• KAFM
  • Contact us
  • E-Submission
ABOUT
ARTICLE CATEGORY
BROWSE ARTICLES
AUTHOR INFORMATION

Page Path

  • HOME
  • Article category
2,823
results for

Article category

Filter

Article category

Keywords

Publication year

Authors

Funded articles

Article category

Original Articles

Unhealthy alcohol use: screening and behavioral counseling interventions
Wonyoung Jung, Seung-Won Oh, Se-Hong Kim, Soo Young Kim
Korean J Fam Med 2025;46(1):20-26.   Published online November 12, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0115
Background
Despite the increase in daily alcohol intake in recent decades and the implementation of national health screenings, effective management strategies for alcohol consumption remain outdated. This review evaluates intervention studies on screening and behavioral counseling for unhealthy alcohol use, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of interventions and improving health outcomes.
Methods
On the basis of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation)- ADOLOPMENT framework, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials were examined to investigate the effectiveness of screening and counseling interventions in reducing unhealthy alcohol use. Five key questions were generated, and an evaluation and quality assessment of existing systematic reviews and new evidence related to each key question were conducted.
Results
Updating the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and Cochrane 2018 reviews, we identified five new randomized trials that evaluated screening and counseling interventions for unhealthy alcohol use. For Key Question 2, the sensitivity and specificity of the new screening studies were consistent with those of prior research. Brief interventions were confirmed to reduce alcohol use (Key Question 4a), although additional research is required for a wider array of health outcomes. One study highlighted the benefits of counseling interventions for newborn health indicators in pregnant women (Key Question 4b). No new evidence was found regarding the harms of screening (Key Question 3) or alcohol use reduction interventions (Key Question 5).
Conclusion
This review supports the continued use of brief interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in highrisk groups and highlights the need for culturally tailored research in Korea.
  • 1,940 View
  • 72 Download
Tobacco cessation: screening and interventions
Yoo-Bin Seo, Sang-Wook Song, Sung-Goo Kang, Soo Young Kim
Korean J Fam Med 2025;46(1):12-19.   Published online October 29, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0034
Background
Tobacco use has been the leading cause of disease and death in South Korea. Early detection of tobacco use and evidence-based interventions play pivotal roles in facilitating tobacco cessation.
Methods
In accordance with the earlier iterations of the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (2009) and recent recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF; 2021), two themes were chosen for investigation: the identification of and intervention for tobacco use. The USPSTF recommendations were formulated by conducting an overview of reviews. In this study, literature searches and quality assessments of reviews were conducted.
Results
The findings highlighted the efficacy of physician-led identification and advising in promoting tobacco cessation, with robust evidence supporting the implementation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. These interventions significantly increased the likelihood of successful cessation compared with usual care. Digital interventions, such as internet- or mobile-based interventions, showed additive effects for quitting.
Conclusion
Identification and targeted interventions are essential for tobacco cessation. By leveraging evidencebased strategies and enhancing access to resources, healthcare providers can empower individuals to achieve successful tobacco cessation and improve overall health outcomes.
  • 2,005 View
  • 85 Download

Review Article

Variables in the projection of physician demand and supply in primary care
Dae Hyun Kim, Yoonseo Lee
Korean J Fam Med 2025;46(1):4-11.   Published online December 24, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0153
Primary care services improve healthcare outcomes and limit unnecessary specialty care. Thus, it is essential to monitor primary care physician demand and supply projections to suggest evidence-based healthcare reforms and promote better healthcare delivery. This study evaluates 28 demand variables, 50 supply variables, and 26 additional variables associated with the demand and supply projections of physicians by reviewing scenarios from other countries, including Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and the United States of America. The results indicate that Korea uses less diverse demand and supply indicators and suggest the need to implement variables used in the other four countries to improve projection modeling.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • What is the optimal number of physicians for a sustainable healthcare system?
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(1): 1.     CrossRef
  • 2,190 View
  • 76 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref

Editorial

What is the optimal number of physicians for a sustainable healthcare system?
Seung-Won Oh
Korean J Fam Med 2025;46(1):1-3.   Published online January 20, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.46.1E
  • 1,778 View
  • 46 Download
  • 1 Web of Science

Letters

Implementation of Precision Medicine in Primary Care: A Struggle to Improve Disease Prevention
Erlina Wijayanti, Zwasta Pribadi Mahardhika
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):359-361.   Published online November 20, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0165
  • 1,173 View
  • 34 Download
Integrating Machine Learning for Personalized Fracture Risk Assessment: A Multimodal Approach
Sheikh Mohd Saleem, Shah Sumaya Jan
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):356-358.   Published online November 20, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0134
  • 1,093 View
  • 25 Download

