1.National Trends in the Prevalence of Suicide Attempts Among Adolescents by Self-Perceived Weight, 2005–2023: A Nationwide Representative Study in South Korea
Jinyoung JEONG ; Hyunjee KIM ; Hyesu JO ; Hyeon Jin KIM ; Jaeyu PARK ; Jaehyeong CHO ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Seoyoung PARK ; Damiano PIZZOL ; Lee SMITH ; Sang Youl RHEE ; Selin WOO ; Dong Keon YON
Psychiatry Investigation 2026;23(1):48-62
Objective:
Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, and despite the need to distinguish between suicidal consideration and suicide attempts, research focused on suicide attempts remains insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of self-perceived weight on suicide attempts.
Methods:
This study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey for its analysis from 2005 to 2023, including a total of 1,156,728 participants. This study utilized various analytical methods to examine the influence of self-perceived weight on suicide attempts. We estimated weighted prevalence and used linear regression to assess temporal trend β coefficients and their differences (βdiff) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and survey-weighted logistic regression to estimate weighted odds ratios (wORs) and 95% CIs for the association between self-perceived weight and suicide attempts.
Results:
A comparison of suicide attempts based on self-perceived weight suggested that individuals who perceived themselves as overweight (weighted prevalence, 3.97% [95% CI, 3.89 to 4.04]) had the highest rate of suicide attempts, followed by those who perceived themselves as underweight (3.36% [95% CI, 3.28 to 3.44]), while those who perceived themselves as having a normal weight (3.20% [95% CI, 3.14 to 3.27]) had the lowest rate. Additionally, females (underweight: 4.47% [95% CI, 4.32 to 4.62]; normal weight: 3.91% [95% CI, 3.81 to 4.01]; overweight: 5.23% [5.11 to 5.35]) experienced more suicide attempts than males (underweight: 2.73% [95% CI, 2.65 to 2.82]; normal weight: 2.43% [95% CI, 2.35 to 2.51]; overweight: 2.60% [95% CI, 2.52 to 2.69]).
Conclusion
Findings from the present study suggest that self-perceived weight was associated with suicide attempts and interaction analyses indicated a potential sex-based difference in the impact of body image distortion. Therefore, this study suggests the introduction of programs and campaigns aimed at correcting distorted self-perceived weight.
2.Roots of the Large-Scale Household Humidifier Disinfectant Poisoning Tragedy: Regulatory and Surveillance Shortcomings in Korea
Dong-Uk PARK ; Kyung Ehi ZOH ; Dae Hwan CHO ; Soyoung PARK ; Jeonghwa HWANG ; Cheong-Hak CHOI ; Dong-Hee KOH ; Yeyong CHOI ; Jinyoung PARK
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e144-
The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.
3.Roots of the Large-Scale Household Humidifier Disinfectant Poisoning Tragedy: Regulatory and Surveillance Shortcomings in Korea
Dong-Uk PARK ; Kyung Ehi ZOH ; Dae Hwan CHO ; Soyoung PARK ; Jeonghwa HWANG ; Cheong-Hak CHOI ; Dong-Hee KOH ; Yeyong CHOI ; Jinyoung PARK
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e144-
The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.
4.Roots of the Large-Scale Household Humidifier Disinfectant Poisoning Tragedy: Regulatory and Surveillance Shortcomings in Korea
Dong-Uk PARK ; Kyung Ehi ZOH ; Dae Hwan CHO ; Soyoung PARK ; Jeonghwa HWANG ; Cheong-Hak CHOI ; Dong-Hee KOH ; Yeyong CHOI ; Jinyoung PARK
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e144-
The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.
5.Roots of the Large-Scale Household Humidifier Disinfectant Poisoning Tragedy: Regulatory and Surveillance Shortcomings in Korea
Dong-Uk PARK ; Kyung Ehi ZOH ; Dae Hwan CHO ; Soyoung PARK ; Jeonghwa HWANG ; Cheong-Hak CHOI ; Dong-Hee KOH ; Yeyong CHOI ; Jinyoung PARK
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e144-
The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.
6.Comparative Analysis on the Efficacy of Monopolar Radiofrequency With Continuous Water Cooling and Conventional Cryogen Spray Cooling in Facial Rejuvenation
Hyojin ROH ; Young In LEE ; Sang Gyu LEE ; Jewan Kaiser HWANG ; Jinyoung JUNG ; Ju Hee LEE
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(6):397-407
Background:
Monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) is widely used for non-invasive facial rejuvenation.
