The effect of the expansion of the Personal Assistance Service Program on the uptake of the National Health Screening in people with severe disability.

Background: Korea operates the Personal Assistance Service (PAS) program, a social service program that assists with the daily activities and coping needs of individuals with disabilities. In January 2013, the eligibility to enroll in the PAS program was expanded to include all individuals with severe disabilities.

Objective: As supporting individuals with disabilities is important in reducing disparities related to the uptake of health screening, this study investigated whether eligibility expansion of the PAS program was associated with increased participation in the National Health Screening Program (NHSP) among adults with severe disabilities.

Interaction effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and regional deprivation on self-rated health: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Recent studies have attempted to analyze the changes in self-rated health (SRH) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the results have been inconsistent. Notably, SRH is subjective, and responses may vary across and within countries because of sociocultural differences.

The association between cognitive decline and exposure to secondhand smoke at work in economically active older adults.

Objectives: Secondhand smoking may contribute to cognitive decline, but evidence on this subject is limited in the working economically active older adults. This study aimed to investigate the association between cognitive decline and exposure to secondhand smoke at work in economically active adults aged 65 years or above.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study using nationwide data.

Association Between the Average Number of In-Network Hospitals and Medical Counseling for Cognitive Impairment in South Korea.

Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment, a pressing concern in the face of a rapidly growing global older adult population, necessitates effective management strategies focused on sustained symptom relief and preventing deterioration. Community Dementia Care Centers, in partnership with in-network hospitals, aim to provide support for preventing mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Medical counseling, influenced by in-network hospitals, is crucial for tailoring interventions to the cognitive abilities and specific needs of each older adult, protecting against dementia.

The impact of the implementation of a national policy on dementia on healthcare costs in older patients with dementia in Korea: a quasi-experimental difference-in-difference study.

Background: Owing to the aging population, the prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide and has become an important public health problem. In 2018, Korea implemented the National Dementia Care Policy to strengthen the management of dementia and reduce its related burden on medical expenses. This study investigated the effect this policy on total and out-of-pocket costs in elderly patients with dementia.

The impact of physical disability on the risk of gastric cancer incidence in elderly patients with diabetes: a focus on regional disparity.

Purpose: Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may have a higher risk of physical disability. This study investigated the incidence of gastric cancer according to physical disability status in elderly patients with T2DM.

Methods: The National Health Insurance Service claims data were used.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Gastric Cancer Diagnosis and Stage: A Single-Institute Study in South Korea.

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most prevalent and fatal cancers worldwide. National cancer screening programs in countries with high incidences of this disease provide medical aid beneficiaries with free-of-charge screening involving upper endoscopy to detect early-stage GC. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruptions to routine healthcare access.

Targeting isoforms of RON kinase (MST1R) drives antitumor efficacy.

Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON, MST1R) is a single-span transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) aberrantly expressed in numerous cancers, including various solid tumors. How naturally occurring splicing isoforms of RON, especially those which are constitutively activated, affect tumorigenesis and therapeutic response, is largely unknown. Here, we identified that presence of activated RON could be a possible factor for the development of resistance against anti-EGFR (cetuximab) therapy in colorectal cancer patient tissues.

Difference in Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Korean Adolescents.

Background: Previous studies have identified various factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among children and adolescents. Recent studies attempted to analyze changes in SSB consumption of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and showed conflicting results.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the difference in SSB consumption before (2018-2019) and during (2020-2021) the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents.

Impact of Disability Status on Mortality in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Nationwide Study Focusing on Regional Disparities.

Background: Disparities in mortality according to disability status require investment, as individuals with disabilities form the largest subset of the vulnerable population. This study aimed to investigate the association between mortality and disability status in patients with gastric cancer as well as how regional disparities modify this relationship.

Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance claims database in South Korea for the period of 2006-2019.

Did the COVID-19 Lockdown Reduce Smoking Rate in Adolescents?

This study examined the temporal trend of smoking use and the prevalent differences in the use of different types of cigarettes for Korean adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Korea, all use of e-cigarettes, including regular cigarettes, is considered smoking. Since adolescents are susceptible to peer influences in risky behaviors including smoking, social distancing could affect the smoking behaviors of youth under these unusual circumstances during the pandemic.

Examining the Effectiveness of the Discharge Plan Model on the South Korean Patients with Cancer Completed Cancer Treatment and Are Returning to the Community: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a discharge plan model for South Korean patients with cancer who had completed treatment and were returning to the community. Overall, 23 patients with cancer were recruited at the National Cancer Center in Goyang-si. The effectiveness of the discharge plan was examined using four methods: Social Needs Screening Toolkit (2018), early screening for discharge plan, current life situation v.

Did the increase in sitting time due to COVID-19 lead to obesity in adolescents?

Introduction: Since adolescent with obesity is closely linked with the incidence of cardiovascular disease, it is important to identify the factors that increase the prevalence of adolescent with obesity and prevent it early. This study aimed to examine which of the demographic and lifestyle factors including sitting hours per week for purposes other than study had the greatest influence on Korean adolescents with obesity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: We used the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) data.

Impact of the Introduction of a Public Taxi Ride in Rural South Korea on Levels of Healthcare Utilization among Elderly Patients with Diabetes.

Introduction: A nine-cent public taxi ride service was introduced to improve public transportation in the rural county of Seocheon, which has an ageing population. This study investigated the effect of this policy on the levels of healthcare utilization in individuals with diabetes aged 65 years or above.

Methods: The Korea National Health Insurance System claims data from January 2006 to May 2013 (pre-intervention) and June 2013 to December 2014 (post-intervention) were used.

Disparities in All-Cause Mortality in Older Patients with Colorectal Cancer According to Disability Status: A Nationwide Analysis.

Background: Although investigating patterns of cancer mortality is important in understanding the effect of cancer on population health, knowledge regarding mortality in cancer patients with disability is scarce. This study examined the association between disability status and all-cause mortality in older patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2008-2019 National Health Insurance Service claims data.