OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of cigarette prices on the decision to initiate and quit smoking by taking into account the interdependence of smoking and other behavioral risk factors. METHODS: The study population consisted of 3,000 male Koreans aged > or =20. A survey by telephone interview was undertaken to collect information on cigarette price, smoking and other behavioral risk factors. A two-part model was used to examine separately the effect of price on the decision to be a smoker, and on the amount of cigarettes smoked. RESULTS: The overall price elasticity of cigarettes was estimated at -0.66, with a price elasticity of -0.02 for smoking participation and -0.64 for the amount of cigarettes consumed by smokers. The inclusion of other behavioral risk factors reduced the estimated price elasticity for smoking participation substantially, but had no effect on the conditional price elasticity for the quantity of cigarettes smoked. CONCLUSIONS: From the public health and financial perspectives, an increase in cigarette price would significantly reduce smoking prevalence as well as cigarette consumption by smokers in Korea.
Adult ; *Costs and Cost Analysis ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Korea/epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Smoking/*economics/*prevention & control ; Social Environment ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Tobacco

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the willingness to quit cigarette price among Korean male adults, and to examine he factors affecting the willingness to quit cigarette price. METHODS: The data was collected by a random digit dial telephone survey. 702 samples were analyzed by using ttests, ANOVA and OLS regression analysis. To estimate the willingness to quit cigarette price, smokers were asked dichotomous questions with open-ended follow-up and the starting point of the price was randomized by one of 5 bid prices elicited from a pilot study. RESULTS: The mean of the willingness to quit cigarette price was 4,287 Won per package, which was about 2,000 Won higher than the mean of the actual price the smokers now paid. About 41% of respondents were willing to quit smoking if the price of cigarette would be increased by 3,000 Won, and if the price would be increased by 20,000 Won, all respondents were willing to quit smoking. The factors associated with the willingness to quit cigarette price were the place of residence, the amount of smoking and the degree of exposure to smoking through the mass media. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that to get people to quit smoking, increasing the cigarette price would obviously be effective and much higher prices have a greater effect. Furthermore, to enlarge the effect of increased cigarette prices, providing more cessation programs to small towns, reducing the amount of smoking and decreasing or prohibiting advertisements of cigarettes and smoking in the mass media will be efficient.
Adult ; *Commerce ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Korea ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Motivation ; Smoking/*economics/ethnology ; Smoking Cessation/*ethnology

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccine coverage among the elderly is important for informed vaccination policies and programs. There are few studies that define influenza coverage in the elderly in South Korea. The aim of this study is to examine influenza vaccination coverage among those 65 years old and older in South Korea over the 2004-2005 influenza season and to identify the socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with vaccination. METHODS: We analyzed data retrieved from The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III) 2005 conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Subjects included in this study were older than 65 years. We used questionnaires to obtain information regarding demographics, chronic diseases, and individual health behavioral risk factors. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and trend test were performed. RESULTS: There were 1,097 persons included in this study. Influenza vaccination among those 65 years old and older was 77.2 %. There was no difference of coverage by sex, education level, and income status. For elderly females, the moreunheal thy lifestyle (currently smoking, heavy alcohol use, and no exercise) that was practiced, the less likely they wereto be vaccinated (p for trend=0.007). CONCLUSION: The influenza vaccination coverage rate among the elderly in South Korea during the 2004-2005 flu season was relatively high compared to that of Europe (19.3-26.5 %) during the same season. Nevertheless, the coverage rate in elderly women with unhealthy lifestyle was not satisfactory causing them to be more vulnerable to related illnesses than those who practiced a healthy lifestyle. To prevent influenza related illnesses, clinicians should, in particular, encourage vaccination in those with an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as, lifestyle modification.
Aged ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; Chronic Disease ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Demography ; Europe ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Influenza Vaccines ; Influenza, Human ; Korea ; Life Style ; Logistic Models ; Nutrition Surveys ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Vaccination

OBJECTIVES: The increase in the obesity rate in adult males in Korea is higher than countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and other Asian countries. We examined the trends and prevalence of major risk factors for cardiovascular disease by evaluating the weight status amongst adults from 2007 to 2015. METHODS: The study included 37,402 adults, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The prevalence trends of cardiovascular disease risk factors were estimated for each body mass index group. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2015, significant increases in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia were observed in normal weight adults (0.03 percentage point (%p), 0.06%p, and 0.13%p, respectively). Amongst the overweight and obese adults, a significant increase in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was observed, During this period, the prevalence of smoking decreased amongst obese adults and no significant changes in drinking habits and physical activity were noted across all body mass index groups. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity in Korean adults is increasing, and it is necessary to implement interventions to prevent further weight gain and obesity-associated cardiovascular disease.
Adult* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Drinking ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Hypertension ; Korea* ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Obesity* ; Overweight ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Weight Gain

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of infection-control interventions to decrease the incidence of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSI) and to examine the sustainability of its effect during and after the intervention in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective multi-strategy intervention in intensive care units (ICUs) at 3 university hospitals in Korea. The intervention consisted of education and on-site training for medical personnel involved in catheter care, active surveillance, and reinforcement of current intervention in each unit. After the intervention of 3 months, we identified CA-BSI cases of each hospital using the electronic database for 6 months. RESULTS: During the intervention, the number of CA-BSI decreased significantly compared to pre-interventional period (8.7 vs. 2.3 per 1,000 catheter days; rate ratio 0.28; 95% CI, 0.13-0.61). After the intervention, CA-BSI rate increased slightly, but was still significantly lower than that of pre-interventional period (4.3 per 1,000 catheter days; rate ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31-0.78). Reduction of gram-negative bacterial infections was noted during and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A multi-strategy approach to reduce CA-BSI could be implemented in diverse settings of medical and surgical units in Korea and decreased CA-BSI rates during the intervention.
Catheters ; Electronics ; Electrons ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections ; Hospitals, University ; Incidence ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Prospective Studies ; Reinforcement (Psychology)

