Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Symptoms, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Among Patients After COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study in Vietnam: Hai Nguyen Thanh, Duc Cap Minh, Hien Hoang Thu, Duc Nguyen Quang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(2):128-137. Published online February 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.511

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale.
Results
Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19).
Conclusions
The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.; Summary

Key Message
This cross-sectional study in Vietnam investigated symptoms, mental health, and quality of life among patients recovering from COVID-19. The study found that most participants experienced post-infection symptoms, with fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and hair loss being the most common. Mental health issues were prevalent, and participants reported varying levels of quality of life. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive care and strategies to address the long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life.

Patterns of Health-related Quality of Life in Men Who Inject Drugs: A Survey in Southeast Iran: Marzieh Nojomi, Maysam Rezapour, Neda Soleimanvandi Azar, Mehdi Darabi, Mehran Asadi-Aliabadi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(2):148-156. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.379

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
Understanding patterns of quality of life in people who inject drugs (PWID) can help healthcare providers plan and manage their health problems in a more focused manner. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify patterns of health-related quality of life in PWID in southeast Iran.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in southeast Iran on men who had injected drugs at least once during the last year. We used convenience sampling in 2 drop-in centers and venue-based sampling at 85 venues. Demographic characteristics, high-risk behaviors, and health-related quality of life were evaluated using the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify patterns of quality of life.
Results
This study enrolled 398 PWID, who had a mean age of 34.1±11.4 years. About 47.9% reported a prison history in the last 10 years, 59.2% had injected drugs in the last month, and 31.6% had a history of sharing syringes. About 46.3% reported having 2 or more sexual partners in the last 6 months, and 14.7% had a history of sex with men. Out of the 5 EQ-5D-5L profiles, the fifth profile had the most people (36.6%). Most variations in quality of life were related to pain and discomfort.
Conclusions
We showed that the pain and discomfort dimension of EQ-5D-5L had more variation in PWID. This finding will be useful for allocating appropriate interventions and resources to promote health-related quality of life in this population.; Summary

Key Message
People who Inject drugs, as an at-risk population in physical and mental disorders, need support to reduce harm. This study found that the health-related quality of life of these people is affected more by the pain and discomfort dimension. This can be caused by their social exclusion and marginalization. Hence, regular planning is necessary to organize the health status of these people. Due to the hard-to-reach nature of this population, special arrangements such as utilizing peer groups may be effective to provide them with services.

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study: Nunnapat Piyachaiseth, Pornchai Sithisarankul, Jate Ratanachina; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(1):83-90. Published online December 9, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.305

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Professional firefighters face various health hazards and are required to maintain both physical and mental fitness to effectively mitigate crises and respond to emergencies. Moreover, the long working hours and shift work of this profession impact sleep quality. This study investigated the quality of sleep and its associated factors among firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of firefighters affiliated with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand between January 2023 and March 2023. A cluster random sampling technique was utilized to distribute 600 questionnaires to firefighters in 15 fire stations. The questionnaire addressed demographic, work-related, and environmental factors. Sleep quality was assessed using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed.
Results
The response rate was 78.7% (n=472), and 44.1% of the firefighters reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). Sleep quality was statistically associated with conflicting family relationships (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.9), additional part-time jobs (daytime, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; or nighttime, OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 16.7), noisy sleeping areas (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.8), and the availability of adequate bedding (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.9).
Conclusions
Poor sleep quality among firefighters was associated with various personal, work-related, and environmental factors. Organizations should promote policies that improve sleep quality through good sleep hygiene practices and facilities.; Summary

Key Message
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate sleep quality among firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand its associated factors. 44.1% of the firefighters reported poor sleep quality (the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: PSQI score >5). Sleep quality was statistically associated with conflicting family relationships, additional part-time jobs (daytime or nighttime), noisy sleeping areas, and the availability of adequate bedding.

