Background
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sedentary behavior types and physical activity on well-being.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 428 university students. The study data were collected through online forms between March and April 2021: the Sociodemographic Characteristics and Activities Form, Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire, Health Assessment Form, and World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and decision tree analysis.
Results
The average time spent sedentary in a day was 11.231±4.358 hours. The mean sedentary time spent mentally passive was 4.660±2.240 hours, and the time spent mentally active was 6.571±3.335 hours. A low positive correlation was observed between well-being score and weekly moderate and total moderate-to-high physical activity time, and a low negative correlation was observed with mentally passive sedentary time. According to decision tree analysis, students who rated their health status as worse than in the previous year and those who did not engage in any physical activity were more likely to be classified as individuals at risk in terms of well-being. In contrast, among those who reported no change in their health status, students who engaged in physical activity and had mentally passive sedentary time below 5.25 hours were less likely to be assigned to the risk group.
Conclusion
To protect physical and mental health, measures should be taken to reduce sedentary time, especially mentally passive sedentary time, and to increase physical activity time.

Background
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea are common symptoms in women. In this study, we investigated the effects of saffron on PMS and dysmenorrhea in women.
Methods
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively screened a range of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. We included randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of saffron on PMS or dysmenorrhea. Quality assessment of the identified studies was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software ver. 2 based on the random effects model.
Results
Meta-analysis revealed that saffron had a significant positive effect on the symptoms of PMS in women (standardized mean difference [SMD], –0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.84 to –0.44). Furthermore, saffron was effective in reducing dysmenorrhea (SMD, –0.51; 95% CI, –1.01 to –0.01).
Conclusion
The findings of our meta-analysis indicate that saffron exerts beneficial effects on the symptoms of both PMS and dysmenorrhea in women.

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process that every woman experiences at some point in life. Menopausal symptoms have a negative impact on the quality of life. Common menopausal symptoms include vasomotor symptoms, mood swings, concentration issues, vaginal dryness, atrophy of secondary sexual traits, libido loss, musculoskeletal discomfort, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. The most effective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms is estrogen, with or without. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is most beneficial before 60 years of age or within 10 years of menopause. Other menopause-related symptoms including mood swings, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, and myalgia may improve with HRT. HRT is also effective in preventing bone loss associated with menopause and in reducing the incidence of all osteoporosis-related fractures, including those of the vertebrae and hip.

Background
Treatment of hand osteoarthritis (OA) often includes corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Some studies have reported better pain relief and improved function, whereas others have reported minimal long-term benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of corticosteroids and HA injections on the management of hand OA.
Methods
PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and EBSCO Open Disk were searched from their inception to May 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intra-articular corticosteroid and HA injections in adults with hand OA were included. Data on demographics, interventions, and outcomes were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. We performed a pairwise meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled effects of the included trials, that is, standardized mean differences (SMDs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
Of 189 articles, three RCTs involving 180 participants (mean age, 62–62.9 years) were included. One RCT was identified through a database search, and two RCTs were identified through other searching techniques. The risk of bias was considered low in two trials and high in one trial. No significant difference in pain relief was found between the corticosteroid and HA treatments (SMD, 0.06; 95% CI, –0.23 to 0.35; I²=0.0%).
Conclusion
Corticosteroid and HA injections offered similar pain relief in patients with hand OA. Further long-term studies are necessary to evaluate the functional outcomes and potential side effects. However, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size of the studies (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024511411).

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory conditions, are the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality. Depression frequently co-occurs with these conditions, and may significantly reduce medication adherence, thereby worsening health outcomes. This narrative review examines the relationship between depression and medication adherence in patients with NCDs. It also highlights the current challenges in managing this comorbidity and explores potential strategies for improving adherence outcomes. Most studies have reported a significant negative association between depression and medication adherence in diverse NCD populations. Depressive symptoms impair motivation, memory, and executive functioning, which are essential for the maintenance of treatment regimens. However, inconsistencies across studies have been observed due to variability in the measurement of depression and adherence, study design, and control of confounding factors. Despite evidence from high-income countries supporting integrated care models such as collaborative care and cognitive behavioral therapy, implementation of these models in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. Emerging strategies, including task shifting, digital health tools (e.g., mobile health apps and telemedicine), and community-based support systems, offer promising avenues for intervention. Addressing this issue requires integrated and scalable interventions tailored to local contexts. Future research should focus on longitudinal and interventional studies, particularly in resource-limited settings, to inform policies and practices.