Original Articles

Community Pharmacists’ Identifying and Counseling of Breastfeeding Women: A Study from Jordan
Mea’ad Mansour Harahsheh, Tareq Lewis Mukattash, Samah Fawzi Al-shatnawi, Rana Kamal Abu-Farha, Deirdre M. D’Arcy, Anan Sadeq Jarab, Sawsan Hammad Abuhammad
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):346-355.   Published online April 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0103
Background
This study explored the approaches of Jordanian community pharmacists to identifying and counseling breastfeeding mothers regarding medication usage.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sample (n=381) of Jordanian community pharmacists was recruited through social media. The responses were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS ver. 25.0 (IBM Corp., USA).
Results
The majority of recruited pharmacists were female (n=329, 86.4%). Asking every woman was Jordanian pharmacists’ preferred approach to identifying breastfeeding women (n=211, 55.4%). The study showed that around one-third of the pharmacists (n=128, 33.6%) reported that they currently experienced queries regarding medication use during breastfeeding on a daily basis. Additionally, the majority (n=325, 85.3%) of pharmacists reported feeling confident, and 67.2% of them (n=256) reported feeling comfortable while giving advice to breastfeeding women. The surveyed pharmacists relied on different resources during their course of practice to answer queries related to medicine usage by breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion
Community pharmacists have continuous interactions with breastfeeding women. Pharmacists require reliable and updated data access to answer queries related to medication use while breastfeeding.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Reflecting on progress and challenges: the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in 2024
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 55.     CrossRef
  • 2,223 View
  • 63 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref
Background
Sickness presenteeism (SP) refers to the phenomenon where employees attend work while sick, a decision that impacts both their physical and mental well-being and can lead to burnout. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors influencing SP among Thai and foreign teachers following the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Methods
A sample of 400 individuals was analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
Post-PHEIC, a significant proportion of teachers (51.9%) perceived an increase in their workload, and 62.1% reported having taken health-related leave of absence. The prevalence of SP was high (35.0%). Factors significantly associated with SP (P<0.05) included being younger than 37 years (OR, 1.825; 95% CI, 1.108–3.006), facing monthly financial challenges (OR, 1.627; 95% CI, 1.028–2.575), doing school-related work on holidays (OR, 1.920; 95% CI, 1.180–3.122), and experiencing sleep disturbances owing to work-related stress (OR, 1.910; 95% CI, 1.203– 3.033). No discernible difference existed in SP rates between Thai and foreign teachers.
Conclusion
As a course of action, we recommend the provision of appropriate financial planning resources for teachers. Policywise, school events and activities should be scheduled on working days to ensure that teachers maintain a work-life balance. Additionally, task allocation that caters to individual strengths and limitations can mitigate the effects of SP.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Reflecting on progress and challenges: the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in 2024
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 55.     CrossRef
  • Comprehensive Health Strategies for the Post-pandemic Era: Integrating Physical Health, Psychological Resilience, Lifestyle Choices, and Occupational Well-being
    Su Hwan Cho
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(6): 303.     CrossRef
  • 2,232 View
  • 73 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
The Effect of Psychological Resilience on Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study
Sunwoo Kim, Chang Won Won, Sunyoung Kim, Jung Ha Park, Miji Kim, Byungsung Kim, Jihae Ryu
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):331-336.   Published online March 25, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0145
Background
Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to assess whether better coping with stress, as assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), is associated with slower cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods
This study used 2018/2019 data and 2-year follow-up data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. Of the 3,014 total participants, we included 1,826 participants (mean age, 77.6±3.7 years, 51.9% female) who completed BRS and Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Battery and the Korean version of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB).
Results
Higher BRS score at baseline was associated with a lesser decline in the Mini-Mental State Examination score over 2 years after adjusting for age, sex, years of education, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, and depression (B, 0.175; 95% confidence interval, 0.025–0.325) for 2 years, which represents global cognitive function. Other cognitive function measurements (Word List Memory, Word List Recall, Word List Recognition, Digit Span, Trail Making Test-A, and FAB) did not change significantly with the BRS score at baseline.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that better stress-coping ability, meaning faster termination of the stress response, may limit the decline in cognitive function.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The association between stereoscopic vision and cognitive function on community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study
