Background
This study aimed to identify the clinical content of patients registered with the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (LHMP) under the care of a single family physician who introduced and operated the program in Korea at a tertiary hospital for over 30 years.
Methods
We analyzed the electronic medical records of 745 patients who had registered for more than 3 times with the LHMP under the care of a single family physician between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019. We reviewed medical records from June 1989, when the hospital was established, to February 2022. The participants’ age at the time of LHMP enrollment, sex, initial consultation date, final consultation date, and consultation content were evaluated.
Results
Patients visited the LHMP for various reasons, including acute symptom management, chronic disease management, psychiatric consultation, counseling on health behaviors, health checkups, and vaccination. The top five diagnoses for acute symptom management were upper respiratory infection, abdominal pain, dizziness/vertigo, headache, and lower back pain, whereas those for chronic disease management were dyslipidemia, hypertension, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis/osteopenia, and diabetes. More than one in five patients received psychiatric consultation and counseling on health behaviors. As the duration of the program enrollment increased, the proportion of patients visiting the LHMP for acute symptoms, vaccinations, and health checkups also increased. Furthermore, the number of categories of consultation content increased for each patient.
Conclusion
The LHMP emphasized the need to systematize regular primary care physicians in Korea. Policy changes are necessary to strengthen primary care, and the LHMP serves as an intermediate step in organizing regular primary care physicians in Korea.

Citations

• Pharmacotherapy guidelines for smoking cessation in primary healthcare clinics
  Cheol Min Lee, Yu Jin Paek, Yoo Bin Seo, Eon Sook Lee
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 230.     CrossRef

Background
Recent studies have reported that chronic mental health problems often emerge in young adulthood. This study elucidated the independent effects of smoking and drinking on depressed mood in young adults by sex.
Methods
We used Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 2014, 2016, and 2018. A total of 3,391 participants aged 19–35 years, without serious chronic diseases, were recruited for this study. Depression was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Results
Smoking behavior, current smoking, and number of days smoked were significantly associated with higher PHQ-9 scores in both men and women (all P<0.05). However, past and ever smoking were positively associated with PHQ-9 scores only in women (all P<0.001). Regarding alcohol consumption, the age at which drinking first began was negatively associated with PHQ-9 scores in both men and women (all P<0.001), but the amount of alcohol consumed at 1 time was positively associated with PHQ-9 scores only in women (P=0.013). Men who drank 2–4 times a month and women who had not drunk during the past year had the lowest PHQ-9 scores.
Conclusion
Smoking and alcohol consumption were independently associated with depressed mood in young Korean adults, which was more pronounced in women, and exhibited sex-specific characteristics.

Citations

• Women’s Health and Primary Care
  Seung-Won Oh
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(1): 1.     CrossRef
• Pharmacotherapy guidelines for smoking cessation in primary healthcare clinics
  Cheol Min Lee, Yu Jin Paek, Yoo Bin Seo, Eon Sook Lee
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 230.     CrossRef

Background
Physical activity is known to prevent several diseases and positively affect mental health. Previous studies have shown that smartphone addiction negatively affects the physical activity of children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between problematic smartphone use and physical activity among adolescents and the related factors using path analysis.
Methods
Using data from the 16th Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey from 2020, scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Version for Adolescents, physical activity, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), academic performance, depression, smoking, drinking, and sitting time were assessed. Complex sampling and path analyses were performed.
Results
Of the total 54,948 students, 25.5% were smartphone risk users, including potential and high-risk users. The direct path coefficients of each factor indicated that female sex (-0.14 for male), low SES (-0.062), high academic performance (0.056), low sitting time for studying purposes (-0.033), high sitting time for non-studying purposes (0.071), and depressive mood (0.130) were related to problematic smartphone use (all P<0.001). Each factor affected problematic smartphone use, and subsequently had a negative effect on the amount of physical activity, with a direct path coefficient of -0.115 (P<0.001).
Conclusion
In this study, we confirmed that problematic smartphone use among adolescents was negatively associated with performing an adequate amount of physical activity and that various factors, such as sex, SES, academic performance, and sitting time, directly and indirectly affected this relationship.

Citations

• Global trends in importance of 24-hour movement behaviors to pediatric health: implications for South Korea
  Eun-Young Lee, Reyana Jayawardena, Seiyeong Park, Justin Y Jeon, Yeon-Soo Kim, Mark S. Tremblay
  Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics.2025; 68(1): 16.     CrossRef
• The Association between Problematic Smartphone Use and Mental Health in Austrian Adolescents and Young Adults
  Doris Mayerhofer, Katja Haider, Manuela Amon, Afsaneh Gächter, Teresa O’Rourke, Rachel Dale, Elke Humer, Thomas Probst, Christoph Pieh
  Healthcare.2024; 12(6): 600.     CrossRef
• 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet: Prevalence of Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Adults, Adolescents, and Children in Korea from 2012 to 2021
  Su-Min Jeong, Jin-Hyung Jung, Ye Seul Yang, Wonsock Kim, In Young Cho, You-Bin Lee, Kye-Yeung Park, Ga Eun Nam, Kyungdo Han
  Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome.2024; 33(1): 27.     CrossRef
• Guidelines for physical activity counseling in primary healthcare clinics
  Yun Jun Yang
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 265.     CrossRef
• Collaborative Physical Activity: Innovations in Primary Health Care and Educational Sector
  Fides A. del Castillo
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(3): 178.     CrossRef
• How is parental psychological control associated with adolescent mental health in economically disadvantaged areas? The serial mediating role of psychological reactance and problematic smartphone use
  Qiangqiang Li, Shuwen Wei, Zixiao Liu
  Frontiers in Psychiatry.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Depression, anxiety, and stress in the Chilean Educational System: children and adolescents post-pandemic prevalence and variables
  Jonathan Martínez-Líbano, María-Mercedes Yeomans-Cabrera
  Frontiers in Education.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Does Excessive Smartphone Use Reduce Physical Activity in Adolescents?
  Soo Young Kim
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2023; 44(5): 247.     CrossRef

This study aimed to identify the indices/indicators used for evaluating the “creating supportive environments” mechanism of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, with a focus on built environments, in different settings. A search for literature with no time limit constraint was performed across Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and Embase databases. Search terms included “Ottawa Charter,” “health promotion,” “supportive environments,” “built environments,” “index,” and “indicator.” we included the studies conducted on developing, identifying, and/or measuring health promotion indices/indicators associated with “built environments” in different settings. The review articles were excluded. Extracted data included the type of instrument used for measuring the index/indicator, the number of items, participants, settings, the purpose of indices/indicators, and a minimum of two associated examples of the indices domains/indicators. The key definitions and summarized information from studies are presented in tables. In total, 281 studies were included in the review, within which 36 indices/indicators associated with “built environment” were identified. The majority of the studies (77%) were performed in developed countries. Based on their application in different settings, the indices/indicators were categorized into seven groups: (1) Healthy Cities (n=5), (2) Healthy Municipalities and Communities (n=18), (3) Healthy Markets (n=3), (4) Healthy Villages (n=1), (5) Healthy Workplaces (n=4), (6) Health-Promoting Schools (n=3), and (7) Healthy Hospitals (n=3). Health promotion specialists, health policymakers, and social health researchers can use this collection of indices/indicators while designing/evaluating interventions to create supportive environments for health in various settings.

