department over the period Jan 1, 1996 to Aug 31, 1999. The atmospheres in 3 different underground storage locations were analyzed for O2, CO2, CO, H2S and NH4. RESULTS: From the emergency records, we were able to identify 20 individuals that had been exposed to occupational hazards in the underground storage facilities. Among these 20 cases, 13 were due to asphyxiation (resulting in 7 deaths) and 7 were due to falls. In the first atmospheric tests, performed on Feb 25, 1998, the O2 level inside the underground storage facility, located about 5~6 meters below the surface, was 20.6% and the CO2 level was about 1,000 ppm. CO, H2S and NH4 were not detected. In the second tests on Jul 6, 1999, measurements of the O2 level at 3 meters below the surface in two different storage locations were 15.3 and 15.1%. And the O2 levels inside the storage facilities were 12.2 and 12.1%. The CO2 level was above 5,000 ppm (beyond upper limits of measurement). CO, H2S and NH4 were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that asphyxiation in the underground storage facilities for ginger roots was not due to the presence of toxic gases such as CO, H2S and NH4, but rather the exclusion of oxygen by carbon dioxide was responsible for causing casualties. For the development of a hazard free working environment, safety education as well as improvements in storage methods are needed.; Summary

Association of Blood Pressure with the Social Support of Some Rural Residents.: So Yeon Ryu, Chul Gab Lee, Jong Park, Ki Soon Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(4):437-443.

2,918 View
22 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to assess the association between the social support and blood pressure(BP) in a rural community. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, comprising a health examination including BP, height and weight and a questionnaire-based interview which investigated social support, demographic factors, smoking, drinking, and etc. was performed between February 10th and March 5th, 1998. The survey included 318 persons who were over than 30-year-old in the rural community of Kwangju, Republic of Korea. We excluded persons who taking antihypertensive medications or who provided incomplete information; we subsequently analyzed the data from 284 persons. In order to test the hypothesis of an association between BP and social support controlling confounders such as age, educational level, working time, body mass index, smoking and drinking, the data was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The subjects were composed of 109(38.4%) males and 175(61.6%) females with mean ages of 62.0 years and 61.1 years, respectively. The hypertension prevalence was 41.3% among males and 45.1% among females. In the correlation analysis, higher total social support scores correlated significantly with lower systolic BP in both males and females. The hypertension prevalence increased significantly with the decreasing of the social support in males. In multiple regression analysis, systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a negative association with social support in both males and females, although this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Larger and broader studies are required in the future in order to identify the association between the social support and BP.; Summary

Prevalence and Related Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis in Rural Woman.: Sung Ho Yun, Pock Soo Kang, Seok Beom Kim, Kyeong Soo Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(4):331-336.

3,212 View
37 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To assess the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis through proper diagnosis in a rural community and to elucidate the relevant factors of this health problem in order to develop educational methods for the prevention of female knee osteoarthritis as well to provide basic data for prospective research. METHODS: Over a period of three months starting from August, 2000, 432 women over the age of 40 and living in a rural area were selected by a multistage cluster sampling method in order to investigate the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and the related factors. The study utilized interviews and radiological examination. The criteria of knee osteoarthritis used was the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for osteoarthritis of the knee(1995). RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among the subjects was 55.0%, and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio(OR) of knee osteoarthritis among subjects 50-59 years of age and subjects older than 60 years of age as compared to subjects 40-49 years of age were 2.43(95% CI: 1.30-4.70) and 4.40(95% CI: 2.47-7.83), respectively. The OR of knee osteoarthritis among factory workers or farmers as compared to others was 1.79(95% CI: 1.03-3.12). The OR of knee osteoarthritis among subjects who had a family history and subjects who had knee injury or surgical history against those subjects had neither were 2.56(95% CI: 1.42-4.63) and 4.70(95% CI:1.45-15.19), respectively. The OR of knee osteoarthritis among smokers against non smokers was 0.47(95% CI: 0.22-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Related factors of knee osteoarthritis included age, occupation, family history, smoking, knee injury and history of surgery. In order to prevent knee osteoarthritis in high risked rural woman, education concerning self-care methods and safety guideline must be provided at the work place by the public and private health sectors. Additionally, these women should be continually encouraged to exercise, including jogging and swimming regularly.; Summary

Association between Snoring and Hypertension in a Rural Population.: Hee Young Shin, Jin Su Choi, Jung Ae Rhee; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(3):284-290.