    Yeon Jung Park, Hyun Jin Cho, Kiyoung Kim, Chang Won Won, Miji Kim
    BMC Geriatrics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Association between Frailty, Quality of Life and Resilience in Community-dwelling Retirement Village Residents
    Katherine Bloomfield, Zhenqiang Wu, Annie Tatton, Cheryl Calvert, Joanna Hikaka, Michal Boyd, Dale Bramley, Martin J. Connolly
    Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.2024; 25(11): 105256.     CrossRef
  • Comprehensive Health Strategies for the Post-pandemic Era: Integrating Physical Health, Psychological Resilience, Lifestyle Choices, and Occupational Well-being
    Su Hwan Cho
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(6): 303.     CrossRef
  • 2,996 View
  • 99 Download
  • 4 Web of Science
  • 3 Crossref
Non-Insulin-Based Indices of Insulin Resistance for Predicting Incident Albuminuria: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Hea Lim Choi, Juyeon Yang, Hye Sun Lee, Ji-Won Lee
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):324-330.   Published online March 25, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0138
Background
Studies have shown that incident albuminuria is associated with insulin resistance (IR); however, an IR marker that best predicts the prevalence of albuminuria has not yet been established. This study explored the association between IR and incident albuminuria using various IR indices, including the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), metabolic score for IR (METS-IR), and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, and compared their predictive abilities for the prevalence of albuminuria.
Methods
A total of 4,982 Korean adults from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were analyzed. The odds of albuminuria were determined using the quartiles of the IR indices. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the area under the ROC curve and predictability. The cutoff values for albuminuria detection were also computed.
Results
An increase in the quartiles of all three IR indices was associated with incident albuminuria, even after full adjustment for covariates (HOMA-IR: odds ratio [OR], 1.906; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.311–2.772; P=0.006; METS-IR: OR, 2.236; 95% CI, 1.353–3.694; P=0.002; TyG index: OR, 1.757; 95% CI, 1.213–2.544; P=0.003). The area under the ROC curve for incident albuminuria based on the HOMA-IR, METS-IR, and TyG indices was 0.594 (95% CI, 0.568–0.619), 0.633 (95% CI, 0.607–0.659), and 0.631 (95% CI, 0.606–0.656), respectively. The optimal cutoff values for predicting albuminuria were 2.38, 35.38, and 8.72 for the HOMA-IR, METS-IR, and TyG indices, respectively.
Conclusion
The METS-IR and TyG indices outperformed HOMA-IR in predicting incident albuminuria.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The U-shape relationship between insulin resistance-related indexes and chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016
    Ruihua Shen, Ling Lin, Zexuan Bin, Xi Qiao
    Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 2,676 View
  • 60 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref
Association between Combustible Cigarettes and Noncombustible Nicotine or Tobacco Products and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Based on Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021
Sungkwon Cho, Joo-Hyun Park, Do-Hoon Kim, Hangseok Choi, Youngdoo Park, Hyun-Jin Kim, An-Na Lee, Junghwa Shin, Jaesun Ha
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):317-323.   Published online March 25, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0172
Background
Despite the increasing prevalence of anxiety disorders in Korea, there have been no nationwide studies on the association between tobacco status and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Furthermore, despite the increasing number of people using noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products (NNTPs), the association between NNTP use and GAD remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the association between tobacco use and GAD.
Methods
This nationwide study used data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021) and included 5,454 adults aged ≥19 years who self-reported on the tobacco use and mental health sections. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the odds ratios (ORs) of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score ≥10) according to tobacco status among Korean adults. The severity of anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale.
Results
Compared to never tobacco users, the ORs of GAD for combustible cigarette smokers and NNTP users were 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66–4.50) and 2.11 (95% CI, 1.16–3.83), respectively. The OR of GAD for former tobacco users was 1.63 (95% CI, 0.98–2.72).
Conclusion
Tobacco use (combustible cigarettes and NNTP) was positively associated with GAD. However, in former tobacco users, there was no significant association with GAD when compared with never tobacco users. Given the OR of GAD among tobacco users, it is crucial to pay attention to screening for GAD and implement appropriate early interventions.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Comprehensive Health Strategies for the Post-pandemic Era: Integrating Physical Health, Psychological Resilience, Lifestyle Choices, and Occupational Well-being
    Su Hwan Cho
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(6): 303.     CrossRef
  • 3,276 View
  • 119 Download
  • 1 Crossref