Citations

• The Role of Pharmacists in Health Promotion
  Pallav Dave
  Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences.2024; 4(2): 32.     CrossRef

Assessment of the risk of bias is an essential component of any systematic review. This is true for both nonrandomized studies and randomized trials, which are the main study designs of systematic reviews. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies (RoBANS) was developed in 2013 and has gained wide usage as a risk-of-bias assessment tool for nonrandomized studies. Four risk-of-bias assessment experts revised it by reviewing existing assessment tools and user surveys. The main modifications included additional domains of selection and detection bias susceptible to nonrandomized studies of interventions, a more detailed consideration of the comparability of participants, and more reliable and valid outcome measurements. A psychometric assessment of the revised RoBANS (RoBANS 2) revealed acceptable inter-rater reliability (weighted kappa, 0.25 to 0.49) and construct validity in which intervention effects of studies with an unclear or high risk of bias were overestimated. The RoBANS 2 has acceptable feasibility, fair-to-moderate reliability, and construct validity. It provides a comprehensive framework for allowing authors to assess and understand the plausible risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions.

Citations

• Comparison of working memory performance in athletes and non-athletes: a meta-analysis of behavioural studies
  Chenxiao Wu, Chenyuan Zhang, Xueqiao Li, Chaoxiong Ye, Piia Astikainen
  Memory.2025; 33(2): 259.     CrossRef
• Dysphagia development in heart failure patients: A scoping review
  Mizue Suzuki, Yoko Saino, Shinsuke Nagami, Junko Ueshima, Tatsuro Inoue, Ayano Nagano, Fumiya Kawase, Haruko Kobayashi, Kenta Murotani, Keisuke Maeda
  Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.2025; 130: 105728.     CrossRef
• Preoperative radiotherapy combined with surgery versus surgery alone for primary retroperitoneal sarcoma: a meta-analysis
  Young Rak Kim, Chang-Hyun Lee, Hangeul Park, Jun-Hoe Kim, Chi Heon Kim
  Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Acute and chronic effects of elastic band resistance training on athletes’ physical performance: a systematic review
  Henrique Sousa, Eduardo Abade, Filipe Maia, Júlio A. Costa, Rui Marcelino
  Sport Sciences for Health.2025; 21(1): 69.     CrossRef
• Suitability of Measures of Pharmacy-Based Medication Adherence for Routine Clinical Use Among Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review
  Wardatul Jannah, Qisty Khoiry, Sofa Alfian, Rizky Abdulah
  Patient Preference and Adherence.2025; Volume 19: 265.     CrossRef
• School nurse-led educational interventions for sexual and reproductive health promotion in adolescents in high-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol
  Yu Mi Choi, Suyeon Noh, Hyun-Ju Seo, Jaehee Yoon
  BMJ Open.2025; 15(2): e087528.     CrossRef
• The protective effects of hyperbaric oxygen on ionising radiation injury: A systematic review
  Amanda Holyer, Thomas Stewart, Edward T. Ashworth
  Acta Astronautica.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Fronto–Cerebellar Diaschisis and Cognitive Dysfunction after Pontine Stroke: A Case Series and Systematic Review
  Kei Shimmyo, Shigeru Obayashi
  Biomedicines.2024; 12(3): 623.     CrossRef
• Fine-needle aspiration cytology for neck lesions in patients with antithrombotic/anticoagulant medications: systematic review and meta-analysis
  Dongbin Ahn, Ji Hye Kwak, Gill Joon Lee, Jin Ho Sohn
  European Radiology.2024; 34(10): 6843.     CrossRef
• What is the role of physical exercise in the era of cancer prehabilitation? A systematic review
  Nicole Del Bianco, Anita Borsati, Linda Toniolo, Christian Ciurnielli, Lorenzo Belluomini, Jessica Insolda, Marco Sposito, Michele Milella, Federico Schena, Sara Pilotto, Alice Avancini
  Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology.2024; 198: 104350.     CrossRef
• Psychiatric adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the Republic of Korea: a systematic review
  Seungeun Ryoo, Miyoung Choi, Nam-Kyong Choi, Hyoung-Shik Shin, Jun Hee Woo, Byung-Joo Park, Sanghoon Oh
  Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2024; 15(2): 107.     CrossRef
• A Systematic Review on Health Impact of Electronic Cigarettes in South Korea
  Eunsil Cheon, Hana Kim, Naeun Kang, Susan Park, Sung-il Cho, Jieun Hwang
  Journal of the Korean Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.2024; 15(2): 29.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of artificial intelligence robot interventions on psychological health in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review
  Yujin Park, Sun Ju Chang, Hee Jung Kim, Ha Na Jeong
  Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing.2024; 26(3): 234.     CrossRef
• Nursing care services to address unmet supportive care needs among cancer survivors: a systematic review
  Hyun Jin Song, Hyun-Ju Seo, Eun Jeong Choi, Ji Sung Lee, Yumi Choi
  Journal of Cancer Survivorship.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of Swimming Exercise on Early Adolescents’ Physical Conditioning and Physical Health: A Systematic Review
  Francisco A. Ferreira, Catarina C. Santos, António L. Palmeira, Ricardo J. Fernandes, Mário J. Costa
  Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology.2024; 9(3): 158.     CrossRef
• Safety and Efficacy of Bispecific Antibodies in Adults with Large B-Cell Lymphomas: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trial Data
  Elena Bayly-McCredie, Maxine Treisman, Salvatore Fiorenza
  International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(17): 9736.     CrossRef
• Characteristics of fragility hip fracture-related falls in the older adults: A systematic review
  Seung-Kyu Lim, Kyomin Choi, Nam Hun Heo, Younji Kim, Jae-Young Lim
  The Journal of nutrition, health and aging.2024; 28(10): 100357.     CrossRef
• Oral and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers for Jawbone Turnover Diseases: A Scoping Review
  Nurfatima Azzahra Fadli, Mariati Abdul Rahman, Saiful Anuar Karsani, Roszalina Ramli
  Diagnostics.2024; 14(19): 2184.     CrossRef
• Characteristics and Effects of Well-dying Program Interventions among Older Adults in Korea: A Systematic Review
  Jin Hui Han, Hee Joo Oh
  Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing.2024; 38(2): 115.     CrossRef
• Substituting with alternative iodinated contrast medium to prevent recurrent adverse drug reactions associated with its use: a meta-analysis
  Su Jin Lim, Pae Sun Suh, Chong Hyun Suh, Pyeong Hwa Kim, Kye Jin Park, Hyo Jung Park, Choong Wook Lee
  European Radiology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Also long overdue: consideration of collider bias in guidelines and tools for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies
  Judith J M Rijnhart, Ava Rabbers, Santina Rizzuto
  International Journal of Epidemiology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Safety and Efficacy of Atogepant for the Preventive Treatment of Migraines in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  Abdulrahim Saleh Alrasheed, Taif Mansour Almaqboul, Reem Ali Alshamrani, Noor Mohammad AlMohish, Majed Mohammad Alabdali
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(22): 6713.     CrossRef
• Clinical predictors and noninvasive imaging in Fontan-associated liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Jae Hee Seol, Jinyoung Song, Soo Jin Kim, Hoon Ko, Jae Yoon Na, Min Jung Cho, Hee Joung Choi, Jue Seong Lee, Kyung Jin Oh, Jo Won Jung, Se Yong Jung
  Hepatology Communications.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Comparative evaluation of pit & fissure sealant retention using cotton roll & rubber dam isolation techniques – a systematic review & meta-analysis
  Neha Shukla, Zainab Akram, P. G. Naveen Kumar, Mahesh R. Khairnar, Sachin Kumar Jadhav, Savitha Priyadarsini
  Evidence-Based Dentistry.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Biopsychosocial approach to sports injury: a systematic review and exploration of knowledge structure
  Moonjung Bae
  BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Citations

