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Yoo KJ, Lee Y, Lee S, Friebel R, Shin SA, Lee T, Bishai D. The road to recovery: impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization in South Korea in 2016-2022 using an interrupted time-series analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 41:100904. [PMID: 37780633 PMCID: PMC10541464 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic substantially disrupted healthcare utilization patterns, globally. South Korea had been praised widely in its efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic, which may have contributed to a significantly smaller reduction in healthcare utilization compared to neighboring countries. However, it remains unknown how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted utilization patterns across population sub-groups, particularly vulnerable patient groups in South Korea. This paper quantifies the changes in healthcare utilization attributable to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination by sub-groups. Methods An interrupted time series analysis was conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization in South Korea from January 2016 to December 2022 using aggregated patient-level data from the national health insurance system that accounts for 99% of all healthcare services in South Korea. We applied negative binomial models adjusting for seasonality and serial correlation. Falsification tests were conducted to test the validity of breakpoints. Stratified analyses by type of healthcare services, age, sex, income level, health facility type, and avoidable/non-avoidable hospitalizations was performed, and we assessed differences in utilization trends between population groups across three phases of the pandemic. Findings In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in monthly volume of outpatient utilization by 15.7% [95% CI 13.3%-18.1%, p < 0.001] and inpatient utilization by 11.6% [10.1%-13.0%, p < 0.001]. Most utilization recovered and rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels as of December 2022 although variations existed. We observed heterogeneity in the magnitude of relative changes in utilization across types of services, varying from a 42.7% [36.8%-48.0%, p < 0.001] decrease for pediatrics, a 23.4% [20.1%-26.5%%, p < 0.001] reduction in utilization of public health centers, and a 24.2% [21.2%-27.0%, p < 0.001] reduction in avoidable hospitalizations compared to the pre-pandemic period. Contrary to global trends, health utilization among the elderly population (65 and older) in South Korea saw only marginal reductions compared to other age groups. Similarly, Medicaid patients and lower income groups experienced a smaller reduction compared to higher income groups. Interpretation The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare utilization in South Korea was less pronounced compared to the global average. Utilization of vulnerable populations, including adults over 65 years old and lowest-income groups reduced less than other type of patients. Funding No funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Jison Yoo
- World Bank Group, South Korea
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | - Seulbi Lee
- National Health Insurance Service, South Korea
| | - Rocco Friebel
- London School of Economics and Political Science, England
| | | | | | - David Bishai
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
- Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, China
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Lee S, Park J, Lee JR, Lee JY, Kim BS, Won CW, Lee H, Kim S. The Risk Factors of COVID-19 Infection and Mortality among Older Adults in South Korea. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2023; 27:241-249. [PMID: 37635674 PMCID: PMC10556714 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.23.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and mortality among older adults in South Korea. METHODS Using Korean National Health Insurance data from January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022, we analyzed the impact of various factors, including age, comorbidity burden, and insurance type, on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. RESULTS Age was the most significant risk factor for mortality in older adults. A higher comorbidity burden was also associated with increased infection (odds ratio [OR]=1.33 for Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≥2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.321-1.339) and mortality (OR=1.537 for CCI ≥2, 95% CI 1.459-1.618) rates. While Medical Aid recipients exhibited lower infection rates (OR=0.898, 95% CI 0.89-0.906) than National Health Insurance beneficiaries, they had higher mortality rates (OR=1.692, 95% CI 1.623-1.763). CONCLUSION These results emphasized the need to prioritize vaccination and allocate healthcare resources for older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable access to testing and healthcare services are crucial for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmin Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungha Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-ryun Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- HIRA Research Institute, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
| | - Byung sung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Won Won