Review Article

Long COVID: A Comprehensive Overview of the Signs and Symptoms across Multiple Organ Systems
Zachary Isaac Merhavy, Tiana Junor, Aranice Gonzalez, Samantha Michelle De Filippis, Sarah Oveisitork, Eliu Rivera, Ifeanyi Ndukwu, Kanika Bhatara
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(6):305-316.   Published online November 20, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0085
Long coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as the post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PASC), is a significant concern since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it still manifests in individuals with persistent symptoms and complications beyond the acute phase of infection. Defining this disease is challenging, as it manifests as a spectrum of symptoms varying in severity among individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID is more prevalent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and presents in various ways, ranging from pulmonary to extrapulmonary symptoms. This literature review examines the current body of research on long COVID with a focus on its effects on the cardiovascular, hematological, respiratory, renal, and neurological systems with systematically analyzed, peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the PubMed database. There have been several proposed pathophysiological mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 affects the aforementioned organ systems; however, research on the definite mechanisms is lacking, especially when considering the management of long COVID in the perioperative setting. The impact of post-COVID sequelae necessitates individualized management strategies tailored to each symptomatic profile, particularly in patients with comorbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people and had a profound impact on those who developed PASC, lowering their quality of life and increasing potential surgical risks. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the specific risk factors for long COVID and who is most susceptible to it. Further research is required to fill these gaps and explore potential avenues for preventing PASC.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Reflecting on progress and challenges: the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in 2024
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 55.     CrossRef
  • The Development and Initial Validation of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Long COVID (MSAS-LC): A Promising Tool for Measuring Long COVID
    Sadie B. Sommer, Mary S. Dietrich, Julie V. Barroso
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(5): 728.     CrossRef
  • Regulatory systems and scientific evidence for health functional foods in Korea
    Seung-Won Oh
    Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2025; 68(5): 311.     CrossRef
  • Comprehensive Health Strategies for the Post-pandemic Era: Integrating Physical Health, Psychological Resilience, Lifestyle Choices, and Occupational Well-being
    Su Hwan Cho
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(6): 303.     CrossRef
  • 2,198 View
  • 53 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 4 Crossref

Editorial

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Advancing holistic health strategies for post-pandemic resilience
    Jonathan James O. Canete
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 122.     CrossRef
  • 1,541 View
  • 52 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref

Corrigendum

Correction: Gender-Based Violence and Women Reproductive Health in War Affected Area
Manar Shalak, Favour Ekerete Markson, Manoj Nepal
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):302-302.   Published online August 2, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0169.R
Corrects: Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(1):12
  • 1,757 View
  • 32 Download

Letters

Reducing Population Mortality through Primary Care Physicians
John Patrick Cruz Toledo
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):301-301.   Published online September 19, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0105

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Primary Care Physicians’ Important Role: Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Disease Management
    Su-Min Jeong
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(5): 237.     CrossRef
  • 1,673 View
  • 30 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref
Enhancing the Discussion on Gender-Based Health Disparities
Nageen Waseem, Muhammad Saad Farooq
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):299-300.   Published online July 10, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0062
  • 1,862 View
  • 36 Download