Health-related Quality of Life of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Measured With the Bahasa Indonesia Version of EQ-5D in Primary Care Settings in Indonesia: Muhammad Husen Prabowo, Ratih Puspita Febrinasari, Eti Poncorini Pamungkasari, Yodi Mahendradhata, Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brännström, Ari Probandari; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(5):467-474. Published online September 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.229

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious public health issue that places a heavy financial, social, and health-related burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is extensively used for monitoring the general population’s health conditions and measuring the effectiveness of interventions. Therefore, this study investigated HRQoL and associated factors among patients with type 2 DM at a primary healthcare center in Indonesia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Klaten District, Central Java, Indonesia, from May 2019 to July 2019. In total, 260 patients with DM registered with National Health Insurance were interviewed. HRQoL was measured with the EuroQol Group’s validated Bahasa Indonesia version of the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) with the Indonesian value set. Multivariate regression models were used to identify factors influencing HRQoL.
Results
Data from 24 patients were excluded due to incomplete information. Most participants were men (60.6%), were aged above 50 years (91.5%), had less than a senior high school education (75.0%), and were unemployed (85.6%). The most frequent health problems were reported for the pain/discomfort dimension (64.0%) followed by anxiety (28.4%), mobility (17.8%), usual activities (10.6%), and self-care (6.8%). The average EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) index score was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 to 0.88). In the multivariate ordinal regression model, a higher education level (coefficient, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.14) was a significant predictor of the EQ-5D-5L utility score.
Conclusions
Patients with diabetes had poorer EQ-5D-5L utility values than the general population. DM patients experienced pain/discomfort and anxiety. There was a substantial positive relationship between education level and HRQoL.; Summary

Key Message
This study examined Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in 260 type 2 diabetes patients in Indonesia. Most were male (60.6%), over 50 (91.5%), with low education (75%) and unemployed (85.6%). Pain/discomfort was the most common issue (64%), followed by anxiety (28.4%). The average HRQoL score was 0.86. Higher education positively impacted HRQoL. Diabetes patients face lower HRQoL compared to the general population, with notable issues in pain and anxiety. Education level significantly influences HRQoL. This highlights the importance of education in improving the well-being of diabetes patients in Indonesia.

Health-related Quality of Life in Elderly Asian American and Non-Hispanic White Cancer Survivors: Suzanne Vang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(5):440-448. Published online September 13, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.464

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly Asian American and non-Hispanic White cancer survivors.
Methods
We conducted cross-sectional secondary data analyses using the combined datasets from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey.
Results
Elderly Asian American cancer survivors reported a lower mental HRQoL but a comparable physical HRQoL relative to elderly non-Hispanic White cancer survivors. Stress factors, such as comorbidities, difficulties with activities of daily living, and a history of depressive symptoms, along with coping resources like self-rated health and the ability to take the survey in English, were significantly associated with mental and physical HRQoL. Among elderly Asian American cancer survivors, a significantly lower mental HRQoL was observed among those taking the survey in the Chinese language.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that race exerts a differential impact on HRQoL. Interventions should be designed to address the distinct cultural, linguistic, and systemic needs of elderly Asian American cancer survivors. Such an approach could assist in reducing cancer-related health disparities.; Summary

Key Message
Secondary data analyses of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey combined datasets reveal that elderly Asian American cancer survivors had poorer mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Elderly Asian American cancer survivors who did not complete the survey in English had significantly worse mental HRQoL than their Asian American counterparts who did. These findings point to the need for increased research to identify and address the distinct cultural, linguistic, and system-related needs of elderly Asian American cancer survivors in order to optimize HRQoL in this population.

Sleep Quality and Poor Sleep-related Factors Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: Thang Phan, Ha Phan Ai Nguyen, Cao Khoa Dang, Minh Tri Phan, Vu Thanh Nguyen, Van Tuan Le, Binh Thang Tran, Chinh Van Dang, Tinh Huu Ho, Minh Tu Nguyen, Thang Van Dinh, Van Trong Phan, Binh Thai Dang, Huynh Ho Ngoc Quynh, Minh Tran Le, Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(4):319-326. Published online May 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.528