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyejin Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Jeon J, Park J, Choi MH, Choi H, Kim MH. Unequal burdens of COVID-19 infection: a nationwide cohort study of COVID-19-related health inequalities in Korea. Epidemiol Health 2023; 45:e2023068. [PMID: 37536718 PMCID: PMC10667578 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2023068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While the Korean government's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is considered effective given the relatively low mortality rate, issues of inequality have been insufficiently addressed. This study explored COVID-19-related health inequalities in Korea. METHODS Age standardization for various health inequality indices was derived using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Microdata Integrated Service of Statistics Korea. The slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were calculated for socioeconomic variables, while absolute difference (AD) and relative difference (RD) were used for gender and disability inequalities. RESULTS We observed a number of COVID-19-related health outcome inequalities. Gender inequality was particularly noticeable in infection rates, with the rate of women 1.16 times higher than that of men. In contrast, socioeconomic inequality was evident in vaccination rates, with a 4.5-fold (SII, -4.519; 95% confidence interval, -7.403 to -1.634) difference between the highest and lowest household income groups. Regarding clinical progression post-infection, consistent findings indicated higher risk for men (RD for hospitalization, 0.90; severe cases, 0.54; and fatality, 0.65), individuals with disabilities (RD for hospitalization, 2.27; severe cases, 2.29; and fatality, 2.37), and those from lower socioeconomic groups (SII for hospitalization, 1.778; severe cases, 0.089; and fatality, 0.451). CONCLUSIONS While the infection risk was nearly ubiquitous, not everyone faced the same level of risk post-infection. To prevent further health inequalities, it is crucial to develop a thoughtful policy acknowledging individual health conditions and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeangeun Jeon
- Department of Sociology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jieun Park
- Department of Sociology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Hyeok Choi
- Department of Preventive and Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Pusan National University Medical College, Yangsan, Korea
- Office of Public Healthcare Service, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Hongjo Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Myoung-Hee Kim
- Center for Public Health Data Analytics, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Park I, Lee K, Yim E. Does Maintained Medical Aid Coverage Affect Healthy Lifestyle Factors, Metabolic Syndrome-Related Health Status, and Individuals' Use of Healthcare Services? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1811. [PMID: 37444645 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns about the moral hazards and usage of universal health insurance require examination. This study aimed to analyze changes in lifestyle, metabolic syndrome-related health status, and individuals' tendency to use healthcare services according to changes in the eligibility status of medical aid recipients. This paper reports a retrospective cohort study that involved analyzing data from 2366 medical aid recipients aged 40 years or older who underwent national health screenings in 2012 and 2014. Of the recipients, 1606 participants continued to be eligible for medical aid (the "maintained" group) and 760 changed from being medical aid recipients to National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollees (the "changed" group). Compared to the "changed" group, the "maintained" group was less likely to quit smoking, more likely to begin smoking, less likely to reduce binge drinking to moderate drinking, and had a significant increase in blood glucose and waist circumference. Annual total medical expenses also increased significantly in the "maintained" group. Since the mere strengthening of healthcare coverage may lead to moral hazards and the failure to link individuals' tendency to use healthcare services and outcomes, establishing mechanisms is necessary to educate people about the health-related outcomes of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensure the appropriate use of healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilsu Park
- Department of Healthcare Management, Dong-eui University, 176 Eomgwang-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyounga Lee
- College of Nursing, Gachon University, 191 Hambangmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunshil Yim
- Department of Nursing, Daegu Health College, 15 Yeongsong-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41453, Republic of Korea
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Ouh YT, Min KJ, Lee S, Hong JH, Song JY, Lee JK, Lee NW. Analysis of the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Incidence of Hysterectomy Using Data of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:997. [PMID: 35742048 PMCID: PMC9223165 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10060997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hysterectomy remains a frequent gynecologic surgery, although its rates have been decreasing. The aim of this study was to investigate whether socioeconomic status affected the risk of hysterectomy in Korean women. This prospective cohort study used epidemiologic data from 2001 to 2016, from the Korean Genomic and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between household income or education level and hysterectomy. Among 5272 Korean women aged 40−69 years, 720 who had a hysterectomy and 4552 controls were selected. Variable factors were adjusted using logistic regression analysis (adjusted model). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for insurance type and hysterectomy were not statistically significant. The aOR was 1.479 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018−2.146, p < 0.05) for women with education of high school or lower compared to college or higher. Women whose monthly household income was
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Taek Ouh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24289, Korea;
| | - Kyung-Jin Min
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea;
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.L.); (J.Y.S.)
| | - Jin-Hwa Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Korea; (J.-H.H.); (J.-K.L.)
| | - Jae Yun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.L.); (J.Y.S.)