2,717 View
20 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the association of snoring and hypertension in a rural population. METHODS: A population-based sample of 1,763 adults in Chonnam, Korea was investigated with questionnaires and height, weight, and blood pressure measurements. Information on the demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension and snoring was collected through a person-to-person interview using a structured questionnaire. The level of obesity was measured by the body mass index (BMI). Hypertension was considered to be present if the average of two blood pressure measurements was greater than 140mmHg systolic or 90mmHg diastolic, or if they were currently on antihypertensive treatments. RESULTS: The prevalence of snoring was 42.7% in men and 39.8% in women. With regard to age, snoring prevalence was 44.3% in the middle-aged group (45 to 64 years), greater than 33.9% in the younger (<45 years) group or 38.7% in the elderly(> or =65 years) group. The snoring prevalence increased progressively with increasing BMI, but cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption was not associated with snoring. Hypertension occurred more frequently in snorers than in non-snorers (Odds ratio: 1.25, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.55). However after adjusting for sex, age, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use, an effect of snoring on hypertension was no longer present (Odds ratio: 1.13, 95% confidence interval = 0.90-1.41). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that snoring might not be associated with hypertension.; Summary

Therapeutic Compliance and Its Related Factors of Patients with Hypertension in Rural Area.: Sang Won Lee, Sin Kam, Byung Yeol Chun, Min Hae Yeh, Yun Sik Kang, Keon Yeop Kim, Young Sook Lee, Ki Soo Park, Jae Hee Son, Hee Sook Oh, Moon Young Ahn, Pu Dol Lim; Korean J Prev Med. 2000;33(2):215-225.

3,049 View
46 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic compliance and its related factors in the rural hypertensives. METHOD: A questionnaire survey and blood pressure measurement were performed to 3,876 residents of a rural area, and 660 hypertensives were selected as subjects of study. The study employed a hypothetical model which was composed of constructs from the health belief model and KAP model. The analysis techniques employed included contingency table analysis and structural equation modeling. RESULT: The proportion of those who were compliant to the treatment of hypertension was 44.2% of subjects. As the result of structural equation modeling, when patients had more favorable attitude toward treatment, higher perceived benefit, or lower perceived barriers to treatment, the therapeutic compliance was significantly higher(T>2.0). When patients had more knowledge about hypertension, or higher perceived severity of hypertension, the attitude toward the treatment of hypertension was more favorable significantly(T>2.0). And when patients had the support for treatment from family or neighbor, the attitude toward treatment was more favorable(T>2.0). When patients had experience of health education, they had more knowledge, higher perceived susceptibility of complication, perceived severity for hypertension, and perceived benefit of treatment, compare to patients without health education(T>2.0). CONCLUSION: In consideration of above findings, in order to improve the therapeutic compliance in the rural hypertensives, it would be necessary to change attitude, perception, knowledge about hypertension and its treatment, by various methods such as effective health education and programs for maintaining the supportive environment for hypertension treatment.; Summary

A Study on the Family Burden of the Mentally Ill in a Rural Area.: Weon Young Lee, Young Jeon Shin, Jung Hoe Kim, Chung Hyun Nam, Ok Ryun Moon; Korean J Prev Med. 1999;32(3):400-414.

