• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.134-142
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• 2012

Objectives : Childhood depressive disorder one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school aged children. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of childhood depressive disorder in Korea. Methods : In this study, a survey was conducted of elementary school children in the Cheonan area from September 2009 to August 2010. A total of 12,084 children were included in the analyses. The primary measure of depression was the 27-item Kovacs' Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), the Korean Dupaul attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Rating Scales (K-ARS), Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire (RLSQ) were also administered. Results : The prevalence rate of childhood depressive disorder was 3.07%. The mean age was $9.21{\pm}1.81$ years for the control group (5,969 male, 6,054 female) and $9.91{\pm}1.83$ years for the depression group (CDI score${\geq}$22 ; 159 male, 210 female). Age, height, weight, and economic status were similar for the two groups. However, there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of sex. The distribution of school grade also differed between the two groups. Scores for CDI, K-ARS, and ASSQ in the depressive group were higher than those of the control group. Conclusions : This is the first large-scale population-based study to report on the prevalence of childhood depressive disorder in South Korea. Increased rates of childhood depressive disorder, as reported by primary caretakers, might reflect the increasing negative impact of environmental risk factors on neurobehavioral health. Longitudinal study of the prevalence of childhood depressive disorder should be considered for further evaluation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.112-118
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• 2010

Objective : There have been no clinical studies regarding the epidemiology and treatment outcome for unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) in South Korea yet. Thus, The Korean Society of Cerebrovascular Surgery (KSCVS) decided to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and outcome of the treatment of UIA in 2006, using the nationwide multicenter survey in South Korea. Methods : A total of 1,696 cases were enrolled retrospectively over one year at 48 hospitals. The following data were obtained from all patients : age, sex, presence of symptoms, location and size of the aneurysm, treatment modality, presence of risk factors for stroke, and the postoperative 3D-day morbidity and mortality. Results : The demographic data showed female predominance and peak age of seventh and sixth decades. Supraclinoid internal carotid artery was the most common site of aneurysms with a mean size of 5.6 mm. Eight-hundred-forty-six patients (49.9%) were treated with clipping, 824 (48.6%) with coiling, and 26 with combined method. The choice of the treatment modalities was related to hospital (p=0.000), age (p=0.000), presence of symptom (p=0.003), and location of aneurysm (p=0.000). The overall 30-day morbidity and mortality were 7.4% and 0.3%, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 0.4% for clipping and 0.2% for coiling, and morbidity was 8.4% for clipping and 6.3% for coiling. Age (p=0.010), presence of symptoms (p=0.034), size (p=0.000) of aneurysm, and diabetes mellitus (p=0.000) were significant prognostic factors, while treatment modality was not. Conclusion : This first nation-wide multicenter survey on UIAs demonstrates the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, outcome and the prognostic factors of the treatment of UIAs in South Korea. The 30-day postoperative outcome for UIAs seems to be reasonable morbidity and mortality in South Korea.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.507-512
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• 2021

Since 1993, vivax malaria has been recognized as a public health burden in Korea. Despite of pan-governmental malaria-control efforts and the dramatic reduction in the burden of this disease over the last 10 years, vivax malaria has not been well controlled and has remained continuously endemic. We focused interviewed and examined the charts of 28 confirmed vivax malaria patients given malarial therapy for whom daily records were kept from Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do of Korea. Various epidemiological characteristics of vivax malaria, including the incubation period, medication used, and recurrence, and an evaluation of the parasitic characteristics from the focused interviews of patients from this region are described here. Most of the participants indicated the 3 most common symptoms of malaria (headache, chills and fever). Of the 28 cases, 2 experienced a second attack and there were 17 and 11 cases with short- and long-term incubation periods, respectively, yielding a short-term to long-term ratio of 1.5. Based on the parasitemia stages, most of the participants were tested at 5 to 7 days (11 cases) and 7 to 15 days (11 cases) after initial wave of asexual parasites. In conclusion, public health authorities should consider developing management measures to decrease the time lag for diagnosis and drafting unified and robust guidelines for drug use for malaria and drawing up unified and robust guidelines on the use of medication for malaria. It also suggests that routine monitoring, surveillance, and precise medical surveys in high-risk vivax malaria endemic areas are pivotal to controlling this persistent public disease and finally eliminating it from Korea.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.101-111
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• 2004