• Mastering Smartphones through Enhancement of Physical Activity in Adolescents
  Dalmacito A. Cordero
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(2): 121.     CrossRef
• Collaborative Physical Activity: Innovations in Primary Health Care and Educational Sector
  Fides A. del Castillo
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(3): 178.     CrossRef

Herein, we report a rare case of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine administration. A 64-year-old patient presented with recurrent horizontal diplopia and ipsilateral orbital pain, 2 weeks after being administered the COVID-19 vaccination. A diagnosis of THS was based on the relevant criteria after ruling out the differential diagnoses. The clinical presentation improved with corticosteroid administration. THS must be recognized as a complication of COVID-19 vaccination. This association can be explained by an autoimmune response.

Background
Elevated pulmonary serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels signify lung tissue damage and severe tuberculosis (TB). Serum ADA assays can be used as an additional criterion for assessing TB treatment response and as a prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary TB. The Bandim TB and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores were developed based on available clinical data and investigations to allow physicians to evaluate disease treatment and response. This study examined the use of a clinical scoring system (Bandim TB and KPS scores) in the context of serum ADA activity.
Methods
Forty adults (aged >18 years) diagnosed with pulmonary TB by Ziehl-Neelsen staining for acid-fast bacilli and/or cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test were recruited. Standardized questionnaires were used to record Bandim TB and KPS scores. Serum ADA levels were estimated using a commercial kit.
Results
The Bandim TB score was positively associated (ρ=0.74, P≤0.001) and the KPS score was negatively associated (ρ=-0.69, P≤0.001) with serum ADA levels.
Conclusion
Subjective and objective clinical scores of pulmonary TB were strongly correlated with serum ADA levels. Knowledge of clinical scores corresponding to serum ADA levels could help physicians understand stage and progression of the disease which may aid in early detection and better management, and reduce disease transmission in a TB-endemic country.

Citations

• A novel hematological score (HS) and its related nomogram model to predict nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in patients with suspected multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis
  Qi Yu, Shengling Hu, Fenfang Liu, Fengyun Gong
  Annals of Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Correlation Between MTB/RIF Gene Xpert Cycle Threshold Values and Clinical Radiological Severity of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
  Rachmi Merrina, Budi Yanti, Yunita Arliny
  Indonesian Journal of Tropical and Infectious Disease.2024; 12(2): 73.     CrossRef

Background
The factors associated with sleep disorder are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep disorder and the factors associated with sleep disorder among Korean adult cancer survivors.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we collected data on sleep problems as outcome variables, and sociodemographic and clinical information as predictor variables from cancer survivors at two university-affiliated hospitals. Sleep disorder was defined as “a difficulty in sleep initiation or sleep maintenance at least 3 times a week that started after a cancer diagnosis.” Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to evaluate the factors associated with sleep disorder.
Results
The participants were 1,893 Korean cancer survivors (mean age, 58.1 years; females 68.0%). The prevalence of sleep disorder among male and female cancer survivors were 16.5% and 20.3%, respectively. An increase of age by 1-year was associated with a 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01–1.07; P=0.011) times higher risk of sleep disorder in males, while an inverse association was found in females. In female survivors, high fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), high anxiety, menopause, and high EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were associated with 1.45 (95% CI, 1.06–1.98; P=0.020), 1.78 (95% CI, 1.25–2.55; P=0.002), 1.70 (95% CI, 1.08–2.67; P=0.022), and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.43–0.82; P=0.002) times higher risk of sleep disorder, respectively. In male survivors, living with a spouse/or partner was associated with 57% (95% CI, 0.20–0.95; P=0.036) lower risk of sleep disorder. Analyses of cancer sites showed that the factors associated with sleep disorder varied across cancer sites.
Conclusion
One-fifth of adult cancer survivors had sleep disorder. Age, menopausal status, FCR, anxiety, living with a spouse or partner, and quality of life were independently associated with sleep disorder in Korean cancer survivors.

Citations

• Social support, fear of cancer recurrence and sleep quality in breast cancer: A moderated network analysis
  Yingting Jiang, Xinyu Wu, Hongman Li, Ying Xiong, M. Tish Knobf, Zengjie Ye
  European Journal of Oncology Nursing.2025; 74: 102799.     CrossRef
• Subgroups of sleep quality and associated risk factors in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A cross-sectional study based on latent profile analysis
  Liuna Bi, Xian Zhang, Linlin Wang, Yanxiu Cai, Jing Han
  European Journal of Oncology Nursing.2024; 68: 102488.     CrossRef

Background
There is a shortage of general practitioners in Japan. With the revision of educational guidelines, general practice (GP) education has improved. However, the amount of education on GP in medical schools remains inconsistent. This study examined the relationship between medical students’ amount of GP-related education and their subsequent choice of GP majors.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a teaching hospital in Japan. Participants were residents in the hospital. The exposure comprised compulsory lectures and training time for community-based medicine in medical schools. The outcome included participants choosing GP majors after their initial 2-year junior residency.
Results
Fifty-one participants were included in the final analysis. Of these, 14 majored in GP and 37 in non-GP after their initial 2-year junior residency. Of the participants who took GP lectures for 18 hours or more, 11 chose GP majors, and 18 chose non-GP majors (risk ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–8.79). Of the participants who underwent training for 12 days or more, 10 chose GP majors, and 16 chose non-GP majors (risk ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 0.87–6.68).
Conclusion
The results do not support the association between the amount of compulsory undergraduate education for community-based medicine and the subsequent increase in the number of residents choosing GP majors in Japan. Educators would do well to explore different approaches, such as improving the quality of education to increase the number of GP residents. Further research is needed to reach more definitive conclusions.