2,916 View
18 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This is a descriptive study which was carried out to identify characteristics of the chronic mentally ill and their families in a rural area and the influencing factors on family burden. METHODS: Data was collected for seven months beginning April 1, 1998 by questionnaire from chronic mentally ill patients and their families in two towns and seven townships of the rural areas of Kyonggi Province. In additional to the mental diagnosis of the mentally ill patients, family burden was measured by interviewing the other family members using the questionnaire developed by Pai & Kapur (1981). Of those interviewed, 103 patients were selected for final analysis. RESULTS: Of 103 mentally ill patients, 36.1% of the subjects were not under treatment. In particular, of 29 patients with schizophrenia, 48.3% of the subjects had stopped taking medication and 6.9% of the subjects had never been treated. According to the results of a specialized examination by a psychologist, 81% of patients were in need of hospitalization. Most primary caregivers were parents. Of the 101 primary caregivers in the study, 39.6% were over 65 years old. In case of death of the primary caregiver, 50.5% of these 101 mentally ill patients would not have anyone to care for them. Of the various kinds of family burden, primary caregivers most often reported psychological stress. Overall, the families of dementia and schizophrenia patients complained of the most family burden. Through univariative analysis, the variables of sex, education and current treatment type of the patients, the relationship with the patient and marital status of the primary caregiver and the number of people living together in the household showed significant correlation with the family burden of schizophrenia patients. Univariative analysis also showed that there were a number of variables which were correlated to the family burden in mentally retarded patients. Concerning the need for mental health services, the most common requests were for entitlement to disability benefits and housing programs. CONCLUSIONS: Community mental health services in rural areas must be developed, planned and executed in consideration of the local situation. In particular, the development of various family support programs is needed in order to mitigate emotional, mental and economic burdens and carry out a positive role to care for and rehabilitate patients.; Summary

Association between Cognitive Impairment and ADL of the Elderly in Rural Area.: Sang Kyu Kim, Seok Beom Kim, Pock Soo Kang; Korean J Prev Med. 1999;32(1):65-71.

3,214 View
54 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this investigation was to study the correlation between cognitive impairment and activities of daily living(ADL) in the elderly of rural area. METHODS: The study population consisted of 210 elderly people aged 65 years and older, living in a district of Kyongju City. The cognitive impairment was measured with the Korean version of mini-mental state examination(MMSE-K) and newly constructed the Korean version of mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE). Bristol activities of daily living scale developed specifically to be used with people with dementia was used to measure ADL. RESULTS: The mean scores of both MMSE-K and K-MMSE were significantly different by sex groups and by age groups, respectively(p<0.05). The mean scores of ADL were significantly different by age groups(p<0.01) not by sex groups. Among the 4 components of ADL(instrumental activities of daily living(IADL), self care, orientation, and mobility), the mean score of the orientation was significantly higher in men(p<0.01); and IADL, orientation and mobility components were significantly different by age groups(p<0.01). ADL correlated well with MMSE-K (r=0.54) and K-MMSE(r=0.52) and showed higher correlation in female (r=0.73, 0.71) than male(r=0.27, 0.29). IADL and orientation showed significant correlation with MMSE-K(r=0.52, 0.62) and K-MMSE(r=0.50, 0.63), respectively(p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In developing and establishing a care model for people with dementia in the community, both cognitive impairment and the activities of daily living(ADL) need to be considered.; Summary

The Relationship between the Cognitive Impairment and Mortality in the Rural Elderly.: Byung Hwan Sun, Kyeong Soo Park, Baeg Ju Na, Yo Seop Park, Hae Sung Nam, Jun Ho Shin, Seok Joon Sohn, Jung Ae Rhee; Korean J Prev Med. 1997;30(3):630-642.

2,699 View
23 Download

Abstract PDF: The purpose of this study was to examine the mortality risk associated with cognitive impairment among the rural elderly. The subjective of study was 558 of 'A Study on the Depression and Cognitive Impairment in the Rural Elderly' of Jung Ae Rhee and Hyang Gyun Jung's study(1993). Cognitive impairment and other social and health factors were assessed in 558 elderly rural community residents. For this study, a Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSEK) was used as a global indicator of cognitive functioning. And mortality risk factors for each cognitive impairment subgroup were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. At baseline 22.6% of the sample were mildly impaired and 14.2% were severely impaired. As the age increased, the cognitive function was more impaired. Sexual difference was existed in the cognitive function level. Also the variables such as smoking habits, physical disorders had the significant relationship with cognitive function impairment. Across a 3-year observation period the mortality rate was 8.5% for the cognitively unimpaired, 11.1% for the mildly impaired, and 16.5% for the severly impaired respondents. And the survival probability was .92 for the cognitively unimpaired, .90 for the mildly impaired, and .86 for the severly impaired respondents. Compared to survival curve for the cognitively unimpaired group, each survival curve for the mildly and the severely impaired group was not significantly different. When adjustments models were not made for the effects of other health and social covariates, each hazard ratio of death of mildly and severely impaired persons was not significantly different as compared with the cognitively unimpaired. But, as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death decreased. Employing Cox univariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, smoking habits, physical disorders. Also when adjustments were made for the effects of other health and social covariates, there was no difference in hazard ratio of death between those with severe or mild impairment and unimpaired persons. And as MMSEK score increased, significantly hazard ratio of death did not decrease. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model, statistically other significant variables were age, monthly income, physical disorders. Employing Cox multivariate proportional hazards model by sex, at men and women statistically significant variable was only age. For both men and women, also cognitive impairment was not a significant risk factor. Other investigators have found that cognitive impairment is a significant predictor of mortality. But we didn't find that it is a significant predictor of mortality. Even though the conclusions of our study were not related to cognitive impairment and mortality, early detection of impaired cognition and attention to associated health problems could improve the quality of life of these older adults and perhaps extend their survival.; Summary

