1.Coronavirus disease vaccine linked menstrual changes: mobile application study
Sung Eun KIM ; Joseph J. NOH ; Yoo-Young LEE
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(2):155-162
Objective:
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination began, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has occurred at a high rate. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination and AUB.
Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed mobile application data on menstrual cycles to investigate differences in the prevalence, duration, and amount of intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) after COVID-19 vaccination. We also analyzed the duration of menstruation, menstrual cycle length, and associated symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, we investigated the prevalence of IMB according to the vaccine type.
Results:
After vaccination, IMB prevalence increased to 3.35% (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-1.76; p<0.0001) and IMB duration increased by 0.43 days (95% CI, 0.25-0.60; p<0.0001). The proportion of respondents whose amount of IMB was heavier than regular menstruation increased (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.47-5.93; p=0.002). Menstrual duration decreased by -0.01 days (95% CI, -0.023 to 0.003; p=0.114), and menstrual cycle length increased by 1.39 days (95% CI, 1.30-1.48; p<0.0001). The proportion of participants who answered that there was a difference in menstruation amount increased (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41-1.64; p<0.0001). The prevalence of IMB increased regardless of the vaccine type.
Conclusion
There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence, duration and amount of IMB, menstrual duration, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual amount after COVID-19 vaccination. However, these values were not clinically meaningful and could be regarded as within the normal menstruation range.
2.Prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome in Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2021
Sung-Bin HONG ; Ji-Eun KIM ; Seung Seok HAN ; Joseph J. SHEARER ; Jungnam JOO ; Ji-Yeob CHOI ; Véronique L. ROGER
Epidemiology and Health 2025;47(1):e2025005-
OBJECTIVES:
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently defined cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome to better characterize the associations among cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. Although about 9 in 10 United States adults have at least 1 risk factor for CKM syndrome, its prevalence in other populations is less understood. To fill this gap, we examined the prevalence of CKM syndrome in Korea and its association with demographic and socioeconomic status (SES).
METHODS:
Using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2021, we calculated the prevalence of CKM syndrome across the following stages: stage 0 (no risk factors), stage 1 (excess or dysfunctional adiposity), stage 2 (other metabolic risk factors or chronic kidney disease), and stages 3-4 (subclinical/clinical cardiovascular diseases) among adults aged ≥20 years. Weighted analyses were used to estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each CKM syndrome stage, stratified by age, gender, and SES factors.
RESULTS:
Among 54,994 Korean adults, the prevalence of CKM syndrome was as follows: stage 0 (25.2%; 95% CI, 24.7 to 25.8), stage 1 (19.3%; 95% CI, 18.9 to 19.7), stage 2 (51.6%; 95% CI, 51.1 to 52.2), and stages 3-4 (3.9%; 95% CI, 3.7 to 4.0). The prevalence of stages 2 and 3-4 was higher in men than in women. In addition, stages 3-4 were more prevalent among rural residents and those with lower education or income.
CONCLUSIONS
About 3 out of 4 Koreans are at risk for CKM syndrome. These findings highlight that CKM syndrome is a global health problem and that interventions are urgently needed to prevent further progression.
3.Regulating, implementing and evaluating AI in Singapore healthcare: AI governance roundtable's view.
Wilson Wen Bin GOH ; Cher Heng TAN ; Clive TAN ; Andrew PRAHL ; May O LWIN ; Joseph SUNG
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(7):428-436
INTRODUCTION:
An interdisciplinary panel, comprising professionals from medicine, AI and data science, law and ethics, and patient advocacy, convened to discuss key principles on regulation, implementation and evaluation of AI models in healthcare for Singapore.
METHOD:
The panel considered 14 statements split across 4 themes: "The Role and Scope of Regulatory Entities," "Regulatory Processes," "Pre-Approval Evaluation of AI Models" and "Medical AI in Practice". Moderated by a thematic representative, the panel deliberated on each statement and modified it until a majority agreement threshold is met. The roundtable meeting was convened in Singapore on 1 July 2024. While the statements reflect local perspectives, they may serve as a reference for other countries navigating similar challenges in AI governance in healthcare.