Citations

• Health behaviors, lifestyle factors, and healthcare challenges in family medicine: a comprehensive review of recent evidence from Asian populations
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(4): 215.     CrossRef

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Indonesia has led to an increase in mental health problems, especially among those with comorbid hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension is the primary comorbidity of COVID-19. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pattern of uncontrolled hypertension at two time points during the pandemic and to confirm its relationship with common mental disorders (CMDs).
Methods
This longitudinal study was conducted at two time points (2019 and 2021), and the data of individuals with hypertension was sourced from the Bogor of Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Cohort Study. Data of 1,231 respondents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the analyses. The Self-Reported Questionnaire-20 was used to measure CMDs (score of >6). This study used a generalized estimating equation to analyze the data.
Results
The percentage of those with uncontrolled hypertension increased from 57.6% to 66.4%, whereas those with CMDs increased from 6.1% to 11.5%, from 2019 to 2021. The risk of uncontrolled hypertension was higher in patients with CMDs than in those without CMDs. The risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased from twice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.071–2.069) in 2019 to 3 times (aOR, 2.765; 95% CI, 2.243–3.287) in 2021.
Conclusion
Since stress increases the risk of developing uncontrolled hypertension, individuals with hypertension must be able to manage their stress. Apropos this, the governments should provide mental health consultation services in treating patients with hypertension, especially during adverse events such as pandemics.

Background
Interest in healthy aging has grown with the increase in the older population. Nutritional intake is crucial in frailty. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and multivitamin and mineral supplements (MVMS), which can easily provide micronutrients.
Methods
The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted from 2018 to 2019 included 3,395 adults aged ≥65 years. Of these, 1,511 who did not consume dietary supplements (DS, non-DS group) and 415 who took MVMS (MVMS group) were included in the study. We modified Fried’s definition of frailty to fit the KNHANES data. Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined the association between MVMS use and frailty, which varied with satisfaction with total energy intake. Additional subgroup analyses were performed based on age, sex, and income.
Results
MVMS reduced most micronutrient deficiencies compared to obtaining nutrients solely through food. The overall analysis revealed no association between MVMS use and frailty (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–1.09). However, a subanalysis revealed that participants with a low income (≤25%) who took MVMS had decreased odds for frailty (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.35–0.88) compared with the non-DS group. Furthermore, a significant association between using MVMS and frailty was confirmed in the group with low income and energy intake below the recommended daily allowance, with a low OR of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.30–0.90).
Conclusion
MVMS use was significantly associated with frailty among the low-income and low-daily energy intake groups.

Background
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that presents substantial public health challenges. Emerging evidence underscores the role of dietary patterns in mitigating depressive symptoms. This study investigated the association between diet quality, assessed using the Recommended Food Score (RFS), and depressive symptoms, evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), in a sample of Korean adults.
Methods
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 19,786 participants recruited from a general hospital in Korea, all of whom completed the RFS and PHQ-9 assessments. General characteristics and anthropometric indices were recorded. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for depressive symptoms according to RFS scores, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results
Higher RFS scores were associated with reduced odds of depression in univariate (OR, 0.59; P<0.001) and multivariate (OR, 0.72; P<0.001) analyses. Sociodemographic factors, including older age, higher education, marital status, higher income, professional occupation, and regular exercise, were linked to decreased odds of depression. Conversely, female sex, current smoking, and alcohol consumption were associated with increased odds.
Conclusion
The findings reveal an inverse relationship between diet quality and depressive symptoms among Korean adults, emphasizing the potential of dietary improvements in mental health promotion. Sociodemographic factors significantly influence depression risk. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs incorporating a wider range of variables to elucidate these complex interactions.

Background
Menstrual hygiene is crucial to a woman’s physical, social, and mental well-being. The menstrual cup offers a safe and effective solution but still requires wider adoption. This study aims to assess awareness, practices, and barriers regarding the use of menstrual cups among women of reproductive age.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 participants, randomly selected from outpatient settings of a tertiary care hospital in 2022. Non-pregnant menstruating women were included, while those with pelvic infections or cognitive impairments were excluded. After explaining the study’s purpose and ensuring anonymity, data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from previous studies conducted in India and abroad. Knowledge and practices were depicted using descriptive statistics, while factors affecting awareness were analyzed using a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis approach.
Results
Approximately 64.2% of participants were aware of menstrual cups, but only three were users. Participants living in urban areas, practicing Hinduism, and marrying after the age of 20 years showed higher awareness. Users rated the cup as comfortable, with no skin irritation, foul odor, or dryness. The primary barrier to use was insufficient knowledge.
Conclusion
There is a gap in awareness and usage of menstrual cups, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Preliminary feedback from users is encouraging, suggesting that menstrual cups could offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable way to improve menstrual hygiene.

Citations

• Awareness and Usage of Menstrual Cup Among Female Undergraduate Students of AIIMS Bhubaneswar and their Attitude Toward it: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Apratim Dev, Kumbha Gopi, Payel Roy, Manish Taywade, Sonu Hangma Subba
  The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

Background
The liver plays an important role in gonadal steroid hormone metabolism, which can affect reproductive health, including the menstrual cycle. However, evidence from large population-based studies is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularities in premenopausal Korean women using nationwide data.
Methods
This study analyzed Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2011. We investigated 3,045 premenopausal women aged 19–59 years. Liver function markers including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase, and fatty liver index were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularity while adjusting for confounding factors. Values were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis was also performed.
Results
Baseline characteristic analysis showed that approximately 14.4% of the study population experienced menstrual cycle irregularity. The mean age was 34.5±0.7 years. The highest quartile of serum ALT and AST levels showed significantly higher ORs for menstrual cycle irregularity (adjusted OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.26–2.64 and adjusted OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.17–2.39, respectively). A similar result was observed in the subgroup analysis.
Conclusion
Liver function markers were positively associated with menstrual cycle irregularities. In clinical settings, women of reproductive age with relatively decreased liver function should be considered for regular followup of their reproductive health status.

