Background: This study aims to analyze the experiences of self-medication for minor symptoms, examine over-the-counter (OTC) drug usage patterns, and evaluate consumer satisfaction with pharmacy services to explore future improvements in self-medication practices. Methods: A 27-item questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional survey to examine self-medication experiences for minor ailments among adults living in Korea during March to April 2019 through an online channel. Results: Of the 354 respondents, 98.9% experienced minor symptoms such as cough, cold, headache, muscle pain, indigestion, lower back pain, sore throat, diarrhea, body aches, heartburn, constipation, and fever for the past year. 31.9% purchased OTC medication from pharmacies, 37.6% visited healthcare providers such as clinics, and 30.5% rested at home, to cope with them. The main advantage of self-medication wasidentified as being easier and more convenient than physician visits, while the primary concern was uncertainty about the accuracyof self-diagnosis. 91.8% purchased OTC drugs from a pharmacy in the past year, 53.8% trusted pharmacists’ product choices, and72.6% were satisfied with pharmacists’ medication guidance. In cases of chronic illness, the rate of visits to hospitals, clinics, orpharmacies was higher, while the proportion of those who “endure and bear with it” was lower (p = 0.012). Conclusion This study highlights the crucial role of pharmacists in improving the quality of self-medication and provides foundational data for enhancing pharmacy services.

Background: The relationship between early life factors and childhood pulmonary function and structure in preterm infants remains unclear.Purpose: This study investigated the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and perinatal factors on childhood pulmonary function and structure. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included preterm participants aged ≥5 years born between 2005 and 2015. The children were grouped by BPD severity according to National Institutes of Health criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using spirometry. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and scored for hyperaeration or parenchymal lesions. PFT results and chest CT scores were analyzed with perinatal factors. Results: A total 150 children (66 females) aged 7.7 years (6.4–9.9 years) were categorized into non/mild BPD (n=68), moderate BPD (n=39), and severe BPD (n=43) groups. The median z score for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced midexpiratory flow (FEF25%–75%) were significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-1.24 vs. -0.18, -0.22 vs. 0.41, -1.80 vs. -1.12, and -1.88 vs. -1.00, respectively; all P<0.05). The median z scores of FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, and FEF25%–75% among asymptomatic patients were also significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-0.82 vs. 0.09, -1.68 vs. -0.87, -1.59 vs. -0.61, respectively; all P<0.05). The severe BPD group had a higher median (range) CT score than the non/mild BPD group (6 [0–12] vs. 1 [0–10], P<0.001). Prenatal oligohydramnios was strongly associated with both low pulmonary function (FEV1/FVCConclusion School-aged children with severe BPD showed airflow limitations and structural abnormalities despite no subjective respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that patients with a history of prenatal oligohydramnios or prolonged mechanical ventilation require extended follow-up.

The global burden of mental illness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, despite this rising burden, the utilization of mental health services remains critically low compared to other countries. This study evaluated successful integrated treatment centers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to identify the best practices that can be applied to South Korean society. These international examples informed the development of Mind the SHIM (SNUH Health in Mind) center, an integrated treatment model designed to address the gaps in non-pharmacological mental health services in South Korea. Mind the SHIM center focuses on developing and validating programs tailored to local needs, emphasizing professional education, systematic program delivery, and community collaboration. The biopsychosocial approach of the center is expected to enhance the overall quality of life of the patients and increase the utilization of mental health services, reducing the broader economic and social burden of mental illness in South Korea.