Original Articles

Background
This study aimed to examine the effects of different types of skipped meals on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) in Korean adults.
Methods
We analyzed 14,062 adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2016 and 2018. The irregularity of breakfast, lunch, and dinner consumption was assessed using 24-hour recall data, and we categorized the habit of skipping regular meals into eight types. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association between each type of meal skipping and the CMRF. We also presented the estimated effects of individual types of meal skipping on the CMRF based on their predicted values and mean differences.
Results
Korean adults tended to have irregular meal consumption habits when they had one or more of the following characteristics: female sex, under the age of 50 years, middle-high to high household income, high school or college or higher education levels, alcohol consumption, and current smoking. Compared to regular eaters, we have observed significantly higher total cholesterol in the following types of meal skipping: irregular breakfast (IB) (P<0.001), irregular lunch (P=0.005), irregular breakfast and lunch (IBL) (P=0.001), irregular breakfast and dinner (P=0.001); higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in IB (P=0.009); higher triglyceride in IB (P=0.005) and IBL (P=0.034); and higher fasting glucose in IB (P=0.046).
Conclusion
Different types of meal skipping were associated with CMRF. Regular breakfast and lunch consumption should be emphasized to prevent and manage cardiometabolic disorders. However, skipping dinner showed no significant association with CMRF.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • A Biochemical View on Intermittent Fasting’s Effects on Human Physiology—Not Always a Beneficial Strategy
    Willian F. Zambuzzi, Marcel Rodrigues Ferreira, Zifan Wang, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
    Biology.2025; 14(6): 669.     CrossRef
  • Primary Care Physicians’ Important Role: Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Disease Management
    Su-Min Jeong
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(5): 237.     CrossRef
  • 2,768 View
  • 80 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Medical Use of Elderly Patients with Hypertension: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea
Eunbyul Cho, Sujeong Han, Jae-ryun Lee, Hyejin Lee, Bumjo Oh
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):283-289.   Published online March 4, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0129
Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare services, including chronic disease management, for vulnerable groups, such as older individuals with hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate hypertension management in South Korea’s elderly population during the pandemic using treatment consistency indices such as the continuity of care (COC), modified, modified continuity index (MMCI), and most frequent provider continuity (MFPC).
Methods
This study used the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID-19-National Health Insurance Service cohort (K-COV-N cohort) from the National Health Insurance Service between 2017 and 2021. The research included a total of 4,097,299 hypertensive patients aged 65 years or older. We defined 2018 and 2019 as the baseline period before the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 and 2021 as the COVID-19 period and calculated the indices of medical continuity (number of visits, COC, MMCI, and MFPC) on a yearly basis.
Results
The number of visits decreased during the COVID-19 period compared to the baseline period (59.64±52.75 vs. 50.49±50.33, P<0.001). However, COC, MMCI, and MFPC were not decreased in the baseline period compared to the COVID-19 period (0.71±0.21 vs. 0.71±0.22, P<0.001; 0.97±0.05 vs. 0.96±0.05, P<0.001; 0.8±0.17 vs. 0.8±0.17, P<0.001, respectively).
Conclusion
COVID-19 had no significant impact on the continuity of care but affected the frequency of outpatient visits for older patients with hypertension. However, this study highlights the importance of addressing healthcare inequalities, especially in older patients with hypertension, during pandemics and advocates for policy changes to ensure continued care for vulnerable populations.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Reflecting on progress and challenges: the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in 2024
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 55.     CrossRef
  • The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on hypertension phenotypes (ESH ABPM COVID-19 study)
    Aleksandra Ostrowska, Wiktoria Wojciechowska, Marek Rajzer, Thomas Weber, Michael Bursztyn, Alexandre Persu, George Stergiou, Grzegorz Kiełbasa, Marzena Chrostowska, Michaelis Doumas, Gianfranco Parati, Grzegorz Bilo, Guido Grassi, Giuseppe Mancia, Andrze
    European Journal of Internal Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 3,175 View
  • 67 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Barriers, Facilitators of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation, and Deworming Program among School-Going Adolescents of Deoghar, Jharkhand, India: A Mixed-Methods Study
Bijit Biswas, Anuradha Gautam, G. Jahnavi, Richa, Pratima Gupta, Saurabh Varshney
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):274-282.   Published online February 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0100
Background
This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of iron and folic acid supplementation and deworming programs among school-going adolescents.
Methods
A mixed-method observational study was conducted among adolescents in the 8th to 10th standards and their teachers across four schools in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India, using simple random sampling. The study included a questionnaire on socio-demographics, knowledge (34 items) (α=0.894), attitudes (2 items) (α=0.711) toward iron deficiency anemia, awareness of the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) program and deworming (20 items) (α=0.783), and practices related to iron folic acid supplementation (IFS) and deworming, along with qualitative components. Data were analyzed using jamovi.
Results
Compliance rates for IFS and deworming were 27.5% and 67.9%, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that sex, religion, caste, father’s educational status, per capita monthly family income (PCMI), diet type, adequate knowledge, and positive attitude toward anemia influenced IFS compliance. Religion, PCMI, and prior information on the importance of deworming facilitate compliance. Implementation barriers included irregular medication supply and a lack of student awareness.
Conclusion
Periodic evaluation, regular sensitization, and a consistent drug supply are necessary to effectively implement WIFS and deworming programs in the study area.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Reflecting on progress and challenges: the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in 2024
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 55.     CrossRef
  • Health Education and Promotion Interventions to Mitigate Geophagic Practise: A Scoping Review
    Mohora Feida Malebatja, Moreoagae Bertha Randa, Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle, Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju
    Public Health Reviews.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 3,427 View
  • 113 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Background
Osteoporosis is one of the inevitable diseases affecting an aging society, substantially impacting the quality of life of its population. Protein intake has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of osteoporosis, and the effects of both animal and vegetable proteins have been studied. However, the relationship between processed meat consumption and osteoporosis has not been studied in Korea. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the correlation between processed meat consumption and incident osteoporosis in adults.
Methods
Our analysis included 1,260 adults aged 50 years and older from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), recruited between 2005 and 2020. Participants were categorized into two groups according to their processed meat intake, assessed using a semi-quantitative 103-food item food frequency questionnaire. Diagnosis of osteoporosis was based on questionnaire answers. Multiple Cox hazard regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between processed meat intake and incident osteoporosis.
Results
During an average follow-up period of 8.8 years, 230 participants developed osteoporosis. According to the Cox proportional regression models, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of incident osteoporosis in the high intake group was 0.62 (0.41–0.94), compared to the low intake group after adjusting for confounding variables.
Conclusion
These findings reveal that processed meat protein intake is inversely related to the incidence of osteoporosis in adults aged 50 years and older. This in turn suggests that processed meat intake can be proposed as an additional strategy to prevent osteoporosis.
  • 3,169 View
  • 90 Download