Metformin is the most widely used antihyperglycemic drug in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Over the past 2 decades, several studies have highlighted a substantial increase in the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with T2D on metformin therapy. This can lead to several complications and induce or exacerbate peripheral neuropathy. Despite these data, there are no definite guidelines for screening, diagnosing, and treating vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with T2D on metformin therapy. Therefore, in this narrative review, we aimed to suggest a practical diagnostic and therapeutic strategy to address vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with T2D receiving metformin treatment. Clinical evidence supporting an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with T2D on metformin therapy and its risk factors and potential complications are also discussed.

Citations

• Correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and hemoglobin A1c in patients with diabetes mellitus
  Yahya Madkhali, Sami G. Almalki
  Journal of King Saud University – Science.2025; 37: 3542024.     CrossRef
• Rethinking about Metformin: Promising Potentials
  Kyunam Kim
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(5): 258.     CrossRef
• Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Metformin Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Shoaib Asghar, Haider Tanvir, Asad Riaz, Muhammad Hamza Ejaz, Mamuna Akram, Al Muktadir Chowdhury Evan, Salman Shahid
  Cureus.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Background
Female workers in Indonesia are vulnerable, because they must work to earn a living while still being responsible for domestic problems. This study analyzes the barriers to the use of modern contraceptives by female workers in Indonesia’s urban areas.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey looked at 21,696 female workers. We used modern contraceptive use as a dependent variable, and age, education, wealth, known modern contraceptives, number of live births, ideal number of children, and insurance ownership as independent variables. In the final test, we employed binary logistic regression.
Results
The results showed that women at all age categories were more likely than those aged 15–19 years not to use modern contraceptives, except those aged 35–39 years, who showed no difference. All other marital types were more likely to use modern contraceptives than married individuals. Rich female workers were 1.139 times more likely than poor workers not to use modern contraceptives (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.139; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.026–1.264). Female workers who did not know about modern contraceptives were 4.549 times more likely than those who did not to use modern contraceptives (AOR, 4.549; 95% CI, 1.037–19.953). Female workers with more than two children were 9.996 times more likely than those with two or fewer children not to use modern contraceptives (AOR, 9.996; 95% CI, 9.1890–10.875).
Conclusion
This study identified five factors associated with the non-use of modern contraceptives by female workers in Indonesia’s urban areas: young, unmarried, rich, did not know about modern contraceptives, and had more than two children.

Citations

• Health behaviors, lifestyle factors, and healthcare challenges in family medicine: a comprehensive review of recent evidence from Asian populations
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(4): 215.     CrossRef

Background
The relationship between weight change and quality of life remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether changes in body weight among participants in different baseline body mass index categories are associated with physical and mental health functioning.
Methods
We conducted an analysis involving 5,106 adults who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, a cohort comprising Korean adults aged 40 to 69 years. We categorized participants into three groups based on body weight change, and physical and mental health were assessed using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey in year 4. We employed logistic regression analysis to assess the association between body weight change and poor functioning at year 4. We also utilized a generalized estimating equation to determine the relationship between weight changes and mental component summary (MCS) scores over the study period for each weight group.
Results
Weight gain in both the normal weight (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–3.11; P=0.01) and overweight groups (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05–2.91; P=0.03) was associated with poor MCS. Normal weight weight-losers were associated with a greater increase (2.69 points; 95% CI, 0.50–4.88) in MCS compared to weightmaintainers. Significant differences in mean MCS were observed for overweight weight-losers, obese weight-gainers, and underweight weight-gainers when compared to weight maintainers in each respective weight group.
Conclusion
Different patterns of relationships between weight change and mental health-related quality of life were observed. Hence, it is crucial to focus on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults when assessing body weight changes.