| | - Jae-Kwan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Korea; (J.-H.H.); (J.-K.L.)
| | - Nak Woo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea;
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Mongin D, Cullati S, Kelly-Irving M, Rosselet M, Regard S, Courvoisier DS. Neighbourhood socio-economic vulnerability and access to COVID-19 healthcare during the first two waves of the pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland: A gender perspective. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 46:101352. [PMID: 35360147 PMCID: PMC8959442 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neighbourhood socio-economic inequities have been shown to affect COVID-19 incidence and mortality, as well as access to tests. This article aimed to study how associations of inequities and COVID-19 outcomes varied between the first two pandemic waves from a gender perspective. METHODS We performed an ecological study based on the COVID-19 database of Geneva between Feb 26, 2020, and June 1, 2021. Outcomes were the number of tests per person, the incidence of COVID-19 cases, the incidence of COVID-19 deaths, the positivity rate, and the delay between symptoms and test. Outcomes were described by neighbourhood socio-economic levels and stratified by gender and epidemic waves (first wave, second wave), adjusting for the proportion of inhabitants older than 65 years. FINDINGS Low neighbourhood socio-economic levels were associated with a lower number of tests per person (incidence rate ratio [IRR] of 0.88, 0.85 and 0.83 for low, moderate, and highly vulnerable neighbourhood respectively), a higher incidence of COVID-19 cases and of COVID-19 deaths (IRR 2.3 for slightly vulnerable, 1.9 for highly vulnerable). The association between socio-economic inequities and incidence of COVID-19 deaths was mainly present during the first wave of the pandemic, and was stronger amongst women. The increase in COVID-19 cases amongst vulnerable populations appeared mainly during the second wave, and originated from a lower access to tests for men, and a higher number of COVID-19 cases for women. INTERPRETATION The COVID-19 pandemic affected people differently depending on their socio-economic level. Because of their employment and higher prevalence of COVID-19 risk factors, people living in neighbourhoods of lower socio-economic levels, especially women, were more exposed to COVID-19 consequences. FUNDING This research was supported by the research project SELFISH, financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation, grant number 51NF40-160590 (LIVES centre international research project call).
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Mongin
- Faculty of medicine, University of Geneva, 26 avenue de Beau Séjour, Geneva 1206, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
| | - Stéphane Cullati
- Division Quality of care, Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Kelly-Irving
- Interdisciplinary Federal Research Institute on Health and Society (IFERISS-Fed 4241), Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- CERPOP-UMR1295, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Maevane Rosselet
- Division of General Surgeon, Geneva Directorate of Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon Regard
- Division of General Surgeon, Geneva Directorate of Health, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Security, Population and Health, General Health Directorate, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Delphine S. Courvoisier
- Division Quality of care, Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of General Surgeon, Geneva Directorate of Health, Geneva, Switzerland
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7
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Yoo DS, Hwang M, Chun BC, Kim SJ, Son M, Seo NK, Ki M. Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Incidence During Different Epidemic Phases in South Korea. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:840685. [PMID: 35345769 PMCID: PMC8957264 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.840685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Area-level socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence. However, the underlying mechanism of the association is context-specific, and the choice of measure is still important. We aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic gradient regarding COVID-19 incidence in Korea based on several area-level SES measures. Methods COVID-19 incidence and area-level SES measures across 229 Korean municipalities were derived from various administrative regional data collected between 2015 and 2020. The Bayesian negative binomial model with a spatial autocorrelation term was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and relative index of inequality (RII) of each SES factor, with adjustment for covariates. The magnitude of association was compared between two epidemic phases: a low phase (<100 daily cases, from May 6 to August 14, 2020) and a rebound phase (>100 daily cases, from August 15 to December 31, 2020). Results Area-level socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 incidence between the most disadvantaged region and the least disadvantaged region were observed for nonemployment rates [RII = 1.40, 95% credible interval (Crl) = 1.01–1.95] and basic livelihood security recipients (RII = 2.66, 95% Crl = 1.12–5.97), but were not observed for other measures in the low phase. However, the magnitude of the inequalities of these SES variables diminished in the rebound phase. A higher area-level mobility showed a higher risk of COVID-19 incidence in both the low (IRR = 1.67, 95% Crl = 1.26–2.17) and rebound phases (IRR = 1.28, 95% Crl = 1.14–1.44). When SES and mobility measures were simultaneously adjusted, the association of SES with COVID-19 incidence remained significant but only in the low phase, indicating they were mutually independent in the low phase. Conclusion The level of basic livelihood benefit recipients and nonemployment rate showed social stratification of COVID-19 incidence in Korea. Explanation of area-level inequalities in COVID-19 incidence may not be derived only from mobility differences in Korea but, instead, from the country's own context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Sung Yoo
