1.The impact of alcohol consumption on hearing loss in male workers with a focus on alcohol flushing reaction: the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study
Jaehong LEE ; Youshik JEONG ; Jihoon KIM ; Seonghyeon KWON ; Eunhye SEO ; Jinsook JEONG ; Woncheol LEE
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e1-
Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health. The study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2019, targeting 114,114 participants who visited Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers. Data were collected through pure-tone audiometry tests and alcohol-related questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. Based on previous studies indicating a potential protective effect of light drinking on hearing loss, this group was designated as the reference. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted based on the presence of alcohol flushing reaction and different working hours. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for hearing loss was higher in the heavy drinking group (1.23 [1.11–1.37]) compared to the moderate drinking group (1.09 [0.98–1.20]). Stratified analyses revealed a significantly elevated the hazard ratio of hearing loss in groups with alcohol flushing reaction compared to those without this factor. Our study demonstrated that moderate or heavy alcohol consumption in male workers can increase the risk of hearing loss, particularly in those with alcohol flushing reaction. These findings underscore the importance of addressing alcohol-related factors concerning hearing health among male workers.
2.The impact of alcohol consumption on hearing loss in male workers with a focus on alcohol flushing reaction: the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study
Jaehong LEE ; Youshik JEONG ; Jihoon KIM ; Seonghyeon KWON ; Eunhye SEO ; Jinsook JEONG ; Woncheol LEE
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e1-
Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health. The study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2019, targeting 114,114 participants who visited Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers. Data were collected through pure-tone audiometry tests and alcohol-related questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. Based on previous studies indicating a potential protective effect of light drinking on hearing loss, this group was designated as the reference. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted based on the presence of alcohol flushing reaction and different working hours. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for hearing loss was higher in the heavy drinking group (1.23 [1.11–1.37]) compared to the moderate drinking group (1.09 [0.98–1.20]). Stratified analyses revealed a significantly elevated the hazard ratio of hearing loss in groups with alcohol flushing reaction compared to those without this factor. Our study demonstrated that moderate or heavy alcohol consumption in male workers can increase the risk of hearing loss, particularly in those with alcohol flushing reaction. These findings underscore the importance of addressing alcohol-related factors concerning hearing health among male workers.
3.The impact of alcohol consumption on hearing loss in male workers with a focus on alcohol flushing reaction: the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study
Jaehong LEE ; Youshik JEONG ; Jihoon KIM ; Seonghyeon KWON ; Eunhye SEO ; Jinsook JEONG ; Woncheol LEE
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e1-
Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health. The study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2019, targeting 114,114 participants who visited Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers. Data were collected through pure-tone audiometry tests and alcohol-related questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. Based on previous studies indicating a potential protective effect of light drinking on hearing loss, this group was designated as the reference. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted based on the presence of alcohol flushing reaction and different working hours. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for hearing loss was higher in the heavy drinking group (1.23 [1.11–1.37]) compared to the moderate drinking group (1.09 [0.98–1.20]). Stratified analyses revealed a significantly elevated the hazard ratio of hearing loss in groups with alcohol flushing reaction compared to those without this factor. Our study demonstrated that moderate or heavy alcohol consumption in male workers can increase the risk of hearing loss, particularly in those with alcohol flushing reaction. These findings underscore the importance of addressing alcohol-related factors concerning hearing health among male workers.
4.Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Digital Health Literacy Among Older Women Living Alone in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Minhwa HWANG ; Gahye KIM ; Seonghyeon LEE ; Yeon-Hwan PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):75-83
Objective:
While using digital technologies for social health is widely acknowledged, the relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and digital health literacy remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the levels of loneliness, social isolation, and digital health literacy in older women living alone and to explore the associations between these factors.
Methods:
In August 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 145 older women living alone, selected using convenience sampling. The study used the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (version 3), Lubben Social Network Scale-6, and Digital Health Technology Literacy-Assessment Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s rho correlation, and a generalized linear model (GLM).
Results:
Of the participants, 22.8% (n=33) reported moderate loneliness, 20.7% (n=30) reported severe loneliness, and 36.6% (n=53) were at risk for social isolation. The mean digital health literacy score among participants was 4.85 (SD=6.92), which is relatively low. Importantly, our findings using a GLM to control for covariates revealed a significant association between loneliness (B=-0.013, p=0.018) and digital health literacy.