RESULTS:
Balanced testing approaches, differentiated regulatory standards for autonomous and assistive AI, and context-sensitive requirements are essential in regulating AI models in healthcare. A hybrid approach-integrating global standards with local needs to ensure AI comple-ments human decision-making and enhances clinical expertise-was recommended. Additionally, the need for patient involvement at multiple levels was underscored. There are active ongoing efforts towards development and refinement of AI governance guidelines and frameworks balancing between regulation and freedom. The statements defined therein provide guidance on how prevailing values and viewpoints can streamline AI implementation into healthcare.
CONCLUSION
This roundtable discussion is among the first in Singapore to develop a structured set of state-ments tailored for the regulation, implementation and evaluation of AI models in healthcare, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise from medicine, AI, data science, law, ethics and patient advocacy.
Singapore
;
Humans
;
Artificial Intelligence/standards*
;
Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration*
4.Risk-based screening programmes for cancer diagnosis: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.
Yong Yi TAN ; Sara TASNIM ; Mohammad Fahmy Bin FADZIL ; Xin Rong NG ; Sabrina Kw WONG ; Jo-Anne Elizabeth MANSKI-NANKERVIS ; Joseph Jao-Yiu SUNG ; Joanne NGEOW
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(10):644-663
INTRODUCTION:
Risk-based screening (RBS) has emerged as a promising alternative to age-based cancer screening. However, evidence regarding real-world implementation outcomes remains fragmented. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the implementation metho-dologies and outcomes of RBS programmes across different cancer types.
METHODS:
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus were systematically searched from their respective dates of inception up to 8 July 2024. Prospective and rando-mised controlled trials (RCTs), which implement the RBS of cancer in an asymptomatic population, or studies retrospectively evaluating the outcomes of the same were included. Geographic distribution, population characteristics, RBS methodology, diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes were narratively synthesised.
RESULTS:
Among the 33 included studies (i.e. 21 prospective cohort, 8 RCTs, 3 retrospective and 1 non-RCT), sample sizes ranged from 102 to 1,429,890 participants. Most RBS trials were conducted in China (n=7, 21.2%), followed by the Netherlands (n=4, 12.1%) then the US, Australia and Sweden (n=3, 9.8%). Studies predominantly examined colorectal (27.3%), breast (21.2%) and prostate cancer (18.2%). Three main stratification approaches emerged: algorithmic (48.5%), validated risk models (39.4%) and physician assessment (9.1%). Implementation outcomes showed higher uptake in moderate-risk (75.4%) compared to high-risk (71.3%) and low-risk groups (67.9%). Five studies demonstrated cost-effectiveness with increased quality-adjusted life years, while 12 studies showed superior or non-inferior cancer detection rates compared to traditional screening.
CONCLUSION
The RBS of cancer has the potential to optimise healthcare resource allocation while minimising harm and increasing receptiveness for patients. More work is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes prior to the scaling of RBS programmes.
Humans
;
Early Detection of Cancer/methods*
;
Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Risk Assessment
;
Mass Screening/methods*
5.Coronavirus disease vaccine linked menstrual changes: mobile application study
Sung Eun KIM ; Joseph J. NOH ; Yoo-Young LEE
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(2):155-162
Objective:
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination began, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has occurred at a high rate. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination and AUB.
Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed mobile application data on menstrual cycles to investigate differences in the prevalence, duration, and amount of intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) after COVID-19 vaccination. We also analyzed the duration of menstruation, menstrual cycle length, and associated symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, we investigated the prevalence of IMB according to the vaccine type.
Results:
After vaccination, IMB prevalence increased to 3.35% (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-1.76; p<0.0001) and IMB duration increased by 0.43 days (95% CI, 0.25-0.60; p<0.0001). The proportion of respondents whose amount of IMB was heavier than regular menstruation increased (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.47-5.93; p=0.002). Menstrual duration decreased by -0.01 days (95% CI, -0.023 to 0.003; p=0.114), and menstrual cycle length increased by 1.39 days (95% CI, 1.30-1.48; p<0.0001). The proportion of participants who answered that there was a difference in menstruation amount increased (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41-1.64; p<0.0001). The prevalence of IMB increased regardless of the vaccine type.