Citations

• Health behaviors, lifestyle factors, and healthcare challenges in family medicine: a comprehensive review of recent evidence from Asian populations
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(4): 215.     CrossRef

Background
Adolescence is an essential stage of a child’s development, transitioning them into adulthood. During this time, they are vulnerable to various social issues, such as experimenting with alcohol, among others. Although alcohol consumption was proven to be detrimental to physical and cognitive development toward adulthood, and almost one in 10 Malaysian adolescents aged 13 years and above are current drinkers, studies concerning the driving factors are still scarce. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine alcohol use among 244 adolescents in Nabawan, Sabah.
Methods
This study assessed the associations between alcohol use and three potential factors: demographic, environmental, and psychological. Respondents who were selected through stratified proportionate random sampling answered a set of assessment tools.
Results
Results showed that 30.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.91–36.48) of Nabawan adolescents use alcohol. Analysis revealed that older age adolescents 18 years and 19 years, respectively (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.93; P=0.021; aOR, 5.38; P=0.003), having parents (aOR, 4.11; P=0.001) and peers (aOR, 11.57; P<0.001) who consume alcohol were significantly associated with alcohol use. Unexpectedly, good parental monitoring (aOR, 2.46; P=0.019) and discussing serious problems with parents (aOR, 3.86; P=0.001) were significantly associated with alcohol use.
Conclusion
Conclusively, policies on alcohol-related harm reduction and prevention should be developed, especially school-based programs, programs addressing family functioning, and parent-child communication, among others, should be further looked into. Future research on the school environment, adolescents’ drinking motives, and the development of practical adolescent-friendly alcohol screening tools are recommendations for improvements.

Citations

• Health behaviors, lifestyle factors, and healthcare challenges in family medicine: a comprehensive review of recent evidence from Asian populations
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(4): 215.     CrossRef

Background
The increasing older adult population requires attention in terms of education and health, as higher education levels contribute to cognitive reserve and may protect against age-related cognitive impairment. Cognitive reserve is an individual’s cognitive flexibility in using cognitive functions affected by brain aging, neurological diseases, and injury. Indonesia has a high prevalence of low-educated older adults, which strongly correlates with progressive cognitive impairment. Identifying risk factors for cognitive decline in this population is crucial. This study determines the factors affecting cognitive impairment in low-educated older adults using cross-sectional data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey-5.
Methods
This descriptive study analyzed 2,313 low-educated older adults ≥60 years old. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to describe the sample and identify the relationships between categorical variables. Logistic regression identified the most significant factor affecting cognitive impairment.
Results
The prevalence of cognitive impairment in low-educated older adults is 22.6%. The chi-square test revealed significant relationships between those who are aged 75 years, a status other than married, female, living in rural areas, and not participating in social activities. Age is the most prominent factor affecting cognitive impairment in such adults (P<0.001; adjusted odds ratio, 3.232; 95% confidence interval, 2.500–4.180).
Conclusion
Cognitive impairment in the aforementioned adults is associated with being ≥75 years old, being a status other than married, being female, living in rural areas, and not participating in social activities. After controlling other variables, low-educated older adults who participated in at least ≥1 social activity in the last 12 months experienced cognitive impairment 0.64 times compared to those who did not participate in social activities.

Citations

• Impact of social wellbeing on tooth loss and cognition: A scoping review
  Charlotte Cheuk Kwan Chan, Huimin Chen, Colman McGrath, Iven Klineberg, Gloria Hoi Yan Wong, Hui Chen
  Journal of Dentistry.2024; 150: 105376.     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

• 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
• Influence of low back pain on absenteeism and presenteeism among academics in public universities
  Noordiyana Izyanti Mohamad Saufi, Eva Nabiha Zamri, Hazwani Ahmad Yusof, Nurul Izzah Shari
  WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.2025;[Epub]     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

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

• 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
• Promoting safe medication use during breastfeeding: uncontrolled interventional before-after study in community pharmacies
  Milena Kovačević, Ljiljana Stanković, Branko Petrović, Aleksandra Catić Đorđević, Sandra Vezmar Kovačević, Branislava Miljković
  Midwifery.2025; 148: 104497.     CrossRef

Background
The Web is an important source of health information, but the quality of such online information is highly variable. This study evaluates the quality of health articles published on Naver News, Korea’s most popular portal, using the Health Information Quality Assessment Tool (HIQUAL).
Methods
We collected 712 health-related articles published on Naver News from May 1 to 7, 2023. After applying exclusion criteria, we selected 116 articles for analysis. Two clinicians independently assessed the quality of these articles using the HIQUAL, which scores articles based on five domains: “reliability,” “usefulness,” “understandability,” “sufficiency,” and “transparency.”
Results
Overall article quality was generally considered recommendable (mean±standard deviation: 7.52±2.00). “Usefulness,” one item of “reliability,” and “understandability” were the three items with the highest levels of satisfaction. “Sufficiency” criteria for costs, risks, and benefits received low scores. Quality scores for articles focused on health risk factors and intervention showed a statistically significant difference.
Conclusion
While the overall quality of health information in Korean online newspaper articles is acceptable, room for improvement remains in some areas, particularly with regard to the fair presentation of costs, risks, and benefits. The study highlights the need for ongoing quality improvement and evaluation initiatives for online health information.