Objective:
In this study, we compared the clinical efficacy and patient-reported procedural pain of a novel MRF system with continuous water cooling (RF-CWC) versus conventional MRF with cryogen spray cooling (RF-CSC) in 22 Asian women.
Methods:
In this prospective, randomized, split-face, single-blind trial, 22 participants received a single session of both RF-CWC and RF-CSC. Clinical outcomes—including changes in pore size, elasticity, skin density, fine lines, and lifting—were assessed over 8 weeks using quantitative measurements and investigator-assessed global improvement scores. Procedural pain was also recorded. To support the clinical findings, an ex vivo model was used to evaluate collagen and elastin fiber density, collagen I and III concentrations, and dermal temperature profiles.
Results:
RF-CWC demonstrated clinical efficacy comparable to that of RF-CSC in terms of lifting, skin volume, and wrinkle reduction, while significantly reducing procedural pain. Ex vivo analysis confirmed enhanced collagen remodeling and efficient dermal heating with RF-CWC.
Conclusion
RF-CWC offers a clinically effective and better-tolerated alternative to traditional cryogen-cooled MRF for facial rejuvenation.
7.Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity at Non-Cumulative Dose in a Dog with Multicentric Lymphoma
Jihyeon GO ; Seha AHN ; Seongwon HEO ; Seulgi HWANG ; Hayoung RYU ; Jinyoung PARK ; Chaewon SHIN ; Dong-In JUNG ; DoHyeon YU ; Hyeona BAE
Journal of Veterinary Clinics 2025;42(4):190-195
Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent widely used in veterinary oncology, particularly as part of the CHOP protocol for canine lymphoma. Despite its therapeutic benefit, cardiotoxicity remains a serious dose-limiting adverse effect. Although clinically significant cardiotoxicity is typically reported at cumulative doses of 150-240 mg/m 2 in dogs, functional cardiac deterioration has been observed at lower doses, with progression to congestive heart failure rarely reported. This case report describes doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity below the established cumulative threshold in a dog with multicentric lymphoma, which presented with overt clinical signs of congestive heart failure, including coughing, syncope, and pleural effusion. The dog also exhibited marked echocardiographic changes, including right atrial enlargement and a reduction in fractional shortening from 33% to 21% over 2 weeks, ultimately resulting in death 53 days after symptom onset. The clinical diagnosis was supported by the temporal relationship with doxorubicin administration and serial cardiac imaging findings. This case highlights that severe cardiotoxicity can occur even below traditionally accepted cumulative thresholds, reinforcing the importance of individualized, ongoing cardiac monitoring and early intervention, regardless of dose.
8.Associations between weight-control methods and depression among Korean adolescents: a study based on a national dataset
Jaehyun KONG ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Sooji LEE ; Soeun KIM ; Jinyoung JEONG ; Yejun SON ; Hayeon LEE ; Louis JACOB ; Masoud RAHMATI ; Guillaume FOND ; Laurent BOYER ; Lee SMITH ; Elena DRAGIOTI ; Selin WOO ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Dong Keon YON
Nutrition Research and Practice 2024;18(6):818-828
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods.
SUBJECTS/METHODS:
This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods.
RESULTS:
Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression.
CONCLUSION
The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.
9.Associations between weight-control methods and depression among Korean adolescents: a study based on a national dataset
Jaehyun KONG ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Sooji LEE ; Soeun KIM ; Jinyoung JEONG ; Yejun SON ; Hayeon LEE ; Louis JACOB ; Masoud RAHMATI ; Guillaume FOND ; Laurent BOYER ; Lee SMITH ; Elena DRAGIOTI ; Selin WOO ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Dong Keon YON
Nutrition Research and Practice 2024;18(6):818-828
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods.
SUBJECTS/METHODS:
This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods.
RESULTS:
Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression.
CONCLUSION
The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.
10.Associations between weight-control methods and depression among Korean adolescents: a study based on a national dataset
Jaehyun KONG ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Sooji LEE ; Soeun KIM ; Jinyoung JEONG ; Yejun SON ; Hayeon LEE ; Louis JACOB ; Masoud RAHMATI ; Guillaume FOND ; Laurent BOYER ; Lee SMITH ; Elena DRAGIOTI ; Selin WOO ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Dong Keon YON
Nutrition Research and Practice 2024;18(6):818-828
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods.
SUBJECTS/METHODS:
This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods.
RESULTS:
Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression.
CONCLUSION
The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.

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