Conclusion
There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence, duration and amount of IMB, menstrual duration, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual amount after COVID-19 vaccination. However, these values were not clinically meaningful and could be regarded as within the normal menstruation range.
6.Coronavirus disease vaccine linked menstrual changes: mobile application study
Sung Eun KIM ; Joseph J. NOH ; Yoo-Young LEE
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(2):155-162
Objective:
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination began, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has occurred at a high rate. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination and AUB.
Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed mobile application data on menstrual cycles to investigate differences in the prevalence, duration, and amount of intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) after COVID-19 vaccination. We also analyzed the duration of menstruation, menstrual cycle length, and associated symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, we investigated the prevalence of IMB according to the vaccine type.
Results:
After vaccination, IMB prevalence increased to 3.35% (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-1.76; p<0.0001) and IMB duration increased by 0.43 days (95% CI, 0.25-0.60; p<0.0001). The proportion of respondents whose amount of IMB was heavier than regular menstruation increased (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.47-5.93; p=0.002). Menstrual duration decreased by -0.01 days (95% CI, -0.023 to 0.003; p=0.114), and menstrual cycle length increased by 1.39 days (95% CI, 1.30-1.48; p<0.0001). The proportion of participants who answered that there was a difference in menstruation amount increased (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41-1.64; p<0.0001). The prevalence of IMB increased regardless of the vaccine type.
Conclusion
There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence, duration and amount of IMB, menstrual duration, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual amount after COVID-19 vaccination. However, these values were not clinically meaningful and could be regarded as within the normal menstruation range.
7.Prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome in Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2021
Sung-Bin HONG ; Ji-Eun KIM ; Seung Seok HAN ; Joseph J. SHEARER ; Jungnam JOO ; Ji-Yeob CHOI ; Véronique L. ROGER
Epidemiology and Health 2025;47(1):e2025005-
OBJECTIVES:
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently defined cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome to better characterize the associations among cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. Although about 9 in 10 United States adults have at least 1 risk factor for CKM syndrome, its prevalence in other populations is less understood. To fill this gap, we examined the prevalence of CKM syndrome in Korea and its association with demographic and socioeconomic status (SES).
METHODS:
Using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2021, we calculated the prevalence of CKM syndrome across the following stages: stage 0 (no risk factors), stage 1 (excess or dysfunctional adiposity), stage 2 (other metabolic risk factors or chronic kidney disease), and stages 3-4 (subclinical/clinical cardiovascular diseases) among adults aged ≥20 years. Weighted analyses were used to estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each CKM syndrome stage, stratified by age, gender, and SES factors.
RESULTS:
Among 54,994 Korean adults, the prevalence of CKM syndrome was as follows: stage 0 (25.2%; 95% CI, 24.7 to 25.8), stage 1 (19.3%; 95% CI, 18.9 to 19.7), stage 2 (51.6%; 95% CI, 51.1 to 52.2), and stages 3-4 (3.9%; 95% CI, 3.7 to 4.0). The prevalence of stages 2 and 3-4 was higher in men than in women. In addition, stages 3-4 were more prevalent among rural residents and those with lower education or income.
CONCLUSIONS
About 3 out of 4 Koreans are at risk for CKM syndrome. These findings highlight that CKM syndrome is a global health problem and that interventions are urgently needed to prevent further progression.
8.Coronavirus disease vaccine linked menstrual changes: mobile application study
Sung Eun KIM ; Joseph J. NOH ; Yoo-Young LEE
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(2):155-162
Objective:
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination began, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has occurred at a high rate. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination and AUB.
Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed mobile application data on menstrual cycles to investigate differences in the prevalence, duration, and amount of intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) after COVID-19 vaccination. We also analyzed the duration of menstruation, menstrual cycle length, and associated symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, we investigated the prevalence of IMB according to the vaccine type.