Review Articles

Rethinking about Metformin: Promising Potentials
Kyunam Kim
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):258-267.   Published online August 23, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0156
Metformin is widely used drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the mechanisms of action are complex and are still not fully understood yet. Metformin has a dose-dependent blood sugar-lowering effect. The most common adverse reactions of metformin are gastrointestinal symptoms, and women tend to be more experienced than men. A positive correlation between the administration of duration and the daily dose of metformin and the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency is confirmed. Novel glucose-lowering mechanism through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and alteration of gut microbiota composition is identified. In addition, metformin has immunomodulatory properties in various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory actions, and so forth. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity, which may reduce the risk of tumor growth in certain cancers. The antiviral effects of metformin may occur through several mechanisms, including blocking angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, and so forth. These potential mechanisms of metformin are promising in various clinical settings, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and coronavirus disease 2019.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • USING BIOPELLETS WITH METFORMIN IN THE EXPERIMENTAL METABOLIC SYNDROME
    N. I. Voloshchuk, V. G. Zolotareva, A. V. Hara, O. S. Pashynska, I. V. Taran, A. V. Melnyk, V. O. Denysiuk
    World of Medicine and Biology.2024; 20(89): 220.     CrossRef
  • Metformin in Antiviral Therapy: Evidence and Perspectives
    Iryna Halabitska, Pavlo Petakh, Oleh Lushchak, Iryna Kamyshna, Valentyn Oksenych, Oleksandr Kamyshnyi
    Viruses.2024; 16(12): 1938.     CrossRef
  • 3,153 View
  • 127 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Sedentarism and Chronic Health Problems
Jyoti Goyal, Gurseen Rakhra
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):239-257.   Published online September 19, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0099
Increased mechanization and technological advances have simplified our lives on the one hand and increased sedentary behaviors on the other hand, paving the way for emerging global health concerns, i.e., sedentarism, which could be the leading cause of all major chronic health problems worldwide. Sedentarism is a habitual behavior of choosing and indulging in low-energy expenditure activities (≤1.5 metabolic equivalents), such as chairtype (sitting, studying, traveling) or screen-type activities (TV, computers, mobile). With technological advancements, there is a significant transition in the lifestyles of people from being active (walking) to being more deskbound (sitting). Prolonged sitting can have unintended consequences for health with sitting time >7 h/d, leading to a 5% increase in all-cause mortality with each additional hour spent sitting (i.e., +7 h/d), while considering physical activity levels. This review will highlight how sedentarism is emerging as a major risk factor for the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, especially among young adults and adults. Chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer, are the leading causes of death worldwide. Hence, there is an urgent need for collective action to mitigate the burgeoning public health crisis posed by sedentarism in the 21st century. This paper intends to set in motion a call for all policymakers and public health professionals placed nationally or internationally to reach a consensus on ending sedentarism and provide viable resolutions for effective management of excessive sedentary behaviors and healthy adoption and maintenance of active lifestyles among individuals of all age groups.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The Impact of Avatar Appearance on the Persuasiveness of a Short Video Encouraging Physical Activity: A Randomized Observational Study
    Momoko Tohyama, Ryo Momosaki, Kazuma Tora, Tsuyoshi Okuhara
    Cureus.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Associations of the Social Determinants of Health and Lifestyle Components with Dietary Patterns in a Population of Reproductive Age
    Anca-Elena Crăciun, Adriana Rusu, Cornelia Bala, Dana Mihaela Ciobanu, Cristian-Ioan Crăciun, Adriana Fodor, Gabriela Roman, Camelia Vonica, Georgeta Inceu
    Nutrients.2025; 17(6): 950.     CrossRef
  • A Neutral Risk Framework for Active Participation Across the Lifespan: A Call to Action for Using Risk in Movement Contexts as a Tool for Human Flourishing
    Melanie Stuckey, Brandy Tanenbaum, Dean Kriellaars
    Sports Medicine.2025; 55(6): 1353.     CrossRef
  • Applying Multi-criteria Decision Analysis Methods to Explore the Key Factors in Using Interactive Intelligent Health Promotion Equipment
    Tsu-Ming Yeh, Hsiao-Yuan Lu, Fan-Yun Pai
    SAGE Open.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Efeitos da musculação na saúde e bem-estar de pessoas sedentárias
    Jardel Nimet, Aline Rosa Marosti, Carmem Patrícia Barbosa
    Arquivos do Mudi.2025; 29(1): e75704.     CrossRef
  • Assessment of cardiac outcomes of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder: A systematic review
    Jorge Lopes Cavalcante-Neto, Ricele da Silva Brito, Lucinete Sena de Oliveira Silva, Antonio Roberto Zamunér
    Research in Autism.2025; 125: 202604.     CrossRef
  • Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Physical Activity in Italian People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
    Erika Pinelli, Raffaele Zinno, Maria Scoppolini Massini, Ilaria Baroncini, Francesca Serafino, Laura Simoncini, Giulio Senesi, Salvatore Pinelli, Laura Bragonzoni
    Applied Sciences.2025; 15(11): 5942.     CrossRef
  • Exploring Sedentary and Nutritional Behaviour Patterns in Relation to Overweight and Obesity Among Youth from Different Demographic Backgrounds in Saudi Arabia
    Anwar Al-Nuaim, Ayazullah Safi
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(5): 813.     CrossRef
  • Primary Care Physicians’ Important Role: Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Disease Management
    Su-Min Jeong
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(5): 237.     CrossRef
  • 5,050 View
  • 123 Download
  • 5 Web of Science
  • 9 Crossref