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher.
Results
Participants’ mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95).
Conclusions
The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A cross‐sectional study of sleep disturbance among middle‐aged cancer patients at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital
Anh Tuan Pham, Mai Tuyet Do, Huong Thi Thanh Tran
Cancer Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Annual Endovascular Thrombectomy Case Volume and Thrombectomy-capable Hospitals of Korea in Acute Stroke Care: Eun Hye Park, Seung-sik Hwang, Juhwan Oh, Beom-Joon Kim, Hee-Joon Bae, Ki-Hwa Yang, Ah-Rum Choi, Mi-Yeon Kang, S.V. Subramanian; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(2):145-153. Published online March 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.318

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Although it is difficult to define the quality of stroke care, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with moderate-to-severe neurological deficits may benefit from thrombectomy-capable hospitals (TCHs) that have a stroke unit, stroke specialists, and a substantial endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) case volume.
Methods
From national audit data collected between 2013 and 2016, potential EVT candidates arriving within 24 hours with a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6 were identified. Hospitals were classified as TCHs (≥15 EVT case/y, stroke unit, and stroke specialists), primary stroke hospitals (PSHs) without EVT (PSHs-without-EVT, 0 case/y), and PSHs-with-EVT. Thirty-day and 1-year case-fatality rates (CFRs) were analyzed using random intercept multilevel logistic regression.
Results
Out of 35 004 AIS patients, 7954 (22.7%) EVT candidates were included in this study. The average 30-day CFR was 16.3% in PSHs-without-EVT, 14.8% in PSHs-with-EVT, and 11.0% in TCHs. The average 1-year CFR was 37.5% in PSHs-without-EVT, 31.3% in PSHs-with-EVT, and 26.2% in TCHs. In TCHs, a significant reduction was not found in the 30-day CFR (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76 to 1.12), but was found in the 1-year CFR (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.96).
Conclusions
The 1-year CFR was significantly reduced when EVT candidates were treated at TCHs. TCHs are not defined based solely on the number of EVTs, but also based on the presence of a stroke unit and stroke specialists. This supports the need for TCH certification in Korea and suggests that annual EVT case volume could be used to qualify TCHs.; Summary

Korean summary
급성 허혈성 뇌졸중 환자에서 “혈관 내 혈전제거술(endovascular treatment, EVT)”의 치료효과는 여러 연구를 통해 증명되었으나, EVT 후보군에서 EVT를 제공하기 위한 의료서비스 연구는 부족한 실정이다. 5~7차 뇌졸중 적정성 평가 자료를 활용하여 연간 EVT 시행횟수와 EVT후보군의 30일, 1년 후 치명률 간의 연관성을 다수준 분석을 통해 확인하였다. 연간 15회 이상 EVT를 시행하면서 뇌졸중 전문치료실과 뇌줄중 관련 전문분과(신경과, 신경외과, 재활의학과) 전문의가 모두 있는 병원(TCHs)에서 치료받은 환자는 EVT를 시행하지 않는 병원(PSHs-without-EVT)에서 치료받는 환자에 비해 치명률이 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 이는 뇌졸중 치료체계에서 EVT가능병원을 정의할 필요성을 잘 보여주고, “연간 EVT 시행횟수”는 TCHs를 정의하는 중요한 지표로 사용될 수 있을 것이다.

Changes in the Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Disaggregated Analysis by Region and Hospital Type in Korea: EunKyo Kang, Won Mo Jang, Min Sun Shin, Hyejin Lee, Jin Yong Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(2):180-189. Published online March 20, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.479

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global shortage of medical resources; therefore, we investigated whether COVID-19 impacted the quality of non-COVID-19 hospital care in Korea by comparing hospital standardized mortality rates (HSMRs) before and during the pandemic.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance discharge claim data obtained from January to June in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Patients’ in-hospital deaths were classified according to the most responsible diagnosis categories. The HSMR is calculated as the ratio of expected deaths to actual deaths. The time trend in the overall HSMR was analyzed by region and hospital type.
Results
The final analysis included 2 252 824 patients. In 2020, the HSMR increased nationwide (HSMR, 99.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.7 to 101.0) in comparison to 2019 (HSMR, 97.3; 95% CI, 95.8 to 98.8). In the COVID-19 pandemic zone, the HSMR increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 112.7; 95% CI, 107.0 to 118.7) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 101.7; 95% CI, 96.9 to 106.6). The HSMR in all general hospitals increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 106.4; 95% CI, 104.3 to 108.5) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 100.3; 95% CI, 98.4 to 102.2). Hospitals participating in the COVID-19 response had a lower HSMR (HSMR, 95.6; 95% CI, 93.9 to 97.4) than hospitals not participating in the COVID-19 response (HSMR, 124.3; 95% CI, 119.3 to 129.4).
Conclusions
This study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted the quality of care in hospitals, especially general hospitals with relatively few beds. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to prevent excessive workloads in hospitals and to properly employ and coordinate the workforce.; Summary