Citations

• Distribution of internal medicine rotations among resident physicians in Japan: a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study
  Kiyoshi Shikino, Miwa Sekine, Yuji Nishizaki, Yu Yamamoto, Taro Shimizu, Sho Fukui, Kazuya Nagasaki, Daiki Yokokawa, Takashi Watari, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Yasuharu Tokuda
  BMC Medical Education.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Strengthening Primary Health Care through Medical Education
  Seung-Won Oh
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2023; 44(4): 181.     CrossRef
• Factors associated with regional retention of physicians: a cross-sectional online survey of medical students and graduates in Japan
  Soichi Koike, Kentaro Okazaki, Akiko Tokinobu, Masatoshi Matsumoto, Kazuhiko Kotani, Hitomi Kataoka
  Human Resources for Health.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef

Background
Similar to smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke is a risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases; however, there is no standardized method for measuring smoke exposure. Measuring urine cotinine levels is one possible means for determining the degree of exposure to secondhand smoke. This study investigated the association between urinary cotinine levels and blood pressure in Korean adults exposed to secondhand smoke.
Methods
Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2016 and 2018 were used. A total of 9,273 participants aged ≥19 years self-reported as current non-smokers, which was cotinine- verified. A complex sample general linear model regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between urine cotinine and blood pressure. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Corrected urine cotinine levels were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in female participants (P<0.001 and P=0.040, respectively). Furthermore, a 10-fold increase in the corrected urine cotinine level of those in contact with secondhand smoke was independently associated with 2.085 mm Hg and 0.575 mm Hg increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. However, there was no association between systolic and diastolic blood pressure in male participants (P=0.226 and P=0.256, respectively).
Conclusion
Urinary cotinine levels were positively associated with increased blood pressure in females exposed to secondhand smoke. Therefore, urinary cotinine may be used as an indicator to quantify and monitor the effects of blood pressure elevation in females exposed to secondhand smoke.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is a major public health concern with several undesirable health consequences for older adults. In this overview, we aimed to map and gather information from existing literature to provide a better insight into the prevalence of PIP among community dwellers. Electronic databases were searched from their inception to April 2022. The quality of the included systematic reviews (SRs) was assessed using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews checklist. The degree of overlap within the SRs was also evaluated (2% overlap). All SRs on the prevalence of PIP in older individuals in community settings were included, and a narrative approach was used to synthesize data. Nineteen SRs comprising 548 primary studies met the inclusion criteria, and the average quality of the included SRs was moderate. More than half (50.5%) of the primary studies were conducted in Europe, followed by the United States (22.8%), and Asia (18.9%). Thirty different criteria were used in the primary studies to estimate the prevalence of PIP. The most widely used criteria were those presented in Beers (41.8%) and STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions)/START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) (21.8%) criteria. Benzodiazepines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants were the most frequently reported PIPs. A considerable variation in the prevalence of PIP ranging from 0% to 98% was reported by SRs. However, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the extent of PIP in community settings. To identify knowledge-to-action gaps, SR authors should consider the differences in prevalence of PIP according to settings, applied tools, data sources, geographical areas, and specific pathologies. There is also a need for primary and SR studies from low- and middle-income countries regarding the prevalence of PIP.

Period poverty is a global community health dilemma that has long been overlooked. This condition is described as having insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities. Briefly, period poverty means that millions of women are subjected to injustice and inequity due to menstruation. This review aimed to explore the definition, challenges, and effects of period poverty on the community, especially among women at their productive ages. In addition, suggestions to minimize the impact of period poverty are discussed. A search strategy was applied using the keywords “period poverty,” “period equity,” “period poverty,” and “menstrual hygiene” in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, MEDLINE, and PubMed electronic databases, journals, and articles on relevant topics. Trained researchers conducted a keyword search from January 2021 to June 2022. Based on the reviewed studies, it has been proven that many countries are still affected by the period stigma and taboo, inadequate exposure to menstrual health and its management, lack of education about menstruation, and shortage of access to menstrual products and facilities. The next step is to reduce and slowly eliminate the period poverty issue by conducting more research to increase clinical evidence and future references. This narrative review could inform policymakers of the magnitude of the burden related to this issue and guide them to develop effective strategies to minimize the impact of poverty, especially during the challenging years of the post-coronavirus disease 2019 era.

Citations

• Period Poverty: How School Nurses Can Support Menstrual Health and Hygiene
  Damaris Pereda, Sasha Mahuna
  NASN School Nurse.2025; 40(1): 38.     CrossRef
• Period poverty and mental health among students attending a US university
  Jonathan Noel, Samantha Strong, Sarah Miller, Kelsey Gately, Samantha Rosenthal
  Journal of American College Health.2025; : 1.     CrossRef
• The economic impact of Long-Acting Contraceptives (LARCs) on public health
  Ana Claudia Marcelino, Paula da Cunha Pereira, Luis Bahamondes
  Clinics.2025; 80: 100598.     CrossRef
• Cycles of Neglect: A Statutory Review of State Policies Regarding Feminine Hygiene Product Provision During Incarceration
  McKenzie Wood, Nicole E. Garrett, Douglas Routh, Michelle Jeffs
  International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• A Pilot Study of Menstrual Health Education, Attitudes, and Product Access in Rural Honduras
  Eleanor Stubley, Janice M. Marshall
  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(3): 374.     CrossRef
• Menstrual Products: Attitudes About Taxation and Safety
  Trupti Dhumal, Pragya Rai, Drishti Shah, Pamela W. Murray, Kimberly M. Kelly
  Journal of Women's Health.2024; 33(4): 491.     CrossRef
• “For men, by men”: Menstrual victimization and the weaponization of period products in carceral settings
  Kathryn Tapp, Abigail Henson
  Women's Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Tranexamic acid for management of heavy vaginal bleeding: barriers to access and myths surrounding its use
  Heather VanderMeulen, Grace H. Tang, Michelle Sholzberg
  Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis.2024; 8(3): 102389.     CrossRef
• “Ritual Purity” Reimagined: Eco-Friendly Menstrual Practices and Emotional Well-being in Muslim Women
  Shahida
  Women's Reproductive Health.2024; 11(4): 767.     CrossRef
• Management of abnormal uterine bleeding on anticoagulation: the patient–clinician perspective
  Bethany T. Samuelson Bannow
  Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.2024; 22(7): 1819.     CrossRef
• A pilot survey of students’ menstrual attitudes, experiences, and needs on an urban university campus
  Abigail Suleman, Shruthi Krishna, Divya Krishnakumar, Kai Nemoto, My Lê Thảo Nguyễn, Supriya D Mehta
  Women's Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Period poverty, reuse needs, and depressive symptoms among refugee menstruators in Jordan’s camps: a cross-sectional study
  Nadia Muhaidat, Joud Al Karmi, Abdulrahman M. Karam, Farah Abushaikha, Mohammad Ali Alshrouf
  BMC Women's Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Menstrual poverty scale: reliability and validity study
  Özge Öz Yildirim, Ayla Hendekci, Ilknur Aydın Avci
  Women & Health.2024; 64(6): 526.     CrossRef
• Syndemics in women’s health: poverty, social exclusion, and clustering of thrombotic and hemostasis disorders
  Ellen O’Rourke, Sarah Kelliher, Barry Kevane
  Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis.2024; 8(5): 102481.     CrossRef
• Forbidden Conversations: A Comprehensive Exploration of Taboos in Sexual and Reproductive Health
  Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit, Mainul Haque
  Cureus.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Perspectives on prior preparation for menstrual experience from women and female health workers in Malawi
  Gertrude Mwalabu, Safari Mbewe, Annie Namathanga, Rodney Masese, Charity Kabondo, Leah Katuya, Pammla Petrucka, Patrick Mapulanga
  Women's Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Behavior and attitudes of female medical students regarding menstrual products
  Teodora Marković, Vuk Marušić, Aleksandra Nikolić, Isidora Vujčić, Milan Bjekić, Sandra Šipetić-Grujičić
  Zdravstvena zastita.2024; 53(3): 32.     CrossRef
• Period poverty is a continuing global challenge
  Lucy Khofi
  Nature Human Behaviour.2024; 8(11): 2070.     CrossRef
• Addressing the commercial determinants of menstrual health: a call to regulate menstrual product manufacturers
  Céline Brassart Olsen
  Health Promotion International.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Menstrual Hygiene Management and Reproductive Morbidity among Women Tea Plantation Workers in Wayanad District, Kerala, India
  Puthupparambil S. Alifia, Paul T. Francis, Malathi Mini, Jeby J. Olickal, Kavumpurathu R. Thankappan
  Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth.2024; 17(Suppl 1): S178.     CrossRef