Health related practices and morbidity among adult in rural area.: Jue bok Song, Boo Ouk Rhee, Hai Rim Shin, Kap Yeol Jung, Joon Youn Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 1997;30(2):342-355.

2,686 View
20 Download

Abstract PDF: This research was carried out to determine the performance rate of health related practices, to measure the agreement between morbidity by doctor's diagnosis and morbidity by 'subject' self-reported and the degree of association between health related practices and morbidity rate by doctor's diagnosis, to identify their effects on morbidity among rural area populations. The data were gathered by volunteer residents(over the age of 20) of Haman Myeon, Haman Gun, Kyeongsangnam Do in Korea, from June 10, 1993 to June 12, 1993 (369 male and 516 female). Face to face interview, lab, chest P-A, EKG and physical examination were completed. Descriptive statistics, agreement analysis and multiple logistic regression procedures were employed for analyses. The results of the study were summarized as follows : 1) Age adjusted morbidity rates by doctor's diagnosis and self-reported were 38.5% (male:37.3%, female:36.5%), 26.4% (male:33.3%, female:27.5%), respectively. Kappa coefficient between morbidity by doctor's diagnosis and morbidity by self-reported was 0.21 (male:0.21, female:0.22). 2) The frequency of disease by doctor's diagnosis was as follows: hypertension (15.3%), gastritis (9.6%), diabetes mellitus (8.5%), liver disease (8.1%), and degenerative arthritis (6.2%) in the study population. 3) Order of health practice performance rate was as follows: Males- normal body weight (62.1%), non-heavy alcohol consumption (57.5%), 7-8 hours of sleeping (50.1%), non-smoking (21.7%), and exercise (19.8%). Females- non-heavy alcohol consumption (97.3%), non-smoking (84.7%), normal body weight (57.8%), 7-8 hours of sleeping (45.0%), and exercise (9.9%). 4) There was no significant relationship between health related practice and morbidity except exercise among health related practices. 5) Health related practice index which was recategorized by high, medium, and low had effects on the probability of developing morbidity.; Summary

The Study of Body Fat Percent Measured by Bioelectric Impedance Analyzer in a Rural Adult Population.: Baeg Ju Na, Yo Sub Park, Byung Hwan Sun, Hae Sung Nam, Jun Ho Shin, Seok Joon Sohn, Jin Su Choi; Korean J Prev Med. 1997;30(1):31-44.

2,564 View
19 Download

Abstract PDF: Obesity usually is defined as the presence of and abnormally amount of adipose tissue. In many epidemiologic study, obesity as a health risk factor has been estimated by Body Mass Index(BMI) in general. This study was conducted to review of body fat percent measured by Bioelectric impedance analyzer as a estimator of obesity in a rural adult population. The study subjects were 421 men and 664 women who reside in the area on the Juam lake. They were sampled by multistage cluster sampling. Their mean age was 59 years old. Body fat percent increased with age, but BMI decreased with age in this study. Body fat percent was more larger at female and elder on the same BMI. The correlation coefficient between with body fat percent and body mass index was low (r=0.4737). Body fat percent was explained by not only BMI but also sex and age (r(2)=0.63). The result suggested that it is inadequate for BMI only to estimate obesity about elderly person who reside in the rural community. The relation of body fat percent and body mass index of this study agreed with the preceding knowledges and studies in general.; Summary

A study on the depression and cognitive impairment in the rural elderly.: Jung Ae Rhee, Hyang Gyun Jung; Korean J Prev Med. 1993;26(3):412-429.