Purpose : This study was performed to observe the epidemiological pattern of M. pneumoniae pneumonia during the period from 1993 to 2002 and also to see some clinical characteristics of M. pneumoniae pneumonia during recent five years. Methods : We had performed a retrospective analysis of epidemiological pattern of occurrence in 682 patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia admitted to Department of Pediatrics of Han-il General Hospital from January, 1993 to December, 2002. Results : The annual ratio of M. pneumoniae pneumonia was compared with the total numbers of respiratory tract infection patients. The ratios were 19.1% in 1993, 13.0% in 1994, 5.6% in 1995, 12.8% in 1996, 18.6% in 1997, 22.6% in 1998, 1.1% in 1999, 13.3% in 2000, 9.1% in 2001, 6.0% in 2002, and 19.9% in 2003. The epidemics have occurred in 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2003 years showing 3~4 year intervals. The peak incidence of age was four to six years old(286 cases; 41.9%) and male-to-female ratio was 1 : 1.1. Monthly distribution showed a high frequency from August to December and the major outbreak occurred in November(119 cases; 17.4%), in October(106 cases; 15.5%), and in December(96 cases; 14.1%) in order of frequency. The most common symptoms were cough (660 cases; 96.8%), fever(569 cases; 83.4%), and sputum(522 cases; 76.5%) in that order. Leukocytosis was observed in 31.2% of patients based on a normal range according to the adjusted age. Increased ESR(${\geq}20mm/hr$) was noted in 42.5% of cases and CRP was positive in 37.8% of cases. On the chest X-ray examination, pulmonary infiltration was noted in 557 cases(81.7%), and the patterns of pneumonic infiltration were bronchopneumonia(78.0%), lobar(35.5%), lobular(19.2%), and interstitial pneumonia(28.7%). Complications were paranasal sinusitis(41 cases), acute otitis media(23 cases), pleural effusion(19 cases). cervical lymphadenitis(18 cases), and glomerulonephritis(1 case). Conclusion : The pattern of M. pneumoniae pneumonia from 1997 to 2003 noted 3~4 year interval with peak monthly distribution of October and November compared with 3 year interval and peak incidence of summer period before 1996.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.56-63
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• 2023

In this study, two cases of food poisoning caused by Salmonella that occurred in Gyeongsangnam-do in September 2021 are reported. One of the outbreaks occurred in a school and the other in a company. The molecular epidemiological characteristics of the isolated strains in the two outbreaks were analyzed. In the case of the school outbreak, 29 (4.9%) of 588 individuals experienced diarrhea and abdominal pain. As a result of a test of 36 individuals (patients, n=29; cook workers, n=7), Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was detected in 17 (47.2%) patients, suggesting this serotype was the principal cause. Meanwhile, Salmonella spp. were not detected in 35 food and environmental samples. In the company outbreak, 87 (3.0%) of 2,900 individuals who had intaked from the same source experienced diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In a test of 50 individuals (patients, n=40; cook workers, n=10), S. Enteritidis was detected in 28 patients (56.0%). Also, Vibrio cholerae (NAG) was detected in four patients with S. Enteritidis, and V. cholerae (NAG) only was detected in one patient. Salmonella spp. were not detected in 118 preserved foods, but S. Enteritidis was detected in one eaten food (toast) delivered in group by the company. Through PFGE genetic homology analysis of the isolated strains, all S. Enteritidis detected in patients and consumed foods were the same type. It seems that these S. Enteritidis isolates were the same type as detected in a previous school outbreak and in patients of group food poisoning in other regions, leading to an enhanced problem of food poisoning and epidemiology. Our analytic results can provide data for epidemiological management and food poisoning prevention based on molecular characteristics.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1959-1964
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the distribution of liver cancer mortality as well as its developing trend from 1991 to 2012, forecast the future five-year trend, and provide a basis for the comprehensive prevention and management. Materials and Methods: Mortality data for liver cancer in China from 1991 to 2012 were used to describe characteristics and distribution of liver cancer mortality. Trend surface analysis was used to study the geographical distribution of liver cancer mortality. Curve estimation, time series modeling, gray modeling (GM) and joinpoint regression were used to predict and forecast future trends. Results: The mortality rate of liver cancer has constantly increased in China since 1991. Rates in rural areas are higher than in urban areas, and in males are higher than in females. In addition, our data predicted that the trend will continue to increase in the next 5 years. The age-specific mortality of liver cancer increases with age and peaks in the group of 80-84 years old. Geographical analysis showed the liver mortality rate was higher in the southeast provinces, such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Guangdong, and southwest regions like Guangxi Province. Conclusions: The standardized mortality rate of liver cancer in China has consistently increased from 1991 to 2012, and the upward trend is predicted to continue in the future. Much better prevention and management of liver cancer is needed in high mortality areas (the southwestern and southeastern parts of China) and high mortality age groups (80- to 84-year-olds), especially in rural areas.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2785-2791
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• 2014