Citations

• The Crucial Role of Political Will in Advancing Primary Health Care
  Dalmacito A. Cordero Jr
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(1): 56.     CrossRef
• Guidelines for nutrition counseling in primary healthcare clinics
  Gyeongsil Lee, Seung-Won Oh
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 278.     CrossRef
• Disease prevention measures applicable to primary healthcare clinics
  Jae-Heon Kang
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 226.     CrossRef
• How to Strengthen Primary Care? The Integration of Clinical Practice and Community Health Care
  Erlina Wijayanti
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(3): 176.     CrossRef

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation affecting the exocrine region of the pancreatic parenchyma. Infectious etiologies are rare. Here we report an exceptional case of a 44-year-old woman from a rural area who was referred to our hospital with fever and abdominal pain. A physical examination revealed pale skin and epigastric tenderness. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed a Balthazar score of D. Serum laboratory findings revealed hemolytic anemia, hepatic cytolysis, and high C-reactive protein level. Calcium and lipase levels were normal. There was no history of recent trauma, alcohol consumption, or drug intoxication. The diagnosis of “query” pancreatitis was confirmed by serological Coxiella burnetii positivity. Oral doxycycline 200 mg daily was initiated. The clinical evolution was favorable. To our knowledge, no association between acute pancreatitis and hemolytic anemia caused by C. burnetii was reported previously. Q fever must be considered in cases of acute pancreatitis, especially when the patient is from a rural area or has a high-risk profession.

Background
This study explored the psychosocial needs of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries from the perspective of rehabilitation professionals.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative approach was used, and a total of 14 rehabilitation professionals from various backgrounds participated in face-to-face interviews. All interviews were audio recorded, and session notes were added to the existing data and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.
Results
Nine need themes emerged: informational, psychological, personal care, financial, social support, welfare, vocational, telemedicine, and referral.
Conclusion
The findings of this study will aid the design or development of need-based customized psychosocial interventions for family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries in India. Multiple stakeholders involved in spinal cord injury management should understand the importance of meeting the needs of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries and the timely delivery of customized psychosocial interventions.

Background
This study aimed to improve the clinical course of patients through rapid response by analyzing the characteristics of critically ill patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Busan between December 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021.
Methods
We divided patients diagnosed with COVID-19 into mild-to-moderate and critical groups based on their clinical severity. The critically ill patients were further sub-divided into delta and delta variant non-epidemic group.
Results
The following factors were significantly more frequent in critically ill patients than in patients with mild-tomoderate symptoms: male sex, age ≥60 years, symptoms at the time of diagnosis, and those with underlying diseases. The following factors were significantly more common in the non-delta variant epidemic group than in the delta variant epidemic group in critically ill patients: male sex, age ≥60 years, underlying diseases, and not being vaccinated. In the delta variant epidemic group, the duration between confirmation of disease and its progression to critically ill status was significantly shorter than that in the non-delta variant epidemic group.
Conclusion
COVID-19 is characterized by the emergence of new variants and repeated epidemics. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of critically ill patients to efficiently distribute and manage medical resources.

Background
Since the introduction of heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Korea in 2017, their annual sales have increased. Several studies have investigated the perceptions of HTPs and smoking cessation behaviors. For the first time, In 2019, questions focused on HTP use were introduced in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). This study aimed to compare smoking cessation behaviors between HTP users and conventional cigarette smokers using KNHANES data.
Methods
Data of 947 current adult smokers from the 8th KNHNES (2019) were analyzed. Current smokers were divided into conventional cigarette (CC)–only, HTP-only, and dual-use groups. The general characteristics of the three groups were investigated. Differences in current intention to quit smoking and past attempts to quit smoking among the three groups were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis by IBM SPSS ver. 25.0.
Results
HTP-only users demonstrated fewer future smoking cessation plans (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.398; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.195–0.813; P=0.012) and fewer smoking cessation attempts in the past year (AOR, 0.533; 95% CI, 0.298–0.954; P=0.034) than CC-only smokers. However, there was no significant difference between dual-use (CC+HTP) and CC-only smokers.
Conclusion
While dual-use and CC-only smokers showed similar smoking cessation behaviors, HTP-only users had fewer previous attempts to quit smoking and were less likely to be currently ready to quit smoking. These findings can be explained by a decrease in the need to quit smoking due to the convenience of HTP and the perception that HTPs are less harmful than CC.

Citations

• Association between type of smoking and smoking cessation plans in Korean adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study
  Kitae Park, Dan Bi Kim, Jae Yong Shin, Chung-Mo Nam, Eun-Cheol Park
  Tobacco Induced Diseases.2025; 23(February): 1.     CrossRef
• Pharmacotherapy guidelines for smoking cessation in primary healthcare clinics
  Cheol Min Lee, Yu Jin Paek, Yoo Bin Seo, Eon Sook Lee
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 230.     CrossRef
• Three in four smokers want to quit tobacco (reference to reassessing the smoking target in Japan): findings from the JASTIS2021 study
  Masayuki Sugihara, Takahiro Tabuchi
  Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.2024; 29: 28.     CrossRef
• A Scoping Review of Behavioural Studies on Heated Tobacco Products
  Ian M Fearon, Sarah F Cordery, Martin Fitzpatrick, Sarah Weaver, Matthew Stevenson, Erika Grandolfo, Layla Malt, Keith Thompson, Thomas Nahde
  Cureus.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Is Using Heated Tobacco Products Helpful in Smoking Cessation?
  Young Gyu Cho
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2023; 44(3): 127.     CrossRef

Background
Despite increased clinical and research interest in sarcopenia, even in Asia, not much is known about the association between sarcopenia and depressive symptoms. Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms are associated with several health problems in older adults; therefore, we investigated the association between sarcopenia and depression in Korean older adults.
Methods
The study sample included 1,929 participants aged over 60 years (44.6% men; mean age, 69.7 years) from nationally representative data of the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination survey. Possible sarcopenia was defined according to the diagnostic algorithm of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019; however, we measured only hand-grip strength (kg) in this study. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used for screening for symptoms of depression. A cross-sectional analysis was used to examine the relationship between possible sarcopenia and depressive symptoms.
Results
Possible sarcopenia and depressive symptoms were identified in 538 (27.9%) and 97 (5.0%) participants, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and other potential covariates, possible sarcopenia was positively associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–3.11; P<0.001).
Conclusion
Possible sarcopenia was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in Korean older adults. Early interventions for possible sarcopenia and depressive symptoms in routine clinical practice could help Korean older adults to have healthy aging. Future studies are required to explore any causal relationship between possible sarcopenia and depressive symptoms in Korean older adults.