2,574 View
29 Download

Abstract PDF: For the purpose of promotion of mental health in the rural elderly, the author surveyed 558 elderlies aged 60 years or more, and assessed the prevalence rates of depression and cognitive impairment by using self-rating depression scale of Zung(SDS) and the Korean version of mini-mental state examination(MMSEK). Also the association between depression or cognitive function and socio-environmental factors were investigated. The major findings were as follows; 1. The prevalence rates of severe depression and cognitive impairment were 20.9% and 14.9% in all the elderly of both sexes, respectively. 2. The rates of depression and cognitive impairment increased with increasing age in both sex groups. The mean scores of SDS increased and the mean scores of MMSEK decreased significantly among them(P<0.01). 3. Those being female, widows or widowers, and those having low levels of physical activity, showed significantly high the mean scores of depression and had significantly low the mean scores of cognitive impairment(P<0.01). 4. The depression scores relating to decreased libido, confusion, psychomotor retardation, hopelessness and indecisiveness were relatively high in both sexes. 5. All the items of mini-mental state examination were significantly correlated with depression. 6. In stepwise multiple regression analysis on depression, MMSEK, level of physical activity, chronic disease, marital status and family income were selected as highly correlated variables, and the R2-value for these variables was 33.7%. 7. In stepwise multiple regression analysis on cognitive function, level of physical activity, age, depression, sex and marital status were selected as highly correlated variables, and the R2-value for these variables was 62.6%. The depression and cognitive impairment of the elderly were positively correlated with nearly all sociodemographic variables.; Summary

Minimum Optimal Scale of the Self-Employed Health insurance Programs in Korea.: Gang Won Park, Jung Un Lee, Hae Kyung Kim, Ok Ryun Moon; Korean J Prev Med. 1992;25(4):333-342.

2,629 View
19 Download

Abstract PDF: The purpose of this study is to estimate the minimum optimal scale(MOS) of the self-employed health insurance associations. Considering the high proportion of operating expenses, the author have selected 254 regional health insurance associations from the 1990 Finance Report of the self-employed health insurance programs. both a quadratic function and a hyperbolic function were chosen for the analysis. The dependent variables are the average maintenance cost per insured person and per household, and the independent variables are the number of insured members and of household. The minimum optimal scale was obtained from the differentiation of the quadratic function. Major findings are summarized as follows: 1. The M.O.S. was calculated as 166,174 members (27,442 households) for the rural self-employed health insurance associations and 258,462 members (75,446 households) for the urban. Providing that both the rural and urban health insurance associations would e integrated, the M.O.S. be found to become 231,687 members (68,101 households) 2. Compared with the optimal minimum scale, the magnitude of the current health insurance association found to be much smaller, less than half of the optimal scale. 3. In order to reduce the operating cost, it is necessary to enlarge the operational scale of self-employed health insurance associations.; Summary

Health status and medical care utilization patterns of rural aged.: Jang Kyun Oh; Korean J Prev Med. 1991;24(3):328-338.

2,606 View
24 Download

Abstract PDF: To find out the state of illness, patterns of medical care utilization, and factors which determine medical care utilization for aged we surveyed 679 rural old persons who live in the Chungnam province from Jan. 10 1991 to Jan. 19. The major findings of this study were as follows; 1. The morbidity rate of chronic illness during last 3 months was 56.4% for all surveyed old persons; 58.7% for female and 52.8% for male. 2. As expected, 80 years old or above group showed the highest morbidity rate, 60.2% and the 65-69 years age group was the lowest, 50.5%. 3. Old persons who are householder, whose family income is less than 290,000 won per month, and who receive benefits from the public medical assistance program had relative higher morbidity rate than other groups and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). 4. The most frequent chronic illness was musculoskeletal disease, 49.6%; the disease from which the aged had suffered for the longest period was gastrointestinal, 11.6yrs; the cerebrovascular was the disease which inflicts the lowest level of physical ability. 5. 67.1% of 383 persons who were suffering from chronic illness were in need of medical care but unmet; among the remaining 32.9% who utilized medical care, 19.2% utilized it in local clinics or hospital OPD and 15% in the health centers of subcenters. 6. Old person who are married, whose sons are householder and whose family income is 500,000 won or above per month showed relative higher utilization rate than other groups and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). 7. The most common reason why the aged did not utilize, in spite of, need medical care was economic problem, 35.4%. For the aged whose family income per month is 500,000 won or above, however the most common reason was tolerable symptom, 46.9% while persons who answered economic problem were 6.1% of them, the lowest frequency.; Summary

An Estimation of Carbamate Pesticide Exposure in a Rural Area: A pilot study using personal sampler and gas chromatography.: Byung Hae Kim, Yong Sik Kim, Jin Su Choi; Korean J Prev Med. 1990;23(2):201-206.