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

• 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
• Knowledge of Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Associated Attributes Among School Adolescents in Eastern India: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation
  Bijit Biswas, Anuradha Gautam, G. Jahnavi, Richa Richa, Pratima Gupta, Saurabh Varshney
  Cureus.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• From counsel to consumption: examining sociocultural influences on perinatal nutrition in rural India
  Faiz A. Hashmi, Cristine H. Legare
  Frontiers in Nutrition.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

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

• The Interconnected Nature of Smoking, Depression, and Obesity in Behavioral Medicine
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(4): 181.     CrossRef

Background
Predicting the risk of osteoporotic fractures is vital for prevention. Traditional methods such as the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) model use clinical factors. This study examined the predictive power of the FRAX score and machine-learning algorithms trained on FRAX parameters.
Methods
We analyzed the data of 2,147 female participants from the Ansan cohort study. The FRAX parameters employed in this study included age, sex (female), height and weight, current smoking status, excessive alcohol consumption (>3 units/d of alcohol), and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoporotic fracture was defined as one or more fractures of the hip, spine, or wrist during a 10-year observation period. Machine-learning algorithms, such as gradient boosting, random forest, decision tree, and logistic regression, were employed to predict osteoporotic fractures with a 70:30 training-to-test set ratio. We evaluated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) scores to assess and compare the performance of these algorithms with the FRAX score.
Results
Of the 2,147 participants, 3.5% experienced osteoporotic fractures. Those with fractures were older, shorter in height, and had a higher prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as higher FRAX scores. The AUROC for the FRAX was 0.617. The machine-learning algorithms showed AUROC values of 0.662, 0.652, 0.648, and 0.637 for gradient boosting, logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest, respectively.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the immense potential of machine-learning algorithms to improve osteoporotic fracture risk prediction in women when complete FRAX parameter information is unavailable.

Citations

• Machine learning is changing osteoporosis detection: an integrative review
  Yuji Zhang, Ming Ma, Xingchun Huang, Jinmin Liu, Cong Tian, Zhenkun Duan, Hongyin Fu, Lei Huang, Bin Geng
  Osteoporosis International.2025; 36(8): 1313.     CrossRef
• Artificial intelligence in nutrition and ageing research – A primer on the benefits
  Pol Grootswagers, Tijl Grootswagers
  Maturitas.2025; 200: 108662.     CrossRef
• Assessing the Risk of Osteoporotic Fracture Recurrence Using CT-based Radiomics and Machine Learning
  Xiaoyang Zheng, Caihong Zhu, Rui Zhang, Hongyu Sun
  Current Problems in Surgery.2025; : 101876.     CrossRef
• AI-driven Technologies for Wrist Fracture Prediction: A Narrative Review of Emerging Approaches
  Stefania Briano, Maria Cesarina May, Giacomo Demontis, Giulia Pachera, Vittoria Mazzola, Federico Vitali, Alessandra Galuppi, Emanuela Dapelo, Andrea Zanirato, Matteo Formica
  Journal of Wrist Surgery.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Interpretable machine learning model for low bone density screening in older adults using demographic and anthropometric data: findings from 2005 to 2020 NHANES
  Weiyan Huang, Qimou Pan, Jiewei Peng, Yufeng Wu, Dawei Gao
  BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Clinical Applicability of Machine Learning in Family Medicine
  Jungun Lee
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(3): 123.     CrossRef
• Integrating Machine Learning for Personalized Fracture Risk Assessment: A Multimodal Approach
  Sheikh Mohd Saleem, Shah Sumaya Jan
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2024; 45(6): 356.     CrossRef

Background
In patients with breast cancer, a healthy diet can help reduce breast cancer-specific recurrence, mortality, and comorbid chronic disease rates. There have been few studies on dietary habits immediately after breast cancer diagnosis, especially those involving the Asian population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the nutritional habits of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer and the general population without cancer in Korea using propensity score (PS) matching.
Methods
We conducted a case-controlled study of 157 patients with breast cancer and 2,363 cancer-free control participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The PS values for the predicted probability of patients with breast cancer and the general population were estimated using logistic regression analysis, including age and body mass index. The dietary patterns were assessed using a 24-hour recall of 1 day and the Food Frequency Questionnaire.
Results
PS matching showed that patients with breast cancer consumed fewer calories and carbohydrates; however, they consumed more protein and fat compared to the general population. Compared to the general population, patients with breast cancer consumed more healthy foods such as fish, seaweed, vegetables, fruit, mixed-grain rice, and nuts; however, they also consumed more soup, stew, and red meat.
Conclusion
Newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer have some healthy dietary habits compared to the general population. However, there is considerable room for improvement in their diet quality. Our results support the need to develop tailored dietary recommendations for patients with breast cancer during the diagnostic and posttreatment periods to improve their diet quality.