Citations

• Social media-based Health Education plus Exercise Program (SHEEP) to improve muscle function among young-old adults with possible sarcopenia in the community: A feasibility study protocol
  Ya Shi, Emma Stanmore, Lisa McGarrigle, Chris Todd, Marina De Rui
  PLOS ONE.2025; 20(1): e0303481.     CrossRef
• Association between sarcopenia components and depressed mood varies by sex among community-dwelling older adults from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study
  Yong Soon Park, Keunjoong Yoo, Hye Jin Kim, Miji Kim, Chang Won Won
  Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Bidirectional association between sarcopenia and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Xiangpeng Meng, Ze Wang, Linyu Lyu
  Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.2025; 132: 105787.     CrossRef
• Análisis de la relación entre sarcopenia y síntomas depresivos en adultos mayores: una revisión de alcance
  Miguel Ángel Hernández Real, Uriel Nahum Hernández Puebla
  RESPYN Revista Salud Pública y Nutrición.2024; 23(2): 23.     CrossRef

Since each person has a different ability to break down alcohol, it is inappropriate to apply a uniform standard to everyone when evaluating drinking status. In Korea, there has been a guideline for moderate drinking based not only on sex and age but Koreans’ alcohol metabolism capabilities that can be predicted by presence of facial flushing response. So far, there have been no studies that have investigated drinking habits of Koreans in accordance with the guideline. This study tried to identify the current drinking status of Koreans according to the guideline. As a result, it was confirmed that about 1/3 of the total population was accompanied by facial flushing when drinking alcohol, and it was found that different drinking habits were shown even in the same age and gender groups according to the presence of facial flushing. It is difficult to accurately evaluate drinking habits because facial flushing has not yet been investigated in some large data or various medical examinations. In the future, it is necessary to ensure that the presence of facial flushing can be confirmed at the medical treatment or examination site so that accurate drinking habit evaluation and prevention and resolution of drinking problems can be achieved.

Citations

• Unhealthy alcohol use: screening and behavioral counseling interventions
  Wonyoung Jung, Seung-Won Oh, Se-Hong Kim, Soo Young Kim
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(1): 20.     CrossRef
• The preventative effects of statin on lung cancer development in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using the National Health Insurance Service Database in Korea
  Yoo Jung Lee, Nayoon Kang, Junghyun Nam, Eung Gu Lee, Jiwon Ryoo, Soon Seog Kwon, Yong Hyun Kim, Hye Seon Kang, Tsai-Ching Hsu
  PLOS ONE.2024; 19(3): e0299484.     CrossRef
• Cancer risk based on alcohol consumption levels: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
  Seunghee Jun, Hyunjin Park, Ui-Jeong Kim, Eun Jeong Choi, Hye Ah Lee, Bomi Park, Soon Young Lee, Sun Ha Jee, Hyesook Park
  Epidemiology and Health.2023; 45: e2023092.     CrossRef

Citations

• Pharmacotherapy guidelines for smoking cessation in primary healthcare clinics
  Cheol Min Lee, Yu Jin Paek, Yoo Bin Seo, Eon Sook Lee
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 230.     CrossRef

Citations

• Health Information Quality of Online Newspaper Articles in Korea
  Hangyeol Lee, Seung-Won Oh
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(2): 77.     CrossRef
• Coronavirus-related health literacy level of Turkish adults: psychometric properties of the scale
  Pınar Soylar, Fatma Özlem Öztürk, Sibel Sönmez
  Health Promotion International.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Factors influencing health literacy in overweight management among late adolescents in Thailand: A cross-sectional study
  Piyanan Narmkul, Somkiattiyos Woradet, Thongchai Armartpundit, Surachai Maninet, Nopparat Songserm
  Belitung Nursing Journal.2024; 10(5): 563.     CrossRef
• YouTube, Health Information, and Health Literacy
  Seung-Won Oh
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2023; 44(6): 301.     CrossRef

Background
Sleep duration is associated with hearing loss, especially presbycusis, which is the most common type of hearing loss; however, there is limited evidence regarding this association among the Korean population. We aimed to determine the relationship between sleep duration and high-frequency hearing loss in Korean adults aged ≥40 years.
Methods
We examined 5,547 Korean adults aged ≥40 years who completed audiometric tests and questionnaires regarding sleep duration during the 2010–2012 cycle of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mild presbycusis was defined as >25 decibels (dB) and <40 dB, whereas moderate-to-severe presbycusis was defined as >40 dB pure tone averages at high frequencies (3,000, 4,000, and 6,000 Hz) for both ears. Additionally, the sleep duration was divided into quartiles. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariable logistic regression after adjusting for covariates.
Results
The prevalence of presbycusis in South Korean adults was 62.1%, of which 61.4% showed moderate to severe presbycusis. The incidence of moderate-to-severe, but not mild, presbycusis showed a significant positive correlation with sleep duration.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that sleep duration is associated with the prevalence of presbycusis.

Citations

• Joint association of sleep duration and depression with new-onset hearing loss: a national cohort study
  Fang Wang, Yu-Jun Xiong, Da-Ming Shao, Tian Lv, Shiqin Chen, Qian-Yuan Zhu
  Frontiers in Nutrition.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Sleep characteristics and hearing loss in middle-aged and older adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2018
  Kening Jiang, Adam P. Spira, Nicholas S. Reed, Frank R. Lin, Jennifer A. Deal
  Sleep Epidemiology.2024; 4: 100082.     CrossRef
• Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic review
  Shiyu Hu, Qingru Sun, Fei Xu, Ninghua Jiang, Jianli Gao
  Chinese Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef

Background
Childbearing is the most important determinant of population fluctuations, and its study is more important than other population phenomena. Owing to the lack of a valid questionnaire based on the extended theory of planned behavior, this mixed-method study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of a questionnaire designed to examine related belief-based factors on the intention to bear children in Iranian society.
Methods
This study was conducted in two phases in Hamadan city, western Iran, in 2021. Phase 1 consisted of an extensive literature review and a qualitative study using a directed content analysis approach to generate an item pool. Psychometrics were measured in phase 2, including content, face, and construct validity. Reliability was assessed based on internal consistency and stability. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS and AMOS ver. 24.0.
Results
Mean content validity ratio and content validity index were 0.7 and 0.85, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis of the 32 items identified an eight-factor solution. These factors jointly accounted for 79.1% of the observed variance in the outcome variables. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the data. The internal consistency based on Cronbach’s α was 0.85 (0.71–0.93). In addition, stability was confirmed using the test-retest method and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.74–0.94).
Conclusion
The designed questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating related belief-based factors on the intention and behavior of childbearing among married men and women in Iran.

