No abstract available.
Cleft Lip* ; Congenital Abnormalities*

Objectives: Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abnormal rapid eye movement sleep, both of which significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, diagnostic delays, and quality of life of Korean patients with narcolepsy through a comprehensive nationwide survey. Methods: An online survey targeting members of the Korea Narcolepsy Association was conducted between July and October 2023. The survey collected demographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbid conditions, diagnostic tools, and quality of life assessments using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: A total of 299 individuals participated in the study, with a mean age of 32.2 years. The average diagnostic delay was approximately 11 years, with initial symptoms appearing at a mean age of 16.6 years. Excessive daytime sleepiness was the most common initial symptom. The most frequent comorbidities included depression, obstructive sleep apnea, and anxiety disorders. WHOQOL-BREF scores indicated a moderately low quality of life across all domains, with patients having narcolepsy type 1 experiencing more severe symptoms and lower quality of life scores than those of patients having narcolepsy type 2. Higher education levels, marital status, and regular exercise were positively associated with better WHOQOL-BREF scores, whereas depression, older age, and poor sleep quality were negatively associated. Conclusions The findings from this survey underscore the lower quality of life, with notable delays in diagnosis and a high prevalence of comorbid conditions. The results suggest a need for improved awareness, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies that address both the primary symptoms of narcolepsy and its associated comorbidities.

Objectives: Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abnormal rapid eye movement sleep, both of which significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, diagnostic delays, and quality of life of Korean patients with narcolepsy through a comprehensive nationwide survey. Methods: An online survey targeting members of the Korea Narcolepsy Association was conducted between July and October 2023. The survey collected demographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbid conditions, diagnostic tools, and quality of life assessments using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: A total of 299 individuals participated in the study, with a mean age of 32.2 years. The average diagnostic delay was approximately 11 years, with initial symptoms appearing at a mean age of 16.6 years. Excessive daytime sleepiness was the most common initial symptom. The most frequent comorbidities included depression, obstructive sleep apnea, and anxiety disorders. WHOQOL-BREF scores indicated a moderately low quality of life across all domains, with patients having narcolepsy type 1 experiencing more severe symptoms and lower quality of life scores than those of patients having narcolepsy type 2. Higher education levels, marital status, and regular exercise were positively associated with better WHOQOL-BREF scores, whereas depression, older age, and poor sleep quality were negatively associated. Conclusions The findings from this survey underscore the lower quality of life, with notable delays in diagnosis and a high prevalence of comorbid conditions. The results suggest a need for improved awareness, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies that address both the primary symptoms of narcolepsy and its associated comorbidities.

Objectives: Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abnormal rapid eye movement sleep, both of which significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, diagnostic delays, and quality of life of Korean patients with narcolepsy through a comprehensive nationwide survey. Methods: An online survey targeting members of the Korea Narcolepsy Association was conducted between July and October 2023. The survey collected demographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbid conditions, diagnostic tools, and quality of life assessments using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: A total of 299 individuals participated in the study, with a mean age of 32.2 years. The average diagnostic delay was approximately 11 years, with initial symptoms appearing at a mean age of 16.6 years. Excessive daytime sleepiness was the most common initial symptom. The most frequent comorbidities included depression, obstructive sleep apnea, and anxiety disorders. WHOQOL-BREF scores indicated a moderately low quality of life across all domains, with patients having narcolepsy type 1 experiencing more severe symptoms and lower quality of life scores than those of patients having narcolepsy type 2. Higher education levels, marital status, and regular exercise were positively associated with better WHOQOL-BREF scores, whereas depression, older age, and poor sleep quality were negatively associated. Conclusions The findings from this survey underscore the lower quality of life, with notable delays in diagnosis and a high prevalence of comorbid conditions. The results suggest a need for improved awareness, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies that address both the primary symptoms of narcolepsy and its associated comorbidities.

No abstract available.
Durapatite* ; Forehead*

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination intention. Methods: For an anonymous online survey, recruitment notices were posted on an anonymous community by each university, and an online survey was conducted through online form from June to July 2021. COVID-19 knowledge and health-protective behavior were measured using a questionnaire based on previous literature and reflecting the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Response Guidelines. The psychological antecedents of vaccination were measured by 5C scale. Results: Two-hundred and ninety-four college students (women 67.3%) answered the survey; 179 (60.9%) reported that they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. The mean scores for COVID-19 knowledge and health-protective behavior were 22.97 ± 5.33 (out of 35) and 9.92 ± 2.22 (out of 12), respectively. For the psychological antecedents of vaccination, the mean scores for confidence, collective responsibility, calculation, complacency, and constraints were 4.45 ( ± 1.24), 5.61 ( ± 1.09), 5.09 ( ± 1.18), 2.42 ( ± 1.11), and 2.37 ( ± 1.19) out of 5 points, respectively. The confidence, calculation, and collective responsibility were associated with vaccination intention. Additionally, the top reason for those who were less prone to accept vaccination against COVID-19 was concern about vaccine safety. Conclusion The higher the confidence in the vaccine and the higher the collective responsibility, the higher the vaccination intention. As it is a factor related to an individual’s perception of COVID-19 information, it is necessary to increase confidence in the vaccines through obtaining accurate information on the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination.