Citations

• Factors Influencing the Relationship Between Sugar Consumption and Depression Among Women Under Breast Cancer Treatment
  Yu-Chen Liu, Wen-Hung Kuo, Chiao Lo, Chiun-Sheng Huang, Meei-Shyuan Lee, Jen-Ho Chang, Chia-Chen Hsieh, Fei-Hsiu Hsiao
  Behavioral Sciences.2025; 15(7): 940.     CrossRef

Background
Alternative and complementary medicines are widely used to treat migraine headaches. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of essential oils as an alternative treatment approach.
Methods
A structured search was conducted to identify randomized trials comparing essential oils with a placebo for migraine headaches, using databases (MEDLINE and CENTRAL) to search for articles published between 1966 and 2021. We included trials involving adult males and females diagnosed with migraine headaches according to the International Headache Society. The outcomes included number of attacks, headache severity, associated symptoms, number of days of limited activity, headache duration, use of analgesics, and adverse effects. Seven trials were included with a total of 558 participants.
Results
No difference was observed in the number of migraine headache attacks compared to placebo (mean difference [MD], -1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.31 to 0.64; I2=94%; P=0.190; four trials, 242 participants; moderate- quality evidence). There was no difference in this outcome between the essential oils treated group and the placebo (MD, -0.38; 95% CI, -1.76 to 0.99; I2 statistics=86%; P=0.580; five trials, 240 participants; moderate-quality evidence).
Conclusion
We found no significant difference between the use of essential oils and placebo in managing migraine headaches.

Citations

• Use of aromatherapy for Migraine pain relief
  Yasmine Askeur, Selka Adil, Daliyahia Kamel
  Current Perspectives on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CUPMAP).2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Elderly abuse and neglect are among the primary public health problems linked to global demographic changes in the population, impacting not only the well-being of the elderly but also the growth of the nation or economy. This article discusses the effects of elder abuse and neglect on population health from the national and international perspectives through a narrative review of previously published articles on the concept of aging, the prevalence of elderly abuse and neglect, its risk factors and effects, and finally measures, legal perspectives, and recommendations to curb it. Interventions in Malaysia and selected nations, including Indonesia, South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong, are examined. This issue is important as the majority of countries are moving toward being elderly populations. Improving global surveillance and the monitoring of instances is essential to inform policy actions to prevent elder abuse. In addition, a thorough assessment of the identified risk factors for violence and steps to prevent violence is required.

Citations

• Prevalence of elder abuse and its correlated factors in Iranian community-dowelling older adults: a cross-sectional study
  Mohadese Maleki, Seyedeh Ameneh Motalebi, Mehdi Ranjbaran, Seyedehzahra Hosseinigolafshani
  BMC Geriatrics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• PTSD in Elder Abuse Survivors: Trauma Symptom Presentation and Treatment Outcomes With the PROTECT Intervention
  Clare Culver, Emily Carter, Olivia Fiallo, Nancy Wang, Talya Waxenberg, Samprit Banerjee, Isabel Rollandi, Jo Anne Sirey
  The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.2025; 33(11): 1119.     CrossRef
• Prioritizing care and addressing distinct needs of older adults with disabilities in Ghana amidst challenges
  Evans Appiah Osei, Felicia Addasah, Jenifer Oware, Mary Ani-Amponsah, Agnes Acquah, Edward Obeng Amoah, Cindy Afoakwa-Acheampong, Emmanuel Opoku-Adjei
  Geriatric Nursing.2025; 65: 103524.     CrossRef

Background
Over the last decade, Iran has experienced a declining birth trend. Identifying the proximate determinants of fertility intentions among married women is informative for population studies. This study aimed to examine the importance of three immediate antecedents of fertility intention.
Methods
We invited 1,100 married women to complete a well-validated questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The sampling framework consisted of visitors attending hospitals in two cities in southeastern Iran. Intention for having children was measured using the item “Do you intend to have a/another child during the next 3 years?” Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were measured using eight, three, and three items, respectively. Structural equation modeling was used to specify the model and to test the predictive ability of the TPB constructs.
Results
The response rate was 90.7% (N=998), and the mean±standard deviation age of the respondents was 34.8±7.4 years. More than 50% of the respondents reported intending to have a child in the next 3 years. All three TPB model constructs showed significant associations with fertility intentions. The standardized beta coefficients for attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were 0.74, 0.41, and 0.55, respectively.
Conclusion
The TPB model showed that psychological mechanisms play an important role in predicting the childbearing intentions of married women in Iran. Of the three TPB constructs, attitude was the strongest predictor of the intention to have a child.

Citations

• Examining the Relationship between Parents' Spiritual Health and the Desire to Have Children: A Systematic Review
  Rasoul Raesi, Hossein Shamsi Gooshki, Seyed Saeed Tabatabaee, Abolfazl Khoshi, Seyed Hassan Saadat, Salman Daneshi, Saied Bokaie, Kiavash Hushmandi
  The Open Public Health Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Research on influencing factors of college teachers’ second child fertility intentions——Taking Jinan as an example
  Yanling Yao, José Antonio Ortega
  PLOS ONE.2024; 19(5): e0299838.     CrossRef
• Fertility intention and its sociodemographic correlations among female marriage volunteers: A province-wide cross-sectional survey in
  Nouzar Nakhaee, Fahimeh Amiri, Muhammad Samari, Hamid Sharifi, Abedin pour
  Journal of Research Development in Nursing and Midwifery.2024; 21(4): 14.     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