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea.,Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| | - Minji Hwang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea.,BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byung Chul Chun
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea.,BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mia Son
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Nam-Kyu Seo
- Department of Non-Benefits Management, National Health Insurance Service/Health Insurance Policy Research Institute, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Myung Ki
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea.,BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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Min J, Ko Y, Kim HW, Koo HK, Oh JY, Jeong YJ, Kang HH, Park KJ, Hwang YI, Kim JW, Ahn JH, Jegal Y, Kang JY, Lee SS, Park JS, Kim JS. Increased Healthcare Delays in Tuberculosis Patients During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. J Korean Med Sci 2022; 37:e20. [PMID: 35040295 PMCID: PMC8763880 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused disruptions to healthcare systems, consequently endangering tuberculosis (TB) control. We investigated delays in TB treatment among notified patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. METHODS We systemically collected and analyzed data from the Korea TB cohort database from January to May 2020. Groups were categorized as 'before-pandemic' and 'during-pandemic' based on TB notification period. Presentation delay was defined as the period between initial onset of symptoms and the first hospital visit, and healthcare delay as the period between the first hospital visit and anti-TB treatment initiation. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with delays in TB treatment. RESULTS Proportion of presentation delay > 14 days was not significantly different between two groups (48.3% vs. 43.7%, P = 0.067); however, proportion of healthcare delay > 5 days was significantly higher in the during-pandemic group (48.6% vs. 42.3%, P = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, the during-pandemic group was significantly associated with healthcare delay > 5 days (adjusted odds ratio = 0.884, 95% confidence interval = 0.715-1.094). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with healthcare delay of > 5 days in Korea. Public health interventions are necessary to minimize the pandemic's impact on the national TB control project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsoo Min
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yousang Ko
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Woo Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Kyoung Koo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jee Youn Oh
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Jeong
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hyeon Hui Kang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Kwang Joo Park
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Yong Il Hwang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Korea
| | - Jin Woo Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong Hyun Ahn
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yangjin Jegal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Soon Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jae Seuk Park
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Sang Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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Kim SY, Kim JH, Kim M, Wee JH, Jung Y, Min C, Yoo DM, Sim S, Choi HG. The associations of previous influenza/upper respiratory infection with COVID-19 susceptibility/morbidity/mortality: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21568. [PMID: 34732751 PMCID: PMC8566493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the associations of previous influenza/URI with the susceptibility of COVID-19 patients compared to that of non-COVID-19 participants. A nationwide COVID-19 cohort database was collected by the Korea National Health Insurance Corporation. A total of 8,070 COVID-19 patients (1 January 2020 through 4 June 2020) were matched with 32,280 control participants. Severe COVID-19 morbidity was defined based on the treatment histories of the intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and death. The susceptibility/morbidity/mortality associated with prior histories of 1-14, 1-30, 1-90, 15-45, 15-90, and 31-90 days before COVID-19 onset were analyzed using conditional/unconditional logistic regression. Prior influenza infection was related to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 3.07 [1.61-5.85] for 1-14 days and 1.91 [1.54-2.37] for 1-90 days). Prior URI was also associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 (6.95 [6.38-7.58] for 1-14 days, 4.99 [4.64-5.37] for 1-30 days, and 2.70 [2.55-2.86] for 1-90 days). COVID-19 morbidity was positively associated with influenza (3.64 [1.55-9.21] and 3.59 [1.42-9.05]) and URI (1.40 [1.11-1.78] and 1.28 [1.02-1.61]) at 1-14 days and 1-30 days, respectively. Overall, previous influenza/URI did not show an association with COVID-19 mortality. Previous influenza/URI histories were associated with increased COVID-19 susceptibility and morbidity. Our findings indicate why controlling influenza/URI is important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Young Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Joo-Hee Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Korea
| | - Miyoung Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
| | - Jee Hye Wee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
| | - Younghee Jung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanyang Min
- Hallym Data Science Laboratory, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Myoung Yoo
- Hallym Data Science Laboratory, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea
| | - Songyong Sim
- School of Data Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyo Geun Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea.