2,361 View
18 Download

Abstract PDF: The exposures to carbamate pesticides (BPMC specifically) of agricultural workers were estimated by collecting pesticide in air by personal sampler and by analyzing with gas chromatography. Data revealed that the highest BPMC concentration in the aspirated air was 7.7 mg/m3. Concentrations were generally higher in the group whose spray conditions were controlled than the group uncontrolled. Actual concentrations were relatively lower than the values predicted theoretically. These findings suggest that personal sampler be useful in the estimation of pesticide exposure.; Summary

Changing Patterns of Ambulatory Care Utilization of a Rural Community in a Regional Medical Insurance Scheme.: Seung Hum Yu, Woo Hyun Cho, Myongsei Sohn, Chong Yon Park; Korean J Prev Med. 1988;21(2):419-430.

2,326 View
25 Download

Abstract PDF: This study was performed in a rural community, Kanghwa county which was introduced to a regional medical insurance pilot program in 1982. The purposes of this study were, firstly, to observe the changes in ambulatory care utilization in the three years 1982, 1983 and 1987 ; secondly, to analyse factors which convert perceived medical care needs to effective medical care demand. During the three periods, a serial interview survey was performed to determine the changes in medical utilization before and after the regional medical insurance program implementation. The number of subjects was 3,356 persons in the year 1982, 3,705 in 1983 and 2,745 in 1987. The results of the study were as follows : 1. Total ambulatory care utilization rates per 100 persons during a 2-week period were 23.6 in the year 1982, 21.8 in 1983, and 29.3 in 1987 ; and physician visit rates were 6.1 in 1982, 11.7 in 1983, and 14.9 in 1987. Thus, compared to the total utilization rate there was a definite increase in physician visit, and during the study periods there was a decrease in drug stores visits whereas an increase in hospital or clinic visits was noticed. 2. The rates of effective demand for medical care need were 70.7% in 1982, 70.5% in 1983 and 75.9% in 1987 ; and the rates of patients who visited physicians were 20.2% in 1982, 42.8% in 1983 and 35.6% in 1987. Thus, physician visits increased sharply by introducing the medical insurance program, but after the latent medical care demands were fulfilled, there was a slight decrease in the physician visits. 3. The number of acute symptoms and the number of chronic symptoms were common determinants of total ambulatory care utilization and physician visits. Besides the medical care need factors, age in 1982, sex and accessibility in 1983, and accessibility in 1987 were statistically significant determinants of the total utilization ; sex and accessibility in 1983, and education in 1987 were also statistically significant determinants of the physician visit. 4. For persons with perceived acute symptoms during the 2-week periods, accessibility in total utilization and age in physician visits were common discriminating factors of ambulatory care utilization in the three years, and education and income were also statistically significant variables For persons with perceived chronic symptoms, occupation and income were statistically significant discriminating variables commonly observed in total utilization and physician visits.; Summary

Physician Utilization and its Determinants in Rural and Urban Slun Areas.: Jin Hee Lee, Kee Ho Ko, Yong Sik Kim, Jung Ae Rhee; Korean J Prev Med. 1988;21(2):404-418.

2,402 View
21 Download

Abstract PDF: The household survey was performed in a urban slum and a rural Chonnam areas to measure the level of illness and medical care utilization and to find the determinants of physician utilization. The data revealed that age-adjusted prevalence rates of acute and chronic diseases were much the same in both areas ranged between 10.0 to 11.3%. But medical care utilization was more frequent in urban slum than in rural area. The facility of the first medical contact was also different. Some personal and disease related variables including disease severity and activity restricted day were significantly, but somewhat differently by area, associated with physician utilization pattern. When applying Anderson model, the medical need factors explained 42.2 and 40.4% of physician utilization in urban slum and in rural areas respectively, while the enabling factors explained 18.0 and 12.2% and the predisposing factors explained 17.1 and 8.9% correspondingly.; Summary

Case-Control Study on Some Risk Factors of Cerebrovascular Diseases in Rural Community: Matched Analysis with One Control per Case.: Sung Hyun Han, Sung Soo Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 1988;21(1):82-88.