Korean summary
코로나19 대유행 지역은 비감염 지역과 달리 2019년에 비해 2020년에 HSMR이 크게 증가했고, 상대적으로 병상 수가 적은 종합병원에서 HSMR이 증가했다. 코로나19 대응에 참여하는 병원은 병원 규모와 관계없이 HSMR이 낮은 경향을 보였다. 감염병 유행 시 병원의 과도한 업무량이 부여되지 않게하고 인력을 적절하게 고용하여 조정하는 것이 필요하다.

Measurement and Decomposition of Socioeconomic Inequality in Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Analysis of the RaNCD Cohort Study in the West of Iran: Moslem Soofi, Farid Najafi, Shahin Soltani, Behzad Karamimatin; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(1):50-58. Published online January 6, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.373

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
Socioeconomic inequality in metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains poorly understood in Iran. The present study examined the extent of the socioeconomic inequalities in MetS and quantified the contribution of its determinants to explain the observed inequality, with a focus on middle-aged adults in Iran.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease cohort study. A sample of 9975 middle-aged adults aged 35-65 years was analyzed. MetS was assessed based on the International Diabetes Federation definition. Principal component analysis was used to construct socioeconomic status (SES). The Wagstaff normalized concentration index (CI_n) was employed to measure the magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities in MetS. Decomposition analysis was performed to identify and calculate the contribution of the MetS inequality determinants.
Results
The proportion of MetS in the sample was 41.1%. The CI_n of having MetS was 0.043 (95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.066), indicating that MetS was more concentrated among individuals with high SES. The main contributors to the observed inequality in MetS were SES (72.0%), residence (rural or urban, 46.9%), and physical activity (31.5%).
Conclusions
Our findings indicated a pro-poor inequality in MetS among Iranian middle-aged adults. These results highlight the importance of persuading middle-aged adults to be physically active, particularly those in an urban setting. In addition to targeting physically inactive individuals and those with low levels of education, policy interventions aimed at mitigating socioeconomic inequality in MetS should increase the focus on high-SES individuals and the urban population.

Summary

Citations

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Sleep Quality, Nutrient Intake, and Social Development Index Predict Metabolic Syndrome in the Tlalpan 2020 Cohort: A Machine Learning and Synthetic Data Study
Guadalupe Gutiérrez-Esparza, Mireya Martinez-Garcia, Tania Ramírez-delReal, Lucero Elizabeth Groves-Miralrio, Manlio F. Marquez, Tomás Pulido, Luis M. Amezcua-Guerra, Enrique Hernández-Lemus
Nutrients.2024; 16(5): 612. CrossRef
Socioeconomic inequalities in metabolic syndrome and its components in a sample of Iranian Kurdish adults
Pardis Mohammadzadeh, Farhad Moradpour, Bijan Nouri, Farideh Mostafavi, Farid Najafi, Ghobad Moradi
Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023083. CrossRef

SWOT Analysis and Expert Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Introduction of Healthcare Information Systems in Polyclinics in Aktobe, Kazakhstan: Lyudmila Yermukhanova, Zhanar Buribayeva, Indira Abdikadirova, Anar Tursynbekova, Meruyert Kurganbekova; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(6):539-548. Published online October 11, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.360