Conclusion
The increased loneliness experienced during the pandemic may contribute to low digital health literacy, alienating these individuals from the benefits of digital technologies. Therefore, in developing digital health programs or policies, it is imperative to consider the psychosocial status of individuals, including loneliness, while enhancing digital health literacy.
5.Digital Health Literacy and Associated Factors Among Older Adults Living Alone in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study
Minhwa HWANG ; Gahye KIM ; Seonghyeon LEE ; Yeon-Hwan PARK
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing 2024;35(4):389-400
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the level of digital health literacy and identify factors associated with digital health literacy among older adults living alone in South Korea.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 older adults aged 65 and above who live alone. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric methods were used to explore the relationship between digital health literacy and independent variables. A generalized linear model was used to identify factors associated with digital health literacy.
Results:
Among 140 smartphone-owning older adults living alone, 52.1% were using the Internet via digital devices, and the participants’ average digital health literacy score was 6.64±7.46. Univariate analysis results showed significant differences in digital health literacy according to age, education level, and multimorbidity. The factors associated with digital health literacy were identified as gender (B=−0.36, p=.031), age (B=−0.06, p<.001), education level (B=0.12, p<.001), and sleep problems (B=−0.06, p=.006).
Conclusion
Despite widespread Internet and smartphone use, older adults living alone with chronic diseases showed low levels of digital health literacy, which were significantly associated with gender, age, education level, and sleep problems. Enhancing digital health literacy among vulnerable populations is crucial for the effective implementation of digital health services. Collaborative efforts, including tailored digital health interventions to enhance the digital health literacy of vulnerable populations and supportive policies, are essential to bridge the digital divide and promote health equity.
6.Does drug-induced liver injury still occur after sevoflurane anesthesia? -A case report-
Moon Ok LEE ; Seonghyeon CHO ; Chaeeun KIM ; Hanna KOH
Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2024;19(3):227-232
Background:
Several factors contribute to post-anesthetic hepatic dysfunction, including a decrease in oxygen supply to the liver, direct physical compression of the liver, viral hepatitis, blood transfusions, preexisting hepatic dysfunction, and the use of hepatotoxic drugs. Diagnosing volatile anesthetic drug-induced liver injury (VA-DILI) involves excluding these causes. Case: The patient underwent total mastectomy under anesthesia using sevoflurane. He had diabetes, and no abnormal results were found on preoperative laboratory examinations, and surgery was uneventful. Abnormal laboratory findings were observed after surgery, including an aspartate aminotransferase level of 1,417 IU/L, an alanine aminotransferase level of 2,176 IU/L, and a total bilirubin level of 3.8 mg/dl. He presented with symptoms of mild icteric sclera, fatigue, and pruritus. After ruling out other causes of liver injury, we concluded that these results indicated VA-DILI.
Conclusions
VA-DILI, though rare, we should be aware of the association between the disease and the use of halogenated anesthetics.
7.Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Digital Health Literacy Among Older Women Living Alone in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Minhwa HWANG ; Gahye KIM ; Seonghyeon LEE ; Yeon-Hwan PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):75-83
Objective:
While using digital technologies for social health is widely acknowledged, the relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and digital health literacy remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the levels of loneliness, social isolation, and digital health literacy in older women living alone and to explore the associations between these factors.
Methods:
In August 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 145 older women living alone, selected using convenience sampling. The study used the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (version 3), Lubben Social Network Scale-6, and Digital Health Technology Literacy-Assessment Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s rho correlation, and a generalized linear model (GLM).
Results:
Of the participants, 22.8% (n=33) reported moderate loneliness, 20.7% (n=30) reported severe loneliness, and 36.6% (n=53) were at risk for social isolation. The mean digital health literacy score among participants was 4.85 (SD=6.92), which is relatively low. Importantly, our findings using a GLM to control for covariates revealed a significant association between loneliness (B=-0.013, p=0.018) and digital health literacy.
Conclusion
The increased loneliness experienced during the pandemic may contribute to low digital health literacy, alienating these individuals from the benefits of digital technologies. Therefore, in developing digital health programs or policies, it is imperative to consider the psychosocial status of individuals, including loneliness, while enhancing digital health literacy.