Objectives: The standard first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (PAC), yet the eradication success rates are not entirely satisfactory. Recognizing bismuth’s antibacterial properties and its potential to enhance antibiotic efficacy, this study compared the eradication success rates of a 7-day course of PAC with bismuth (PACB) versus PAC alone in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital involving 499 patients with confirmed clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infection. These patients were treated either with PACB or PAC for 7 days. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Successful eradication was confirmed by a negative 13C-urea breath test. Results: Of the patients, 261 received PACB therapy, and 238 received PAC therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication success rates of 82.8% (216/261) for PACB and 89.1% (212/238) for PAC (p=0.093). The per-protocol analysis revealed eradication rates of 85.3% (215/252) for PACB and 90.5% (210/232) for PAC (p=0.081). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups, with 41.3% (104/252) in the PACB group and 34.1% (79/232) in the PAC group (p=0.102). Conclusions Adding bismuth to the standard 7-day PAC regimen did not significantly increase eradication rates in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections compared to PAC alone.

Objectives: The standard first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (PAC), yet the eradication success rates are not entirely satisfactory. Recognizing bismuth’s antibacterial properties and its potential to enhance antibiotic efficacy, this study compared the eradication success rates of a 7-day course of PAC with bismuth (PACB) versus PAC alone in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital involving 499 patients with confirmed clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infection. These patients were treated either with PACB or PAC for 7 days. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Successful eradication was confirmed by a negative 13C-urea breath test. Results: Of the patients, 261 received PACB therapy, and 238 received PAC therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication success rates of 82.8% (216/261) for PACB and 89.1% (212/238) for PAC (p=0.093). The per-protocol analysis revealed eradication rates of 85.3% (215/252) for PACB and 90.5% (210/232) for PAC (p=0.081). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups, with 41.3% (104/252) in the PACB group and 34.1% (79/232) in the PAC group (p=0.102). Conclusions Adding bismuth to the standard 7-day PAC regimen did not significantly increase eradication rates in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections compared to PAC alone.

Objectives: The standard first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (PAC), yet the eradication success rates are not entirely satisfactory. Recognizing bismuth’s antibacterial properties and its potential to enhance antibiotic efficacy, this study compared the eradication success rates of a 7-day course of PAC with bismuth (PACB) versus PAC alone in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital involving 499 patients with confirmed clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infection. These patients were treated either with PACB or PAC for 7 days. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Successful eradication was confirmed by a negative 13C-urea breath test. Results: Of the patients, 261 received PACB therapy, and 238 received PAC therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication success rates of 82.8% (216/261) for PACB and 89.1% (212/238) for PAC (p=0.093). The per-protocol analysis revealed eradication rates of 85.3% (215/252) for PACB and 90.5% (210/232) for PAC (p=0.081). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups, with 41.3% (104/252) in the PACB group and 34.1% (79/232) in the PAC group (p=0.102). Conclusions Adding bismuth to the standard 7-day PAC regimen did not significantly increase eradication rates in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections compared to PAC alone.

Objectives: The standard first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (PAC), yet the eradication success rates are not entirely satisfactory. Recognizing bismuth’s antibacterial properties and its potential to enhance antibiotic efficacy, this study compared the eradication success rates of a 7-day course of PAC with bismuth (PACB) versus PAC alone in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital involving 499 patients with confirmed clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infection. These patients were treated either with PACB or PAC for 7 days. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Successful eradication was confirmed by a negative 13C-urea breath test. Results: Of the patients, 261 received PACB therapy, and 238 received PAC therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication success rates of 82.8% (216/261) for PACB and 89.1% (212/238) for PAC (p=0.093). The per-protocol analysis revealed eradication rates of 85.3% (215/252) for PACB and 90.5% (210/232) for PAC (p=0.081). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups, with 41.3% (104/252) in the PACB group and 34.1% (79/232) in the PAC group (p=0.102). Conclusions Adding bismuth to the standard 7-day PAC regimen did not significantly increase eradication rates in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections compared to PAC alone.

Objectives: The standard first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (PAC), yet the eradication success rates are not entirely satisfactory. Recognizing bismuth’s antibacterial properties and its potential to enhance antibiotic efficacy, this study compared the eradication success rates of a 7-day course of PAC with bismuth (PACB) versus PAC alone in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital involving 499 patients with confirmed clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infection. These patients were treated either with PACB or PAC for 7 days. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Successful eradication was confirmed by a negative 13C-urea breath test. Results: Of the patients, 261 received PACB therapy, and 238 received PAC therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication success rates of 82.8% (216/261) for PACB and 89.1% (212/238) for PAC (p=0.093). The per-protocol analysis revealed eradication rates of 85.3% (215/252) for PACB and 90.5% (210/232) for PAC (p=0.081). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups, with 41.3% (104/252) in the PACB group and 34.1% (79/232) in the PAC group (p=0.102). Conclusions Adding bismuth to the standard 7-day PAC regimen did not significantly increase eradication rates in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections compared to PAC alone.