• Hypofractionated vs. conventional fractionated radiotherapy in the temozolomide era for elderly patients with glioblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis by the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology
  Eunji Kim, Hye In Lee, Tae Hoon Roh, Young Zoon Kim, Do Hoon Lim, Se Jin Cho, Kihwan Hwang, Chan Woo Wee
  Journal of Neuro-Oncology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• 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
• 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.2025; 26(2): 112.     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; 232: 296.     CrossRef
• Exploring the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs in Disabled Saudi Patients: A Systematic Review
  Faleh Alqahtani, Saeed A. Al Awadh, Muhammad Fawad Rasool
  Pharmaceuticals.2025; 18(4): 582.     CrossRef
• Circulating angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) and steatotic liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
  Farah Abdelhameed, Lukasz Lagojda, Chris Kite, Alexander Dallaway, Attia Mustafa, Nwe Ni Than, Eva Kassi, Harpal S. Randeva, Ioannis Kyrou
  Frontiers in Endocrinology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Short versus longer duration antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections in companion animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Fiona Emdin, Sean W. X. Ong, Clare McGall, Valerie Leung, Kevin L. Schwartz, Bradley J. Langford, Kevin A. Brown, Susan Massarella, Nick Daneman
  BMC Veterinary Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Curative-Intention Surgery with Lobe-Specific Versus Systematic Lymph Node Dissection in Clinical Stage IA–IB Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Our Experience and Literature Review
  Bogdan Cosmin Tanase, Teodor Horvat, Mihnea Davidescu, Claudiu Eduard Nistor, Calin Muntean, Gabriel Veniamin Cozma, Alin Nicola, Felix Bratosin, Sorina Maria Denisa Laitin, Alin Burlacu
  Healthcare.2025; 13(8): 957.     CrossRef
• Gut microbiota of patients with post-stroke depression in Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Qiaoling Li, Yuejuan Zhang, Xiaoqian Wang, Lin Dai, Wenli Zhao
  Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Occupational risk factors for lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review
  S Y Kim, M-Y Yang, S Salo, R Sund, J Sirola, H Kröger, H Yoo, M-Y Kang
  Occupational Medicine.2025; 75(2): 91.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of radioiodine therapy on preventing recurrence in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review
  Bima Indra, Nur Qodir, Didit Pramudhito, Legiran Legiran, Zen Hafy, Andi M Iqbal Yusran
  Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Physiological, Physical and Technical Demands During Sided Soccer Game Formats: a Review
  Filipe Manuel Clemente, Diogo V. Martinho, Rui Silva, Robert Trybulski, Javier Sánchez-Sánchez, Alejandro Rodríguez-Fernández, Marco Beato, José Afonso
  International Journal of Sports Medicine.2025; 46(10): 710.     CrossRef
• Preconception educational interventions for women, present landscape, gaps, and future directions: A scoping review
  Shuxian Liu, Gessica Augustin, Ni Ning, Erika Ota
  International Journal of Nursing Studies.2025; 169: 105134.     CrossRef
• Government policy interventions to reduce veterinary antimicrobial consumption in production animals: a protocol for a systematic review and evidence map
  Kayla Strong, Fiona Emdin, Sam Orubu, Susan Rogers Van Katwyk, Heather Ganshorn, Jeremy Grimshaw, Mathieu J. P. Poirier
  Systematic Reviews.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Guidelines for the Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer from the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery
  Jeon Yeob Jang, Geun-Jeon Kim, Sang-Yeon Kim, Min-Su Kim, Dong Kun Lee, Minsu Kwon, Dongbin Ahn, Myung Jin Ban, Young Kang, Ho-Ryun Won, Jae Won Chang, Dong Won Lee, Ki Nam Park, Yeon Soo Kim, Ah Ra Jung, Jungirl Seok, Hye Ran Lee, Sung-Chan Shin, Chang M
  Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology.2025; 18(2): 89.     CrossRef
• Effect of bariatric surgery on glycemic and metabolic outcomes in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-evidence of 39 studies
  Xiao Wei, Haijuan Yuan, Daorong Wang, Jing Zhao, Fang Fang
  Frontiers in Nutrition.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Association between digital technology use and social capital among older adults: A systematic review
  Giulia Grotto, Alessandra Buja
  DIGITAL HEALTH.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of intravenous paracetamol on mean arterial pressure in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
  Simone Messina, Simona Ferro, Cristina Santonocito, Carmelo Minardi, Mateusz Zawadka, Filippo Drago, Alberto Noto, Filippo Sanfilippo
  Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain Medicine.2025; 44(5): 101579.     CrossRef
• An Integrated Literature Review on Supportive Care Interventions for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
  Eunjin Jo, Sanghee Kim
  Asian Oncology Nursing.2025; 25(2): 39.     CrossRef
• Physiological and Biomechanical Characteristics of Inline Speed Skating: A Systematic Scoping Review