- Hallym Data Science Laboratory, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea.
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Keykhaei M, Koolaji S, Mohammadi E, Kalantar R, Saeedi Moghaddam S, Aminorroaya A, Zokaei S, Azadnajafabad S, Rezaei N, Ghasemi E, Rezaei N, Haghshenas R, Farzi Y, Rashedi S, Larijani B, Farzadfar F. Dissection of non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented by Iran, South Korea, and Turkey in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021; 20:1919-1931. [PMID: 34540760 PMCID: PMC8437736 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00877-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed a great global burden on public health. As one of the most affected countries, Iran has tackled emerging challenges in the path to overcoming the epidemic, with three peaks of the disease propagation as of February 19, 2020. To flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have implemented bundles of intrusive, sometimes extremely stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). In this communication, we have dissected the effectiveness of NPIs and compared the strategies implemented by Iran, Turkey, and South Korea to mitigate the disease’s spread. Methods We searched online databases via PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. Titles/abstracts and full-texts were screened by two reviewers and discrepancies were resolved upon discussion. Results Our results provide insights into five domains: prevention, screening, in-patient and out-patient facilities, governance, and management of diabetes mellitus. Analysis of previous efforts put in place illustrates that by fostering efficient social distancing measures, increasing the capability to perform prompt polymerase chain reaction tests, applying smart contact tracing, and supplying adequate personal protective equipment, Turkey and South Korea have brought the epidemic sub-optimally under control. Conclusion From the perspective of policymakers, these achievements are of utmost importance given that attaining the aspirational goals in the management of the COVID-19 necessities a suitable adjustment of previous successful strategies. Hence, policymakers should be noticed that a suitable combination of NPIs is necessary to stem the disease’s propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Keykhaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Sogol Koolaji
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Kalantar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Arya Aminorroaya
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran.,Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Zokaei
- School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Azadnajafabad
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Rezaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erfan Ghasemi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazila Rezaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosa Haghshenas
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Yosef Farzi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Rashedi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Farzadfar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kim JI, Kim S. The determinants of caregiver use and its costs for elderly inpatients in Korea: a study applying Andersen's behavioral model of health care utilization and replacement cost method. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:631. [PMID: 34210296 PMCID: PMC8252285 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The average annual healthcare expenditure among elderly patients in Korea is increasing rapidly in indirect healthcare sectors, requiring an understanding of factors related to the use of both formal and informal caregivers. This study analyzed the characteristics of caregiver use and caregiving costs among elderly patients hospitalized due to acute illness or exacerbation of chronic diseases. Methods A total of 819 study participants were selected from the 2017 Korea Health Panel Study Data. Replacement costing methods were applied to estimate the hours of informal caregiver assistance received by elderly inpatients. Elderly inpatients’ predisposing, enabling, and need factors were studied to identify the relationship between caregiver uses, based on Andersen’s behavior model. A two-part model was applied to analyze the factors related to care receipt and to estimate the incremental costs of care. Results Elderly inpatients who used tertiary hospitals (OR: 2.77, p-value < 0.00) and received financial support (OR: 2.68, p-value < 0.00) were more likely to receive support from a caregiver. However, elderly inpatients living alone were lesser to do so (OR: 0.49, p-value < 0.00). Elderly inpatients with Medicaid insurance (β:0.54, p-value = 0.02) or financial aid (β: 0.64, p-value < 0.00) had a statistically positive association with spending more on caregiving costs. Additionally, financial support receivers had incremental costs of $627 in caregiving costs than nonreceivers. Conclusions This study presented significant socioenvironmental characteristics of formal and informal caregiver use and the related expenditures. Healthcare management plans that encompass multiple social levels should be implemented to ease the caregiver burden. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ivy Kim
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, 222- Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, 06591, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sukil Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222-Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, 06591, Seoul, Korea.
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