Purpose: In Korea, the absence of a modified physical activity (PA) questionnaire specifically tailored for Koreans hinders the accurate assessment of PA among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to evaluate PA levels in individuals with SCI using a modified PA questionnaire and to provide insights into their PA patterns in Korea. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was developed by revising and adapting the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (K-IPAQ) during an advisory meeting. Between April and June 2023, 176 individuals with SCI from metropolitan areas in Korea were recruited to assess their weekly PA. PA was quantified in Metabolic Equivalent Task-min/week (MET-min/week) by multiplying the reported PA duration. Results: The average PA level among individuals with SCI in Korea was 2,907.2±194.8 MET-min/week. By intensity, high-intensity activities accounted for 2,760.0±280.5 MET-min/week, moderate-intensity activities for 1,148.8±89.0 MET-min/week, and low-intensity activities for 1,869.4±110.3 MET-min/week. Approximately half of the participants met the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for PA. Conclusion Although Korean individuals with SCI demonstrated higher average PA levels compared to findings from other countries and the WHO recommendations, only about half of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines. These results underscore the need to strengthen efforts to promote PA participation among individuals with SCI.

Purpose: In Korea, the absence of a modified physical activity (PA) questionnaire specifically tailored for Koreans hinders the accurate assessment of PA among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to evaluate PA levels in individuals with SCI using a modified PA questionnaire and to provide insights into their PA patterns in Korea. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was developed by revising and adapting the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (K-IPAQ) during an advisory meeting. Between April and June 2023, 176 individuals with SCI from metropolitan areas in Korea were recruited to assess their weekly PA. PA was quantified in Metabolic Equivalent Task-min/week (MET-min/week) by multiplying the reported PA duration. Results: The average PA level among individuals with SCI in Korea was 2,907.2±194.8 MET-min/week. By intensity, high-intensity activities accounted for 2,760.0±280.5 MET-min/week, moderate-intensity activities for 1,148.8±89.0 MET-min/week, and low-intensity activities for 1,869.4±110.3 MET-min/week. Approximately half of the participants met the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for PA. Conclusion Although Korean individuals with SCI demonstrated higher average PA levels compared to findings from other countries and the WHO recommendations, only about half of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines. These results underscore the need to strengthen efforts to promote PA participation among individuals with SCI.

Purpose: In Korea, the absence of a modified physical activity (PA) questionnaire specifically tailored for Koreans hinders the accurate assessment of PA among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to evaluate PA levels in individuals with SCI using a modified PA questionnaire and to provide insights into their PA patterns in Korea. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was developed by revising and adapting the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (K-IPAQ) during an advisory meeting. Between April and June 2023, 176 individuals with SCI from metropolitan areas in Korea were recruited to assess their weekly PA. PA was quantified in Metabolic Equivalent Task-min/week (MET-min/week) by multiplying the reported PA duration. Results: The average PA level among individuals with SCI in Korea was 2,907.2±194.8 MET-min/week. By intensity, high-intensity activities accounted for 2,760.0±280.5 MET-min/week, moderate-intensity activities for 1,148.8±89.0 MET-min/week, and low-intensity activities for 1,869.4±110.3 MET-min/week. Approximately half of the participants met the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for PA. Conclusion Although Korean individuals with SCI demonstrated higher average PA levels compared to findings from other countries and the WHO recommendations, only about half of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines. These results underscore the need to strengthen efforts to promote PA participation among individuals with SCI.

Despite widespread use of antibiotics and surgical procedures for treating peritonsillar abscess (PTA), symptoms of severe inflammation such as pain and trismus during treatment result in patient dissatisfaction. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of systemic steroids on the clinical course of PTA. Two reviewers independently searched the databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database) from inception to December 2014. Studies comparing systemic administration of steroids (steroid group) with placebo (placebo group), where the outcomes of interest were pain, body temperature, hospitalization, and oral intake during the posttreatment period, were included. Baseline study characteristics, study quality data, numbers of patients in the steroid and control groups, and outcomes were extracted. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were retrieved for 3 trials with a total of 153 patients. Pain-related parameters (patient-reported scores and trismus), body temperature, and dysphagia during the first 24 hours after treatment were significantly improved in the steroid group compared with placebo group. The discharge rate during the first 5 days of the posttreatment period was significantly higher in the steroid group than the control group. However, although more patients in the steroid group returned to normal activities and dietary intake at 24 hours after treatment, the differences between the groups were not significant and disappeared after 48 hours. In the treatment of PTA, systemic administration of steroids with antibiotics could reduce pain-related symptoms, as well as provide a benefit with respect to the clinical course. However, further trials with well-designed research methodologies should be conducted to confirm our results.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Body Temperature ; Deglutition Disorders ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Peritonsillar Abscess* ; Steroids ; Trismus