  Zongze Wu, Filipa Cardoso, David B. Pyne, Márcio Fagundes Goethel, Ricardo J. Fernandes
  Applied Sciences.2025; 15(14): 7994.     CrossRef
• A systematic review on anti-Xa monitoring in the therapeutic use of low-molecular-weight heparins
  Tessa C.C. Jaspers, P. Christian Remmelzwaal, Eefje P.S. Weersink, Karina Meijer, Nakisa Khorsand
  Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.2025; 23(10): 3033.     CrossRef
• Safety of Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  Ok Jeong Yu, Pyeong Hwa Kim, Hee Mang Yoon, Ah Young Jung, Young Ah Cho, Jin Seong Lee, Chong Hyun Suh, Jae-Yeon Hwang, Young Jin Ryu, Hye-Ryun Kang, Young Hun Choi
  Radiology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Oncologic Outcomes of Total Laryngectomy in Comparison With Organ-Preservation Treatment for Locally Advanced Laryngeal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery Guidelines Taskforce
  Hye Ran Lee, Min-Su Kim, Sung-Chan Shin, Jeon Yeob Jang, Jun-Ook Park, Seung-Kuk Baek, Kwang Jae Cho
  Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.2025; 68(8): 318.     CrossRef
• Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Vedolizumab in Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  Abdulraouf Flemban, Hamzah A Bakhor, Raghad Almuzaini, Taif Alshahrani, Raghid A Alahmadi, Raneem Alshurbi, Khaldah Althobiti, Hams Alwadai, Sufyan Maghrabi, Najwa Alkhairy, Moath Shawosh, Taghreed Zamzami
  Cureus.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of Exercise Snacks on Cardiometabolic Health and Body Composition in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
  Ke‐wen Wan, Zi‐han Dai, Po‐san Wong, Wendy Y. Huang, Evander Fung‐chau Lei, Jonathan P. Little, Feng‐Chang Lin, Bjorn T. Tam
  Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Sex differences in association football: a scoping review
  Wangyang Xu, Diyan Zhang, Xinbi Zhang
  PeerJ.2025; 13: e19976.     CrossRef
• Vaginal Microbiome and Its Relationship with Assisted Reproduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  Marise Samama, Joji Ueno, Eduardo Carvalho de Arruda Veiga, Rita C. C. P. Piscopo, Fabio Ikeda, Nina Pires de Lemos, Lucas Tadeu Bidinotto, Márcia Guimarães da Silva, Zsuzsanna Jarmy Di Bella, Frida Entezami
  Life.2025; 15(9): 1382.     CrossRef
• Smaller hamstrings autograft size after primary ACL reconstruction is associated with higher odds for graft failure: A meta‐analysis on autografts sizes covering 46,268 patients
  Rebecca Hamrin Senorski, Johan Högberg, Kevin Teow, Anna Nordenholm, Janina Kaarre, Thorkell Snaebjörnsson, Volker Musahl, Kristian Samuelsson, Eric Hamrin Senorski
  Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy for simple hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Tomohiro Matsumoto, Rika Yoshimatsu, Marina Osaki, Junki Shibata, Kana Miyatake, Tomoaki Yamanishi, Takuji Yamagami
  Japanese Journal of Radiology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Appropriate timing of antibiotic initiation in patients with sepsis or septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Nam Su Ku, Yongseop Lee, Dae Won Park
  The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2025; 40(5): 725.     CrossRef
• The impact of emotional face distractors on working memory performance: a meta-analysis of behavioural studies
  Chenxiao Wu, Chenyuan Zhang, Xueqiao Li, Piia Astikainen
  Cognition and Emotion.2025; : 1.     CrossRef
• Korean Clinical Practice Guideline of Korean Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (KSRNT) and National Evidence-Based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) on Treatment of Tobacco Use 2024
  Yoo-Bin Seo, Haine Lee, Yu-Jin Paek, Hyeon-Jeong Lee, Cheol Min Lee, Eon Sook Lee, Heejin Kimm, Hye-Ji An, Eun-Jung Bae, Ji Soo Kim, Sungwon Roh, Yoo Suk An, Sang-Ho Jo, Seo Young Kang, Yun Hee Kim, Kyung Hyun Suh, Sang Hwa Shin, Jin-Kyoung Oh, Dong Won P
  Journal of Korean Medical Science.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• A Systematic Analysis of Published Indian Case Reports of Whole Guidewire Loss During Central Venous Catheterization: Causes, Detection and Management Strategies
  Tanmoy Ghatak, Bhavna Gupta, Sukhen Samanta, Bhavya N. Dube, Kurvatteppa Halemani
  Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia.2025; 28(4): 417.     CrossRef
• Comparison of the efficacy and safety of intratympanic application of different corticosteroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Salmah M. Alharbi, Abdulrahman Alsanosi, Talat Essa Ardi, Yahya Dhafer Abdullah Al Ahmari, Majed Assiri, Mohammed A. AL-Hamoud, Mona Ali Alshehri
  European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.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; 35(5): 2569.     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
• Biopsychosocial approach to sports injury: a systematic review and exploration of knowledge structure
  Moonjung Bae
  BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

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

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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.

Citations

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