8.Digital Health Literacy and Associated Factors Among Older Adults Living Alone in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study
Minhwa HWANG ; Gahye KIM ; Seonghyeon LEE ; Yeon-Hwan PARK
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing 2024;35(4):389-400
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the level of digital health literacy and identify factors associated with digital health literacy among older adults living alone in South Korea.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 older adults aged 65 and above who live alone. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric methods were used to explore the relationship between digital health literacy and independent variables. A generalized linear model was used to identify factors associated with digital health literacy.
Results:
Among 140 smartphone-owning older adults living alone, 52.1% were using the Internet via digital devices, and the participants’ average digital health literacy score was 6.64±7.46. Univariate analysis results showed significant differences in digital health literacy according to age, education level, and multimorbidity. The factors associated with digital health literacy were identified as gender (B=−0.36, p=.031), age (B=−0.06, p<.001), education level (B=0.12, p<.001), and sleep problems (B=−0.06, p=.006).
Conclusion
Despite widespread Internet and smartphone use, older adults living alone with chronic diseases showed low levels of digital health literacy, which were significantly associated with gender, age, education level, and sleep problems. Enhancing digital health literacy among vulnerable populations is crucial for the effective implementation of digital health services. Collaborative efforts, including tailored digital health interventions to enhance the digital health literacy of vulnerable populations and supportive policies, are essential to bridge the digital divide and promote health equity.
9.Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Digital Health Literacy Among Older Women Living Alone in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Minhwa HWANG ; Gahye KIM ; Seonghyeon LEE ; Yeon-Hwan PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):75-83
Objective:
While using digital technologies for social health is widely acknowledged, the relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and digital health literacy remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the levels of loneliness, social isolation, and digital health literacy in older women living alone and to explore the associations between these factors.
Methods:
In August 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 145 older women living alone, selected using convenience sampling. The study used the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (version 3), Lubben Social Network Scale-6, and Digital Health Technology Literacy-Assessment Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s rho correlation, and a generalized linear model (GLM).
Results:
Of the participants, 22.8% (n=33) reported moderate loneliness, 20.7% (n=30) reported severe loneliness, and 36.6% (n=53) were at risk for social isolation. The mean digital health literacy score among participants was 4.85 (SD=6.92), which is relatively low. Importantly, our findings using a GLM to control for covariates revealed a significant association between loneliness (B=-0.013, p=0.018) and digital health literacy.
Conclusion
The increased loneliness experienced during the pandemic may contribute to low digital health literacy, alienating these individuals from the benefits of digital technologies. Therefore, in developing digital health programs or policies, it is imperative to consider the psychosocial status of individuals, including loneliness, while enhancing digital health literacy.
10.Digital Health Literacy and Associated Factors Among Older Adults Living Alone in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study
Minhwa HWANG ; Gahye KIM ; Seonghyeon LEE ; Yeon-Hwan PARK
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing 2024;35(4):389-400
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the level of digital health literacy and identify factors associated with digital health literacy among older adults living alone in South Korea.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 older adults aged 65 and above who live alone. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric methods were used to explore the relationship between digital health literacy and independent variables. A generalized linear model was used to identify factors associated with digital health literacy.
Results:
Among 140 smartphone-owning older adults living alone, 52.1% were using the Internet via digital devices, and the participants’ average digital health literacy score was 6.64±7.46. Univariate analysis results showed significant differences in digital health literacy according to age, education level, and multimorbidity. The factors associated with digital health literacy were identified as gender (B=−0.36, p=.031), age (B=−0.06, p<.001), education level (B=0.12, p<.001), and sleep problems (B=−0.06, p=.006).
Conclusion
Despite widespread Internet and smartphone use, older adults living alone with chronic diseases showed low levels of digital health literacy, which were significantly associated with gender, age, education level, and sleep problems. Enhancing digital health literacy among vulnerable populations is crucial for the effective implementation of digital health services. Collaborative efforts, including tailored digital health interventions to enhance the digital health literacy of vulnerable populations and supportive policies, are essential to bridge the digital divide and promote health equity.