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
The purpose of this study was to assess the organizational effectiveness of the introduction of a healthcare information system (electronic medical records and databases) in healthcare in Kazakhstan.
Methods
The authors used a combination of 2 methods: expert assessment and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. SWOT analysis is a necessary element of research, constituting a mandatory preliminary stage both when drawing up strategic plans and for taking corrective measures in the future. The expert survey was conducted using 2 questionnaires.
Results
The study involved 40 experts drawn from specialists in primary healthcare in Aktobe: 15 representatives of administrative and managerial personnel (chief doctors and their deputies, heads of medical statistics offices, organizational and methodological offices, and internal audit services) and 25 general practitioners.
Conclusions
The following functional indicators of the medical and organizational effectiveness of the introduction of information systems in polyclinics were highlighted: first, improvement of administrative control, followed in descending order by registration and movement of medical documentation, statistical reporting and process results, and the cost of employees’ working time. There has been no reduction in financial costs, namely in terms of the costs of copying, delivery of information in paper form, technical equipment, and paper.; Summary

Associations of Socioeconomic Status With Depression and Quality of Life in Patients With Hypertension: An Analysis of Data From the 2019 Community Health Survey in Korea: Hye Ri Kim, Mia Son; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(5):444-454. Published online August 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.214

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
We aimed to identify the factors related to depression and quality of life in patients with hypertension by using multilevel regression analysis.
Methods
In 2019, 229 043 participants in the Korean Community Health Survey were selected as the study group. Individual factors were identified using data from the 2019 Community Health Survey. Regional factors were identified using data from the National Statistical Office of Korea. Multilevel regression analysis was conducted to find individual and local factors affecting depression and quality of life in patients with hypertension and to determine any associated interactions.
Results
As individual factors in patients with hypertension, women, those with lower education-levels, recipients of basic livelihood benefits, and those with poor dietary conditions showed stronger associations with depression and quality of life. As regional factors and individual-level variables in patients with hypertension, lower gross regional personal income, fewer doctors at medical institutions, and lower rates of participation in volunteer activities presented stronger associations with depression and quality of life. In addition, the associations of depression with gross regional personal income, the number of doctors at medical institutions, and dietary conditions were significantly stronger in patients with hypertension than in patients without hypertension. The associations of gender and employment status with quality of life were also significantly greater.
Conclusions
Policy interventions are needed to adjust health behaviors, prevent depression, and improve quality of life for patients with hypertension, especially for those with the risk factors identified in this study.; Summary

Korean summary
2019년 지역사회건강조사, 대한민국 통계청 자료를 통해, 다수준 회귀분석을 이용하여 고혈압 환자의 우울 및 삶의 질과 관련된 요인을 파악한 결과, 비고혈압 집단 대비 고혈압 환자의 지역총소득, 의료기관 종사 의사수, 식생활 형편이 우울과 연관성이 유의미하게 컸고, 성별, 직업수준이 삶의 질과 연관성이 유의미하게 컸다.

Special Articles

The Primary Process and Key Concepts of Economic Evaluation in Healthcare: Younhee Kim, Yunjung Kim, Hyeon-Jeong Lee, Seulki Lee, Sun-Young Park, Sung-Hee Oh, Suhyun Jang, Taejin Lee, Jeonghoon Ahn, Sangjin Shin; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(5):415-423. Published online August 24, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.195

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Abstract Summary PDF

Economic evaluations in the healthcare are used to assess economic efficiency of pharmaceuticals and medical interventions such as diagnoses and medical procedures. This study introduces the main concepts of economic evaluation across its key steps: planning, outcome and cost calculation, modeling, cost-effectiveness results, uncertainty analysis, and decision-making. When planning an economic evaluation, we determine the study population, intervention, comparators, perspectives, time horizon, discount rates, and type of economic evaluation. In healthcare economic evaluations, outcomes include changes in mortality, the survival rate, life years, and quality-adjusted life years, while costs include medical, non-medical, and productivity costs. Model-based economic evaluations, including decision tree and Markov models, are mainly used to calculate the total costs and total effects. In cost-effectiveness or costutility analyses, cost-effectiveness is evaluated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which is the additional cost per one additional unit of effectiveness gained by an intervention compared with a comparator. All outcomes have uncertainties owing to limited evidence, diverse methodologies, and unexplained variation. Thus, researchers should review these uncertainties and confirm their robustness. We hope to contribute to the establishment and dissemination of economic evaluation methodologies that reflect Korean clinical and research environment and ultimately improve the rationality of healthcare policies.