2,448 View
22 Download

Abstract PDF: The main objectives of this study were to know the prevalence of cerebrovascular disease, to find the important risk factors of cerebrovascular diseases. This study is a part of Eumseong Community Health Project supportes by GTZ(West German Government). 116 perceived cases of cerebrovascular disease were first screened by health interview and examinations and 80 cases were diagnosed as a cerebrovascular group. For comparison, 80 cases were matched with their neighbor controls of the same sex and the similar age. 1. The prevalence rate for cerebrovascular diseases was 476.3 per 100,000 population which is considered to be very high compared with that of other countries. Age adjusted rate for cerebrovascular diseases was 261.6 per 100,000. 2. Among the risk factors examined for the association with cerebrovascular diseases by case-control study, and analyzed by paired marginal test(McNemar's chi-square-test) and odds ratio, only hypertension showed high significant statistical association.; Summary

Birth Registration Rate and Accuracy of Reported Birth Date in Rural Area.: Jung Han Park, Chang Yik Lee, Jang Rak Kim, Jung Hup Song, Min Hae Yeh, Seong Eok Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 1988;21(1):70-81.

2,863 View
23 Download

Abstract PDF: To measure the birth registration rate and the validity of birth registration data in rural area, all of the 4,014 married women under 49 years of age who had not been sterilized in Gunwee county of Kyungpook province were followed by Myun health workers for 2 years from April 1, 1985 to March 31, 1987 and 766 births were detected. All of the birth registration records of Myun offices were reviewed on September 30, 1987 and 944 births which occurred within the above mentioned period were found. Actual birth date obtained by follow-up study were compared with the birth date on registration card. Among 766 births detected by follow-up study, 576 births(75.2%) which were reported within 6 months after birth were ascertained on the official registration records and 96 births(12.5%) were not found on the records although mother stated that the birth was registered. The registration rate within legal due date was 61.3% among 576 births detected by follow-up study and also ascertained on the official records. The registration rate within legal due date was lower in mothers under 20 years of age and above 35 years and in mothers who had only primary education. It was decreased as the birth order increased. The registration rate was higher in births occurred from October to March than births occurred from April to September. All of the births of 7 neonatal deaths were not reported. The registered birth date was consistent with the actual birth date in 78.0%. Birth date on record was earlier than the actual birth date in 6.8% and later in 15.3%. The consistency rate was lower in mothers above 35 years of age(54.5%), and in infants of 4th birth order and above(56.3%). The rate was increased as the maternal education level increased. The rate of boys was higher than that of girls. A higher percentage(17.4%) of infants born in March was registered with earlier date than the actual birth date and most of these registered birth dates were lunar calendar date. This might be related with the age for entering the primary school. The study findings revealed that the birth registration rate within legal due date and accuracy of report have been increased in recent years, but the infant mortality rate derived from the birth registration seems to be very inaccurate. It is suggested to let the medical personnel who delivered the baby report the birth by mail directly to the current address of parent while infants delivered at home without professional attendant may comply with the present registration system.; Summary

A Follow-up Study of Fertility and Pregnancy Wastage of Women in Rural Area.: Jung Han Park, Sin Hyang Kim, Byung Yeol Chun, Gui Yeon Kim, Min Hae Yeh, Seong Eok Cho, Jae Yeon Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 1988;21(1):21-30.