Results:
After vaccination, IMB prevalence increased to 3.35% (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-1.76; p<0.0001) and IMB duration increased by 0.43 days (95% CI, 0.25-0.60; p<0.0001). The proportion of respondents whose amount of IMB was heavier than regular menstruation increased (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.47-5.93; p=0.002). Menstrual duration decreased by -0.01 days (95% CI, -0.023 to 0.003; p=0.114), and menstrual cycle length increased by 1.39 days (95% CI, 1.30-1.48; p<0.0001). The proportion of participants who answered that there was a difference in menstruation amount increased (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41-1.64; p<0.0001). The prevalence of IMB increased regardless of the vaccine type.
Conclusion
There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence, duration and amount of IMB, menstrual duration, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual amount after COVID-19 vaccination. However, these values were not clinically meaningful and could be regarded as within the normal menstruation range.
9.Prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome in Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2021
Sung-Bin HONG ; Ji-Eun KIM ; Seung Seok HAN ; Joseph J. SHEARER ; Jungnam JOO ; Ji-Yeob CHOI ; Véronique L. ROGER
Epidemiology and Health 2025;47(1):e2025005-
OBJECTIVES:
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently defined cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome to better characterize the associations among cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. Although about 9 in 10 United States adults have at least 1 risk factor for CKM syndrome, its prevalence in other populations is less understood. To fill this gap, we examined the prevalence of CKM syndrome in Korea and its association with demographic and socioeconomic status (SES).
METHODS:
Using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2021, we calculated the prevalence of CKM syndrome across the following stages: stage 0 (no risk factors), stage 1 (excess or dysfunctional adiposity), stage 2 (other metabolic risk factors or chronic kidney disease), and stages 3-4 (subclinical/clinical cardiovascular diseases) among adults aged ≥20 years. Weighted analyses were used to estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each CKM syndrome stage, stratified by age, gender, and SES factors.
RESULTS:
Among 54,994 Korean adults, the prevalence of CKM syndrome was as follows: stage 0 (25.2%; 95% CI, 24.7 to 25.8), stage 1 (19.3%; 95% CI, 18.9 to 19.7), stage 2 (51.6%; 95% CI, 51.1 to 52.2), and stages 3-4 (3.9%; 95% CI, 3.7 to 4.0). The prevalence of stages 2 and 3-4 was higher in men than in women. In addition, stages 3-4 were more prevalent among rural residents and those with lower education or income.
CONCLUSIONS
About 3 out of 4 Koreans are at risk for CKM syndrome. These findings highlight that CKM syndrome is a global health problem and that interventions are urgently needed to prevent further progression.
10.Coronavirus disease vaccine linked menstrual changes: mobile application study
Sung Eun KIM ; Joseph J. NOH ; Yoo-Young LEE
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(2):155-162
Objective:
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination began, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has occurred at a high rate. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination and AUB.
Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed mobile application data on menstrual cycles to investigate differences in the prevalence, duration, and amount of intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) after COVID-19 vaccination. We also analyzed the duration of menstruation, menstrual cycle length, and associated symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, we investigated the prevalence of IMB according to the vaccine type.
Results:
After vaccination, IMB prevalence increased to 3.35% (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-1.76; p<0.0001) and IMB duration increased by 0.43 days (95% CI, 0.25-0.60; p<0.0001). The proportion of respondents whose amount of IMB was heavier than regular menstruation increased (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.47-5.93; p=0.002). Menstrual duration decreased by -0.01 days (95% CI, -0.023 to 0.003; p=0.114), and menstrual cycle length increased by 1.39 days (95% CI, 1.30-1.48; p<0.0001). The proportion of participants who answered that there was a difference in menstruation amount increased (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41-1.64; p<0.0001). The prevalence of IMB increased regardless of the vaccine type.
Conclusion
There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence, duration and amount of IMB, menstrual duration, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual amount after COVID-19 vaccination. However, these values were not clinically meaningful and could be regarded as within the normal menstruation range.

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