Summary

Korean summary
보건의료분야에서 경제성 평가는 의약품과 진단검사 및 치료법 등 의료기술에 대한 평가에서 널리 활용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 경제성 평가절차를 경제성 평가 설계, 결과 산출, 비용산출, 모형 구축 및 분석, 비용-효과성 결과 제시 및 불확실성 평가와 의사 결정 단계로 나누어 주요 개념과 쟁점들을 소개하였다.

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Outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales at a long-term care facility in Seoul, Korea: surveillance and intervention mitigation strategies
Yoojin Park, Euncheol Son, Young June Choe, Cho Ryok Kang, Sangmi Roh, Young Ok Hwang, Sung-il Cho, Jihwan Bang
Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023057. CrossRef

Perceptions of the General Public About Health-related Quality of Life and the EQ-5D Questionnaire: A Qualitative Study in Korea: Minsu Ock, Jeehee Pyo, Min-Woo Jo, Michael Herdman, Nan Luo; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(3):213-225. Published online May 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.151

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Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate how members of the general public in Korea interpret the concept of health, and which dimensions of health are most important to them. We also explored their perceptions of the EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), including the EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS).
Methods
We conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews with 20 individuals from the general population, using a semi-structured interview guide. Content analysis was performed with verbatim transcripts and field notes to identify codes and categorize them according to their similarities and associations.
Results
In total, 734 different codes were derived and classified into 4 categories. Participants cited the importance of both the mental and physical aspects of health, although they emphasized that the physical aspects appeared to play a larger role in their conceptualization of health. Participants noted that the EQ-5D has the advantage of being composed of 5 dimensions that are simple and contain both physical and mental areas necessary to describe health. However, some of them mentioned the need to add more dimensions of mental health and social health. Participants showed great satisfaction with the visually well-presented EQ-VAS. However, participants opined that the EQ-VAS scores might not be comparable across respondents because of different ways of responding to the scale.
Conclusions
While physical health is a fundamental aspect of health, mental and social aspects are also important to Koreans. The content of the EQ-5D broadly matched the attributes of health considered important by Koreans.

Summary

Korean summary
이번 연구에서는 질적 연구 방법론을 활용하여 한국인이 건강을 이해하고 개념화하는 방법과 건강의 어떤 차원을 중요하게 여기는지 살펴보면서 EQ-5D에 대한 인식을 살펴보았다. 이번 연구를 통하여 EQ-5D와 EQ VAS가 전반적으로 한국인의 건강 관련 삶의 질을 잘 측정할 수 있지만, 정신적 및 사회적 측면에 대한 항목을 추가하면 한국인의 건강 관련 삶의 질을 더 잘 반영할 수 있음을 확인하였다.

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How Well Does the EQ-5D-Y-5L Describe Children With Intellectual Disability?: “There’s a Lot More to My Child Than That She Can’t Wash or Dress Herself.”
A. Marie Blackmore, Brendan Mulhern, Richard Norman, Dinah Reddihough, Catherine S. Choong, Peter Jacoby, Jenny Downs
Value in Health.2024; 27(2): 190. CrossRef
Acceptability of the routine use and collection of a generic patient reported outcome measure from the perspective of healthcare staff: a qualitative study
David A Snowdon, Velandai Srikanth, Richard Beare, Kate E Noeske, Elizabeth Le, Bridget O’Bree, Nadine E Andrew
Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Well-being Index Scores and Subjective Health Status of Korean Healthcare Workers: Yoonhee Shin, Bohyun Park, Nam-eun Kim, Eun Jeong Choi, Minsu Ock, Sun Ha Jee, Sue K. Park, Hyeong Sik Ahn, Hyesook Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(3):226-233. Published online May 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.114