2,781 View
23 Download

Abstract PDF: To measure the fertility rate and pregnancy wastage of women in rural area, 3,780 married women under 50 years old who were not sterilized either woman or husband in Gunwee county were followed up for 2 years. Seventeen Myun health workers visited these women periodically to check the status of their family planning practice and menstruation. Pregnant women were interviewed for their past obstetric history and followed up to the time of delivery. Family planning was practiced in 51.6% of the 6,826 women-years observed during the period from April 1, 1985 to March 31, 1987. Pregnancy, abortion and delivery covered 7.6% of the observed women years and family planning was not practiced in 36.5% of the women-years. When sterilized women at the beginning of the study were included, the family planning practice rate was 72.1% which was slightly higher than the national family planning practice rate. However, 28% of the women of 30-39 years old had not practiced family planning although they had 2-3 children and they used more such less effective methods as safe-period method and condom than the women of 20-29 years old. Overall pregnancy rate was 14.3 per 100 woman-years. Women of 25-29 years old had the highest pregnancy rate of 27.4 per 100 woman-years. Pregnancy wastage including spontaneous and induced abortions and still births was 22.0% of all pregnancies and it increased with the age of women; 15.8% in women less than 30 years old and 43.7% in women of 30 years and over. Women who terminated the pregnancy with induced abortion had more pregnancies, more previous induced and spontaneous abortions and shorter pregnancy interval than those women who terminated with live birth. Pregnant women terminated with a live birth had received 4.2 prenatal cares on the average. Eighty-five percent of deliveries occurred at a medical facility and 15% at home which was substantially lower home delivery rate than the other rural area of Korea. This may be due to the effects of the demonstration project for the primary health care in 1970s in Gunwee county. These findings suggest that family planning service in rural area should be strengthened by promoting the use of more effective contraceptive method among women over 30 years of age.; Summary

English Abstracts

The Resting Electrocardiographic ST Segment Depression and Related Factors at a Rural Adult Community, Korea.: Yu Mi Kim, Mi Kyung Kim, Jin Ho Shin, Heon Kil Lim, Do Myung Paek, Bo Youl Choi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2006;39(6):485-492.

2,971 View
28 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To measure the distribution of electrocardiographic ST segment depression, and evaluate its relationships with cardiovascular risk factors based on the cross-sectional studies within a rural Korean community. METHODS: This study analyzed 1,343 persons, over 40 years old, who participated in a baseline survey during 2002~2005; the exclusion criteria included: a past history of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris, and specific conduction abnormalities. A Standard 12 leads ECG was recorded using an FCP-2101 (Fukuda Denshi Co.). The ST segment depression was retrospectively measured by a physician, according to the Minnesota code classification. RESULTS: ST segment depression was found in 3.6 and 6.4% of male and female participants, respectively. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, physical activity and obesity differences, high blood pressure showed significant relations with ST depression in females (male ORs=2.67, 95% CI=0.85-8.50; female ORs=2.62, 95% CI=1.29-5.32) CONCLUSIONS: As an ischemic ECG sign, ST depression was related to hypertension in female participants. This relationship remained significant, even after cases with left ventricular hypertrophy were removed.; Summary

Does Living nearby a Garbage Dumping Site Degrade the Quality of Life? A Case Study based on Shin-dong Myeon Residents, Chun-cheon Si.: Myung Kyung Lee, Jun Yeol Choi, In Kyoung Kim, Yeong Ah Cho, Young Shin Kim, Hye Jin Jung, Li Na Kim, Young Kyu Lee, Youngtae Cho; J Prev Med Public Health. 2006;39(4):302-308.

2,939 View
67 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study aims to examine if a garbage dumping site has real and negative influence on the quality of life (QOL) for the nearby residents. The net effects of the residential distance from the garbage dumping site and from the garbage truck route were investigated for five domains of the QOL. METHODS: Two hundred fifty seven Shin-dong Myeon residents, Chun-cheon Si, participated in a selfadministrated survey. The Shin-dong Myeon garbage dumping site began operating in 1996. ANCOVA with generalized linear models and multiple regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Descriptive analyses show that a residence nearby a garbage dumping site is negatively associated with the physical and environmental domains of the QOL. The residential distance from the garbage truck route does not exert any significant effect on various domains of QOL, except for the environmental domain. On the multivariate analysis, the residents living near the garbage dumping site tended to have a significantly negative QOL in the physical and environmental domains. However, the distance from the garbage truck route did not show a significant nor substantial effect on the QOL. The demographic and socioeconomic control variables are associated with a number of the QOL domains, and their patterns are consistent with the general expectations. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that a garbage dumping site is considered to be an environmental hazard among the nearby residents according to the lower scores on the physical and environmental domains of the QOL. The findings from this study provide comprehensive understanding on the residents&QOL, and they may help politicians and policy makers make decisions for appropriate interventions.; Summary

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search