Background: Medication’s benefits and harms require careful management. Laws mandate pharmacists to provide essential med-ication details since inadequate counseling may pose risks. This study explores public expectations for pharmacist-provided side effect information to enhance safety. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire was created for participant to self-report, refined through pilot surveys with experts and laypersons. Nineteen items were categorized into four sections, using closed-ended ques-tions. Adults over 20, having obtained prescription medications within the past year, were surveyed via convenience sampling.Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and T-tests using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The study involved 189 participants, with a slightly higher proportion of females (59.3%) than males (40.7%), predominantly in their 20s (45.0%) and college graduates (57.1%). Health professionals represented 76.2% of respondents. Over half visited pharmacies at least 5 times yearly for prescriptions. Indirect experience with side effects was more common (30.2%) than direct experience (17.5%). Most (82.0%) showed interest in media-reported side effect events. Satisfaction with pharmacist-provided side effect explanations was low (59.7%), but importance was high (98.9%). Preferences favored combined verbal and written explanations (65.1%), with a majority desiring explanations for common but less serious side effects (82.5%). Healthcare professionals found explanations significantly more sufficient than non-professionals did. Older individuals, those living with elderly, and frequent pharmacy visitors attributed greater importance to pharmacist-provided explanations. Conclusion Koreans view pharmacist-pro-vided medication side effect explanations as vital but find current services lacking. Enhancements in content and delivery meth-ods are needed in pharmacy counseling to meet public expectations.

Background: This study examined the public’s perceptions of repeat dispensing as one of the measures to reduce the harmful effects of long-term prescriptions in Korea. Methods: From January 11 to 25, 2021, an online survey was conducted for adults using convenience sampling. A self-developed questionnaire was used. Results: There were 310 respondents, of which 228(73.5%) preferred repeat dispensing. When considering the additional fee payment, 188 (60.6%) preferred repeat dispensing, and54 (67.5%) out of a total of 80 chronic disease patients preferred it. It was confirmed that there was a difference in the willingnessto repeat dispensing considering the additional cost depending on whether the patient had a chronic disease and the distance from home to the nearest pharmacy. As a result of subgroup analysis for patients with chronic diseases, frequency of outpatient visit, number of prescription days, method of packaging pharmaceuticals, and distance from home to the nearest pharmacy were iden-tified as variables that could well predict the willingness to repeat dispensing considering paying additional fees. The preferencefor repeat dispensing may vary depending on conditions such as additional cost range, frequency and period of prescription use, disease and patient characteristics, so a careful approach is necessary. Conclusion It is necessary for the government to consider the introduction of repeat dispensing with interest in the public demand.

This report presents the latest statistics on the stroke population in South Korea, sourced from the Clinical Research Collaborations for Stroke in Korea-National Institute for Health (CRCS-K-NIH), a comprehensive, nationwide, multicenter stroke registry. The Korean cohort, unlike western populations, shows a male-to-female ratio of 1.5, attributed to lower risk factors in Korean women. The average ages for men and women are 67 and 73 years, respectively.Hypertension is the most common risk factor (67%), consistent with global trends, but there is a higher prevalence of diabetes (35%) and smoking (21%). The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (19%) is lower than in western populations, suggesting effective prevention strategies in the general population. A high incidence of large artery atherosclerosis (38%) is observed, likely due to prevalent intracranial arterial disease in East Asians and advanced imaging techniques.There has been a decrease in intravenous thrombolysis rates, from 12% in 2017–2019 to 10% in 2021, with no improvements in door-to-needle and door-to-puncture times, worsened by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. While the use of aspirin plus clopidogrel for noncardioembolic stroke and direct oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation is well-established, the application of direct oral anticoagulants for non-atrial fibrillation cardioembolic strokes in the acute phase requires further research. The incidence of early neurological deterioration (13%) and the cumulative incidence of recurrent stroke at 3 months (3%) align with global figures. Favorable outcomes at 3 months (63%) are comparable internationally, yet the lack of improvement in dependency at 3 months highlights the need for advancements in acute stroke care.