Editorial

Primary Care Physicians’ Important Role: Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Disease Management
Su-Min Jeong
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(5):237-238.   Published online September 19, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.45.5E

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Unlocking the potential of primary care: addressing systemic challenges in chronic disease prevention
    Jose Eric Mella Lacsa
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 120.     CrossRef
  • 2,544 View
  • 72 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref

Erratum

Erratum: The Impact of Pharmacist Medication Reviews on Geriatric Patients: A Scoping Review
Nor Liana Che Yaacob, Mathumalar Loganathan, Nur Azwa Hisham, Habibah Kamaruzzaman, Khairil Anuar Md Isa, Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim, Kwok-Wen Ng
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(4):235-235.   Published online July 18, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0220.R
Corrects: Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(3):125
  • 1,706 View
  • 34 Download

Letters

Macroamylasemia versus Hyperamylasemia
Vitorino Modesto dos Santos, Lister Arruda Modesto dos Santos, Taciana Arruda Modesto Sugai
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(4):233-234.   Published online April 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0261
  • 1,829 View
  • 58 Download
Exploring Behavioral and Pharmacological Interventions against Excessive Tobacco Use
Dalmacito A. Cordero Jr.
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(4):231-232.   Published online March 5, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0259

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The Interconnected Nature of Smoking, Depression, and Obesity in Behavioral Medicine
    Joung Sik Son
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(4): 181.     CrossRef
  • 2,106 View
  • 45 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref
Original Articles
Background
Noncombustible nicotine or tobacco product (NNTP) use, and cigarette smoking are associated with a high likelihood of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) among adolescents. However, no study has addressed the differences in UWCBs among non-users, single users of combustible cigarettes (CCs) or NNTPs and dual users. This study compared the frequencies of weight control behaviors according to the status of CC and NNTP use among Korean adolescents.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of 25,094 adolescents who had attempted to reduce or maintain their body weight during the past 30 days, using data from the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2019. Data on the status of CC and NNTP use, weight status, and weight control behaviors were obtained using self-report questionnaires. Subjects were categorized into four groups: non-users, cigarette-only users, NNTP-only users, and dual users.
Results
Among boys and girls, current smokers and NNTP users were 8.9%±0.3% and 5.5%±0.3%, and 4.2%±0.2% and 1.7%±0.1%, respectively. Among boys, NNTP-only users were more likely to engage in extreme weight control behaviors than non-users. Among girls, users of either CCs or NNTPs were more likely to engage in extreme weight control behaviors and less extreme weight control behaviors than non-users.
Conclusion
This study shows that users of either CCs or NNTPs are more likely to engage in UWCBs, and NNTP-only users are the most likely to do so.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Reflecting on progress and challenges: the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in 2024
    Seung-Won Oh
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 55.     CrossRef
  • The Interconnected Nature of Smoking, Depression, and Obesity in Behavioral Medicine
    Joung Sik Son
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(4): 181.     CrossRef
  • 2,258 View
  • 56 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Relationship between Serum Total Testosterone Concentration and Metabolic Syndrome in Premenopausal Obese Women
Kyu-Jin Kim, Jun-Ho Lee, Seong-Ju Kim, Byung-Yeon Yu, Jee-Hyun Kang
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(4):215-222.   Published online February 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0089
Background
Men with low testosterone levels are at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, irrespective of age or obesity. However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and testosterone levels in women remains unclear. We compared the total testosterone concentrations between premenopausal obese women with and without metabolic syndrome and identified the factors affecting these concentrations.
Methods
A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted using the medical records of 580 premenopausal women with obesity. The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome were established using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.
Results
The mean±standard deviation age, weight, and body mass index were 38.8±8.4 years, 78.0±11.8 kg, and 30.0±4.1 kg/m2, respectively. The mean total testosterone concentration was lower in the metabolic syndrome group than in the non-metabolic syndrome group (n=385 vs. n=195; 0.22±0.10 ng/mL vs. 0.24±0.11 ng/mL; P<0.001). In a model adjusted for age, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and body fat percentage, the odds ratio for metabolic syndrome with respect to the total testosterone level was 0.128 (P=0.028). Testosterone concentration was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.334), systolic blood pressure (r=-0.084), and triglyceride concentration (r=-0.093) but positively correlated with weight (r=0.144), body mass index (r=0.140), waist circumference (r=0.133), body fat mass (r=0.167), and body fat percentage (r=0.167). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that age (β=-0.004, P<0.001), body mass index (β=0.003, P=0.004), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (β=0.001, P=0.019) were independently associated with total testosterone concentration (adjusted R2=12.6%).