Citations

• An integrated theory based-educational intervention to change intention to have a child: study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial
  Maryam Moridi, Maryam Damghanian, Sedigheh Keshaverz
  Reproductive Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Does fiscal expenditure contribute to increasing fertility intentions of rural households?
  Zhongyi Gong, Mei Ge
  Finance Research Letters.2024; 63: 105286.     CrossRef

Background
Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) involves the separation of the midline abdominal muscles and linea alba and affects more than half of postpartum women. This study aimed to assess the effect of a split tummy exercise program (STEP) on DRA closure in postpartum mothers.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted from 2008 to 2020 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Primigravida mothers diagnosed with DRA were selected and randomly assigned to the intervention (n=21) or control (n=20) group. The intervention group underwent a home-based STEP consisting of three phases of nine abdominal exercises. DRA size was assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks postpartum using two-dimensional ultrasound.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 28 years (standard deviation, 3.6), with the majority of Malay ethnicity (87.8%) and working mothers (78%). After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in DRA size of up to 27% (mean difference, 6.17 mm; 95% confidence interval, 3.7–8.7; P<0.001). No significant intergroup DRA changes were observed after 8 weeks of follow-up.
Conclusion
Early postpartum screening for DRA should be advocated to allow early STEP intervention to ensure favorable outcomes. STEP intervention is an effective postnatal training program for managing DRA.

Citations

• Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Non-surgical Treatments with or without Exercise for Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  Wen-Chieh Wu, Wen-Hong Wu, Ming-Fen Lee, Pei-Yu Wu, Yu-Kang Tu, Hsuan Lin, Chien-Yi Chan, Chun-Yin Huang
  Sports Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Comparative Efficacy of Abdominal Exercises and Abdominal Binding on Diastasis Recti Abdominis Reduction in Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  Abdullah, Khawaja Abdul Rehman, Bilal Ahmad, Muhammad Khubaib Arshad, Humza Saeed, Mahnoor Asghar Keen, Amna Anwar, Noor ul ain Saleem, Umm E. Salma Shabbar Banatwala, Zara Bilal, Maryam Shahzad, Pakeeza Shakoor, Muhammad Ahsen Niazi
  Physiotherapy Research International.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Recomendaciones médicas desde atención primaria sobre ejercicio físico en el posparto
  L.M. Gallo-Galán, M.A. Gallo-Vallejo, J.L. Gallo-Vallejo
  Medicina de Familia. SEMERGEN.2024; 50(3): 102148.     CrossRef
• Intra‐ and Interimage Reliability of Inter‐Rectus Distance Measurements Determined via Ultrasound Imaging by the Same or Different Testers in Women in the Early Postpartum Period
  Qing Jiang, Ya Gao, Shuyu Xia, Yuefan Gu, Jun Gu, Jianfeng Guo, Guannan Feng, Qifeng Deng, Xuedong Deng
  Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.2024; 43(6): 1037.     CrossRef
• FISIOTERAPIA NA DIÁSTASE DOS MÚSCULOS RETOS ABDOMINAIS NO PÓS-PARTO: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
  Ana Clara Moreira de Jesus, Andresa Santos Souza, Gabrielle Barreto Menezes, Jisielle Oliveira dos Santos, Luiz André Santos Silva, Elisama de Campos Guimarães, Isabela da Silva Vasconcelos Rodrigues, Grace Kelly Melo de Almeida
  Revista Contemporânea.2024; 4(7): e5102.     CrossRef
• Comparison of Health Parameters in Postpartum Diastasis Recti: A Randomized Control Trial of SEMG Biofeedback-Assisted Core Strengthening Exercises with Kinesiotaping vs. Non-Assisted Exercises
  Ujala Afzal, Quratulain Saeed, Muhammad Nabeel Anwar, Sanna Pervaiz, Manahil Shahid, Rimsha Javed, Muhammad Umair Ali, Seung Won Lee
  Healthcare.2024; 12(16): 1567.     CrossRef
• Effect of hypopressive and conventional abdominal exercises on postpartum diastasis recti: A randomized controlled trial
  Mercedes Soto-González, Iria Da Cuña-Carrera, Eva María Lantarón-Caeiro, Augusto Gil Pascoal, Shabnam ShahAli
  PLOS ONE.2024; 19(12): e0314274.     CrossRef
• Impact of postpartum exercise on pelvic floor disorders and diastasis recti abdominis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Nicole F Beamish, Margie H Davenport, Muhammad Usman Ali, Matthew J Gervais, Talia Noel Sjwed, Gyanjot Bains, Allison Sivak, Rita E Deering, Stephanie-May Ruchat
  British Journal of Sports Medicine.2024; : bjsports-2024-108619.     CrossRef

Background
Oxidative stress plays an essential role in bone health among postmenopausal women. This study aimed to compare the oxidative stress biomarkers among postmenopausal women aged 50–65 years with normal bone mineral density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.
Methods
In this observational study, 120 women with normal bone mineral density, 82 with osteopenia, and 86 with osteoporosis were selected based on the densitometry data obtained from the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using biochemical methods. A binary logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to estimate the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
There were significant differences between the three groups in age, menopausal age, body mass index, and education (P<0.05). According to the binary logistic regression model, higher SOD activity and serum TAC levels were associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.991; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.986 to 0.996; and aOR, 0.373; 95% CI, 0.141 to 0.986, respectively). MDA was a significant risk factor for osteopenia in postmenopausal women (aOR, 1.702; 95% CI, 1.125 to 2.576).
Conclusion
Higher SOD activity and serum TAC levels in the studied postmenopausal women were associated with a significantly lower risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, the risk of osteopenia increased significantly with higher serum MDA levels.

Citations

• Exploring the application of dietary antioxidant index for disease risk assessment: a comprehensive review
  Hossein Pourmontaseri, Sina Bazmi, Matin Sepehrinia, Ayda Mostafavi, Reza Arefnezhad, Reza Homayounfar, Farhad Vahid
  Frontiers in Nutrition.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Women’s Health and Primary Care
  Seung-Won Oh
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(1): 1.     CrossRef
• Effects of cosmos caudatus (Kenikir) antioxidant properties on bone metabolism marker in rat
  Gadis Meinar Sari, Idha Kusumawati, Yoga Akbar Arifandi, Julian Benedict Swannjo
  Current Research in Physiology.2024; 7: 100128.     CrossRef
• Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants in osteoporosis risk: causal associations unveiled by Mendelian Randomization analysis
  Yuancheng Li, Huaqian Qi, Xin Huang, Gang Lu, Huashan Pan
  Frontiers in Physiology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Proteomic Biomarkers Associated with Low Bone Mineral Density: A Systematic Review
  Adriana Becerra-Cervera, Anna D. Argoty-Pantoja, Diana I. Aparicio-Bautista, Priscilla López-Montoya, Berenice Rivera-Paredez, Alberto Hidalgo-Bravo, Rafael Velázquez-Cruz
  International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(14): 7526.     CrossRef