Background and Objectives: Early diastolic mitral annular tissue (e’) velocity is a commonly used marker of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of e’ velocity in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1,536 consecutive patients aged <65 years with moderate or severe chronic primary MR diagnosed between 2009 and 2018. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively.According to the current guidelines, the cut-off value of e’ velocity was defined as 7 cm/s. Results: A total of 404 individuals were enrolled (median age, 51.0 years; 64.1% male; 47.8% severe MR). During a median 6.0-year follow-up, there were 40 all-cause mortality and 16 cardiovascular deaths. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between e’ velocity and all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.770; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.634–0.935; p=0.008) and cardiovascular death (aHR, 0.690; 95% CI, 0.477–0.998;p=0.049). Abnormal e’ velocity (≤7 cm/s) independently predicted all-cause death (aHR, 2.467; 95% CI, 1.170–5.200; p=0.018) and cardiovascular death (aHR, 5.021; 95% CI, 1.189–21.211; p=0.028), regardless of symptoms, LV dimension and ejection fraction. Subgroup analysis according to sex, MR severity, mitral valve replacement/repair, and symptoms, showed no significant interactions. Including e’ velocity in the 10-year risk score improved reclassification for mortality (net reclassification improvement [NRI], 0.154; 95% CI, 0.308– 0.910; p<0.001) and cardiovascular death (NRI, 1.018; 95% CI, 0.680–1.356; p<0.001). Conclusions In patients aged <65 years with primary MR, e’ velocity served as an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.

Background: Medication’s benefits and harms require careful management. Laws mandate pharmacists to provide essential med-ication details since inadequate counseling may pose risks. This study explores public expectations for pharmacist-provided side effect information to enhance safety. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire was created for participant to self-report, refined through pilot surveys with experts and laypersons. Nineteen items were categorized into four sections, using closed-ended ques-tions. Adults over 20, having obtained prescription medications within the past year, were surveyed via convenience sampling.Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and T-tests using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The study involved 189 participants, with a slightly higher proportion of females (59.3%) than males (40.7%), predominantly in their 20s (45.0%) and college graduates (57.1%). Health professionals represented 76.2% of respondents. Over half visited pharmacies at least 5 times yearly for prescriptions. Indirect experience with side effects was more common (30.2%) than direct experience (17.5%). Most (82.0%) showed interest in media-reported side effect events. Satisfaction with pharmacist-provided side effect explanations was low (59.7%), but importance was high (98.9%). Preferences favored combined verbal and written explanations (65.1%), with a majority desiring explanations for common but less serious side effects (82.5%). Healthcare professionals found explanations significantly more sufficient than non-professionals did. Older individuals, those living with elderly, and frequent pharmacy visitors attributed greater importance to pharmacist-provided explanations. Conclusion Koreans view pharmacist-pro-vided medication side effect explanations as vital but find current services lacking. Enhancements in content and delivery meth-ods are needed in pharmacy counseling to meet public expectations.

Background: This study examined the public’s perceptions of repeat dispensing as one of the measures to reduce the harmful effects of long-term prescriptions in Korea. Methods: From January 11 to 25, 2021, an online survey was conducted for adults using convenience sampling. A self-developed questionnaire was used. Results: There were 310 respondents, of which 228(73.5%) preferred repeat dispensing. When considering the additional fee payment, 188 (60.6%) preferred repeat dispensing, and54 (67.5%) out of a total of 80 chronic disease patients preferred it. It was confirmed that there was a difference in the willingnessto repeat dispensing considering the additional cost depending on whether the patient had a chronic disease and the distance from home to the nearest pharmacy. As a result of subgroup analysis for patients with chronic diseases, frequency of outpatient visit, number of prescription days, method of packaging pharmaceuticals, and distance from home to the nearest pharmacy were iden-tified as variables that could well predict the willingness to repeat dispensing considering paying additional fees. The preferencefor repeat dispensing may vary depending on conditions such as additional cost range, frequency and period of prescription use, disease and patient characteristics, so a careful approach is necessary. Conclusion It is necessary for the government to consider the introduction of repeat dispensing with interest in the public demand.

The global burden of mental illness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, despite this rising burden, the utilization of mental health services remains critically low compared to other countries. This study evaluated successful integrated treatment centers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to identify the best practices that can be applied to South Korean society. These international examples informed the development of Mind the SHIM (SNUH Health in Mind) center, an integrated treatment model designed to address the gaps in non-pharmacological mental health services in South Korea. Mind the SHIM center focuses on developing and validating programs tailored to local needs, emphasizing professional education, systematic program delivery, and community collaboration. The biopsychosocial approach of the center is expected to enhance the overall quality of life of the patients and increase the utilization of mental health services, reducing the broader economic and social burden of mental illness in South Korea.