Conclusion
Metabolic syndrome and obesity may be independently associated with testosterone levels in premenopausal women with obesity.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The Interconnected Nature of Smoking, Depression, and Obesity in Behavioral Medicine
    Joung Sik Son
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(4): 181.     CrossRef
  • 2,662 View
  • 65 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Crossref
Factors Associated with Depression among Working-Age Household Heads in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Household Study
Thi Thanh Lan Nguyen, Van Cuong Nguyen
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(4):207-214.   Published online February 14, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0081
Background
Depression is a mental disorder common worldwide. This study determined the relationships between demographics, health status, household parameters, and depression rates among working-age household heads.
Methods
We analyzed data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study Survey conducted in 2020. The 11-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Bivariate analyses and a multiple logistic regression model were used to evaluate the influence of these factors on depression among household heads.
Results
The overall prevalence of depression among working-age household heads was 11.69% (19.83% of females and 9.58% of males). The relative risk of depression was 1.71 times higher among the unemployed than among wage earners and 2.18 times higher among those with low income than among those with general income. The relative risk of depression was 3.23 times higher in those with poor health status than in those with good health, and 2.45 times more in those with severe disabilities than in those without disabilities. The rate of depression decreased with education level, number of family members, and presence of children but increased with the presence of the disabled or elderly.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive overview of depression among working-age household heads and identifies factors strongly associated with depression. These findings may have implications for policymakers to reduce the burden on and improve the quality of life of household heads.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Prevalence, Determinants and Wealth‐Related Inequality of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Reproductive‐Aged Women (15–49 Years) in Nepal: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey Data 2022
    Syed Toukir Ahmed Noor, Samin Yeasar, Sazid Siddique, Rajon Banik, Sahar Raza, Xinqiao Liu
    Depression and Anxiety.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Interconnected Nature of Smoking, Depression, and Obesity in Behavioral Medicine
    Joung Sik Son
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(4): 181.     CrossRef
  • 3,299 View
  • 70 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Association between Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Bone Mineral Density among Women Older than 40 Years of Age in Korea
Seulki Lee, Jae Moon Yun, Jin-Ho Park, Hyuktae Kwon
Korean J Fam Med 2024;45(4):199-206.   Published online February 15, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.22.0139
Background
Chronic atrophic gastritis causes hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia, and malabsorption of nutrients, leading to lower bone mineral density. The few studies that investigated the association between chronic atrophic gastritis and bone mineral density have reported inconsistent findings. As such, the present study assessed the association between chronic atrophic gastritis and bone mineral density among a large sample of women >40 years of age in Korea.
Methods
Data from 8,748 women >40 years of age who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and bone densitometry were analyzed. Chronic atrophic gastritis was diagnosed using esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae (L), femur neck, and femur total, measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were the primary outcome variables. Low bone mineral density, which could be diagnosed as osteoporosis or osteopenia, was defined and analyzed as a secondary outcome. Linear regression was used to calculate adjusted mean values of bone mineral density. The association between low bone mineral density and chronic atrophic gastritis was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.
Results
The adjusted mean bone mineral density for L1–L4 was 1.063±0.003, femur neck (0.826±0.002), and femur total (0.890±0.002) were significantly lower in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis than others (1.073±0.002, 0.836±0.001, 0.898±0.002, respectively; all P<0.01). Women with chronic atrophic gastritis exhibited an increased likelihood for osteopenia or osteoporosis, even after adjusting for age and other confounding factors (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.40; P<0.01). However, subgroup analysis revealed statistical significance only in postmenopausal women (odds ratio, 1.27; P<0.001).
Conclusion
Chronic atrophic gastritis was associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Association between gastric polyps and decreased bone mineral density in patients with chronic gastritis
    Guotao Liu, Jianyuan Zhang
    Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Interconnected Nature of Smoking, Depression, and Obesity in Behavioral Medicine
    Joung Sik Son
    Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(4): 181.     CrossRef
  • 2,734 View
  • 91 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
TOP