Aims: To analyze time-dependent changes in female breast cancer (BC) mortality in China, forecast the trend in the ensuing 5 years, and provide recommendations for prevention and management. Materials and Methods: Mortality data of breast cancer in China from 1991 to 2011 was used to describe characteristics and distribution, such as the changes of the standardized mortality rate, urban-rural differences and age differences. Trend-surface analysis was used to study the geographical distribution of mortality. In addition, curve estimation, time series modeling, Gray modeling (GM) and joinpoint regression were performed to estimate and predict future trends. Results: In China, the mortality rate of breast cancer has increased yearly since 1991. In addition, our data predicted that the trend will continue to increase in the ensuing 5 years. Rates in urban areas are higher than those in rural areas. Over the past decade, all peak ages for death by breast cancer have been delayed, with the first death peak occurring at 55 to 65 years of age in urban and rural areas. Geographical analysis indicated that mortality rates increased from Southwest to Northeast and from West to East. Conclusions: The standardized mortality rate of breast cancer in China is rising and the upward trend is predicted to continue for the next 5 years. Since this can cause an enormous health impact in China, much better prevention and management of breast cancer is needed. Consequently, disease control centers in China should place more focus on the northeastern, eastern and southeastern parts of China for breast cancer prevention and management, and the key population should be among women between ages 55 to 65, especially those in urban communities.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2012

Backgrounds: Burn of children and adolescents is an accident due to careless protector in many case. All the pediatric burns are preventable. We investigated the characteristics of pediatric burns. Such data can propose proper health educational program designs to suit the community. Purpose: This study aims to analyse the characteristics of pediatric burn patients and to discusses a possible prevention program for this population. Methods: The subjects were 77 patients reviewed burn injury in pediatric under 15 years old. Data were burn center of the B General Hospital from January 1 to December 31 2009 and a retrospective epidemiological study was collecting medical records. Results: seventy-seven children and adolescents with burn were admission treated for Burns and they were 54.5% boys and 45.5% girls. An incidence of age group with pediatric burn was less than one year of age(46.8%), 2-3 year(27.3%), 4~7year(10.4%), over 8 years old(15.6). Length of stay hospitalization was 1~2 week(32.9%) highest percentage and second-degree deep burns were 41.6% the highest percentage. Divided by the age of about 3, length of stay, ICU status, time of injury onset, cause, indication, place of accident, treatment, degree, region of burns had a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Less than one year of age was the highest percentage. Divided by the age of about 3, Characteristics and factors affecting the range of burn were significant. Education and guide are necessary to reduce incidence of pediatric burns.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.311-320
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• 2010

This study aimed to examine the development and characteristics of the workers with upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders and to analyze the upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders for its relationship with the individual socio-demographic characteristics. This study investigated the effect on the limitations of physical activities using standardized surveillance tool and clinical diagnosis. Musculoskeletal symptoms and the limitations of physical activities were examined. The clinical diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders were carried out by physical examination, radiological examination and electromyography-electroneuronography for 22 workers in kitchen hood assembly process and 50 workers in toggle process of leather product manufacturing. The proportion of workers with musculoskeletal disorders was higher and the DASH score was also statistically higher in female and aged workers with longer working hours, longer household working hours, less leisure/hobby activity and higher physical load. Physical activities component score increased in the following order: workers in normal health, workers with musculoskeletal symptoms, and workers with musculoskeletal disorders as clinically diagnosed. Score for each DASH component increased in the following order: sports/performing arts ability, social activities, specific physical functional activities, work or other regular daily activities, work ability, psychological activities, insomnia and upper limb symptoms. The overall and each component DASH scores were higher in workers with symptoms of status praesens and of more severity, and receiving medical intervention. Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders are associated with individual socio-demographic characteristics, and DASH score for physical activities of upper limb was higher in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders have a remarkable epidemiological significance for physical activities, social activities, work or other regular daily activities, upper limb symptoms and insomnia, where work ability, sports/performing arts ability and preventive measure is needed.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.178-186
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• 2013

Objective: Human enteroviruses (HEVs) are a common causative agent of gastrointestinal or respiratory infections. In this study, to examine the genotypic diversity and characteristics of HEVs associated with patients in Seoul, we collected and analyzed stool and throat swab samples taken from patients with acute gastroenteritis or a common cold from 2011 to 2012. We researched the difference in genetic characteristics of HEVs from gastroenteritis and respiratory patients. Methods: For genetic analysis, we amplified the 5'-noncoding region and partial VP1 region of HEVs by RT-PCR. The genotypes of HEVs were further identified based on nucleotide sequences of the VP1 region. Results: The majority of the HEV infections in Seoul occurred from June to August. The molecular characteristic assay showed that although the majority of HEVs can be propagated by a fecal-oral route, Coxsackievirus A2 (n=13, 19.4%), A4 (n=8, 11.9%), and A5 (n=4, 6.0%) can be preferentially transmitted by a respiratory route. Conclusions: This Enterovirus surveillance system plays an important role in preparing for a severe outbreak. The genotypic characteristics of HEV may provide potentially useful data needed for epidemiological studies.