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective level of health-related quality of life of Korean healthcare workers using various quality-of-life instruments.
Methods
This study included 992 participants, who were doctors and nurses. A survey was conducted between November 28 and December 4, 2019. Data from 954 participants divided into 3 groups (physicians, residents, and nurses) were analyzed. Four measurement tools (29 questions) were used in the survey to evaluate subjective health status and well-being.
Results
In the Mayo Well-being Index, burnout during work (88.5%) and emotional difficulties caused by work (84.0%) were frequently cited by the respondents. Regarding questions on burnout and emotional difficulties, residents and nurses had the highest scores (91.0 and 89.6%, respectively). Emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability, accounted for a high percentage (73.1%) of the total, while 82.2% of respondents reported that their work schedules interfered with their leisure and family time. There was no significant difference among the groups in subjective health status. However, 10.1% of the residents experienced very low quality of life, which was a higher proportion than that of physicians (2.7%) and nurses (5.2%).
Conclusions
The level of well-being that Korean medical workers experienced in relation to work was lower than the results of the United States healthcare workers surveyed using the same tool. This study was unique in that it conducted a subjective quality-of-life survey on Korean healthcare workers.; Summary

Korean summary
본 연구의 목적은 다양한 삶의 질 도구를 사용하여 한국 의료종사자들의 건강과 관련된 삶의 질에 대한 주관적인 수준을 평가하는 것이다. 피로와 정서적 어려움, 업무로 인한 일상생활의 방해 등 한국 의료종사자의 일부 삶의 질 점수가 낮았다. 의료 종사자의 소진 경험이 환자의 치료에 부정적인 영향을 미친다는 것을 고려할 때 의료 종사자들의 삶의 질을 향상시키는 정책이 마련되어야하며, 건강과 관련된 직업적 위험요인 연구도 추가적으로 필요하다.

Original Article

Health-related Quality of Life Instrument With 8 Items for Use in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Validation Study in Korea: Juyoung Kim, Hyeon-Jeong Lee, Min-Woo Jo; J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(3):234-242. Published online May 12, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.020

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139 Download
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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8) in patients with diabetes. HINT-8 is a newly-developed, generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument.
Methods
Three HRQoL instruments—HINT-8, EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), and Short Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36v2)—were provided to 300 patients with diabetes visiting a tertiary hospital for follow-up visits in Korea. The HRQoL scores obtained using the HINT-8 were evaluated for subgroups with known differences based on demographics and diabetes-related characteristics (known-group validity). The mean scores of the instruments were compared between groups segmented by their responses to the HINT-8 (discriminatory ability). Correlation coefficients of the HINT-8 with other instruments were calculated (convergent and divergent validity). The Cohen kappa and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were also evaluated (test-retest reliability).
Results
The average HINT-8 indexes were lower among women, older, and less-educated subjects. Subjects who did not list any problems on the HINT-8 had significantly higher HRQoL scores than those who did. The correlation coefficients of the HINT-8 with the EQ-5D-5L index and EuroQoL visual analogue scale were 0.715 (p<0.001) and 0.517 (p<0.001), respectively. The correlation coefficients between the HINT-8 index and the scores of 8 domains of the SF-36v2 ranged from 0.478 (p<0.001) to 0.669 (p<0.001). The Cohen kappa values for the HINT-8 ranged from 0.268 to 0.601, and the ICC of the HINT-8 index was 0.800 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.720 to 0.860).
Conclusions
This study showed that the HINT-8 is a valid and reliable HRQoL instrument for patients with diabetes.

Summary

Korean summary
이 연구는 한국인의 사회문화적 특성을 반영하여 개발된 건강관련 삶의 질 도구인 HINT-8의 타당도 및 신뢰도를 대표적인 만성 질환인 제2형 당뇨 환자를 대상으로 검증하였다. 연구결과는 제2형 당뇨 환자에서 HINT-8의 활용 가능성을 보여주었을 뿐만 아니라 일반적 건강관련 삶의 질 도구 중 가장 널리 사용되고 있는 EQ-5D-5L보다 HINT-8이 삶의 질 상태를 더욱 정교하게 구분하고 있음을 보여주었다.

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Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
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European Journal of Integrative Medicine.2023; 58: 102223. CrossRef
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Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2023; 53(3): 359. CrossRef
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