Background
This study aimed to examine the association between coffee or green tea consumption and ferritin or hemoglobin levels in premenopausal women.
Methods
We used the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012), and a total of 4,322 individuals were surveyed. In women of reproductive age, average ferritin and hemoglobin levels were calculated according to coffee or green tea consumption. Covariates included in the analysis were demographic variables, such as age, body mass index, education, drinking, smoking, history of hypertension, history of diabetes diagnosis, physical activity, total energy intake, and daily iron intake.
Results
In 4,322 participants, the average hemoglobin level was 12.90±0.02 g/dL, and the average level of ferritin was 31.95±0.67 ng/mL. As a result of testing, correlation between ferritin and coffee intake and difference in ferritin levels according to coffee consumption was significant (P<0.05). In this study, a post hoc test indicated that ferritin level significantly differed between one and two cups, two and three cups, and three and one cup groups (overall P<0.001). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between ferritin level and coffee intake; ferritin level decreased by 2.09 ng/mL with a one-cup increase in daily coffee consumption.
Conclusion
In premenopausal women, coffee intake is associated with low serum ferritin levels. Our results indicate that drinking >2 cups of coffee significantly affect ferritin levels in Korean premenopausal women.

Citations

• Women’s Health and Primary Care
  Seung-Won Oh
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(1): 1.     CrossRef
• Guidelines for nutrition counseling in primary healthcare clinics
  Gyeongsil Lee, Seung-Won Oh
  Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(4): 278.     CrossRef
• Dietary diversity and preferences among pregnant women and its association with anaemia
  Benedicta Twum - Dei, Richmond Aryeetey, Linda Nana Esi Aduku
  Nutrition & Food Science .2024; 54(4): 805.     CrossRef
• Association Between Tea Drinking and Anemia in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study From the Mekran Division, Balochistan, Pakistan
  Noman Sadiq, Yasmeen Gul, Muhammad M Bilal, Muhammad Afzal, Nasrin Mumtaz, Abdul Wahid
  Cureus.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Does tea intake increase the risk of anemia? Evidence from a large prospective cohort and Mendelian randomization study
  Rui Hang Zhang, Wei Sen Zhang, Chao Qiang Jiang, Feng Zhu, Ya Li Jin, Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu, Jiao Wang
  Food & Function.2024; 15(18): 9552.     CrossRef
• A Comparative Study of the Effect Coffee and Tea on Some Parameters in the Rats Blood
  Sadiq Al-Mansury, Suhad J. Hadi, Hawraa H. Naji, Adnan M. Jassim, Shatha M. Abbas, Nada Khazal K. Hindi
  Medical Journal of Babylon.2024; 21(3): 627.     CrossRef
• Association between Coffee and Green Tea Consumption and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Korea
  Jungun Lee
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2023; 44(2): 69.     CrossRef

Cancer, or malignancy, continues to be one of the most serious health problems in the world, leading to death and disability. Unlike in previous years, where new cases of cancer were predominant in developed nations, the number of cases of cancer and the resultant deaths are increasing in low- and middle-income countries. This is partially attributable to the current trend of adopting a Western lifestyle, substantial urbanization, and the rise in infections, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), which together account for over 30% of cancer cases in underdeveloped and developing nations. The deleterious impact of cancer, as cases multiply worldwide, is multi-dimensional. Cancer exerts serious physical, psychological, and monetary burdens, not only on cancer patients but also on their family members, close friends, health care systems, and society at large. Importantly, over half of all cancer types can be prevented globally by mitigating the risk and causative factors as well as prompt adherence to scientifically recommended prevention measures. This review provides various scientifically based and people-centered strategies that every individual could adopt to reduce their risk of developing cancer in the future. It is recommended that, for these cancer prevention strategies to be effective, there should be a strong political will from the governments of individual countries to enact specific laws and implement policies that will significantly reduce sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating among the general public. Likewise, HPV and HBV vaccines, as well as cancer screenings, should be made available, affordable, and accessible on a timely basis for those who are eligible to take them. Finally, intensified campaigns and numerous informative and educational programs that promote cancer prevention should be initiated globally.

Citations

• Vegan Diet: A Novel Trend in Healthy Living
  Gaithaongamliu Kamei, Prasad Rasane, Jyoti Singh, Sawinder Kaur, Mahendra Gunjal, Jaspreet Kaur, Raghav Gupta, Dipendra Kumar Mahato, Sushma Gurumayum, Sunil Kumar Dwivedi
  Current Nutrition & Food Science.2024; 20(8): 952.     CrossRef
• Rising potentials of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) loaded lipid-based delivery platforms for breast cancer
  Sagnik Nag, Adrija Bhunia, Sourav Mohanto, Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed, Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
  Discover Applied Sciences.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Exploring the Role of Artificial Light and Tanning for Skin Cancer
  Muhammad Majid, Abdul Qayoom, Ali Haider
  Indus Journal of Bioscience Research.2024; 2(2): 1506.     CrossRef
• Exploring the Role of Artificial Light and Tanning for Skin Cancer
  Muhammad Majid, Abdul Qayoom, Ali Haider
  Indus Journal of Bioscience Research.2024; 2(2): 1584.     CrossRef
• Application of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Using Medical Images: A Systematic Review
  Olusola Olabanjo, Ashiribo Wusu, Mauton Asokere, Oseni Afisi, Basheerat Okugbesan, Olufemi Olabanjo, Olusegun Folorunso, Manuel Mazzara
  Analytics.2023; 2(3): 708.     CrossRef

With aging, loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function increases, resulting in an increased risk of falls, fractures, long-term institutional care, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and even death. Sarcopenia, which is derived from the Greek words “sarx” or flesh+“penia” or loss, is defined as a condition characterized by low muscle mass and low muscle strength and performance. In 2019, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) published a consensus paper on the diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia. The AWGS 2019 guideline, specifically, presented strategies for case-finding and assessment to help diagnose “possible sarcopenia” in primary care settings. For case finding, the AWGS 2019 guideline proposed an algorithm that recommends calf circumference measurement (cut-off <34 cm in men, <33 cm in women) or the SARC-F (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls) questionnaire (cut-off ≥4). If this case finding is confirmed, handgrip strength (cutoff <28 kg in men, <18 kg in women) or the 5-time chair stand test (≥12 seconds) should be performed to diagnose “possible sarcopenia.” If an individual is diagnosed as “possible sarcopenia,” AWGS 2019 recommends that the individual should start lifestyle interventions and related health education for primary healthcare users. Because no medication is available to treat sarcopenia, exercise and nutrition is essential for sarcopenia management. Many guidelines, recommend physical activity, with a focus on progressive resistance (strength) training, as a first-line therapy for the management of sarcopenia. It is essential to educate older adults with sarcopenia on the need to increase protein intake. Many guidelines recommended that older people should consume at least 1.2 g of proteins/kg/d. This minimum threshold can be increased in the presence of catabolic or muscle wasting. Previous studies reported that leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, is essential for protein synthesis in muscle, and a stimulator for skeletal muscle synthesis. A guideline conditionally recommends that diet or nutritional supplements should be combined with exercise intervention for older adults with sarcopenia.

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