Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: It is well known that a large number of patients with diabetes also have dyslipidemia, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination drugs consisting of metformin and atorvastatin, widely used as therapeutic agents for diabetes and dyslipidemia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and phase III multicenter study included adults with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and <10.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 and <250 mg/dL. One hundred eighty-five eligible subjects were randomized to the combination group (metformin+atorvastatin), metformin group (metformin+atorvastatin placebo), and atorvastatin group (atorvastatin+metformin placebo). The primary efficacy endpoints were the percent changes in HbA1c and LDL-C levels from baseline at the end of the treatment. Results: After 16 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, HbA1c showed a significant difference of 0.94% compared to the atorvastatin group in the combination group (0.35% vs. −0.58%, respectively; P<0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients with increased HbA1c was also 62% and 15%, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The combination group also showed a significant decrease in LDL-C levels compared to the metformin group (−55.20% vs. −7.69%, P<0.001) without previously unknown adverse drug events. Conclusion The addition of atorvastatin to metformin improved HbA1c and LDL-C levels to a significant extent compared to metformin or atorvastatin alone in diabetes and dyslipidemia patients. This study also suggested metformin’s preventive effect on the glucose-elevating potential of atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, insufficiently controlled with exercise and diet. Metformin and atorvastatin combination might be an effective treatment in reducing the CVD risk in patients with both diabetes and dyslipidemia because of its lowering effect on LDL-C and glucose.

Background: Depression among elderly individuals, especially those living alone, is an important social issue. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors in elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A survey was conducted among elderly individuals living alone and registered in the Basic Senior Care Services. Depressive symptoms were analyzed using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale, with scores ≥6 indicat-ing depression. Factors such as sex, age, education level, marital status, income, health status, underlying diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, and suicide risk were also examined. Results: Of the 4,742 participants, 52.6% showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. Factors affecting prevalence included sex (p=0.020), age (p<0.001), education (p<0.001), subjective health (p<0.001), smoking history (p<0.001), cancer (p=0.001), dementia (p<0.001), and diagnostic history of depression (p<0.001), whose symptoms were correlated with suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex, age, education level, subjective health, dementia, and current smoking and alcohol consumption were significant factors. Conclusion Depression among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju is severe and influenced by sociocultural factors. Early detection and mental health policies are essential to reduce its prevalence and socioeconomic impact.

Background: Depression among elderly individuals, especially those living alone, is an important social issue. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors in elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A survey was conducted among elderly individuals living alone and registered in the Basic Senior Care Services. Depressive symptoms were analyzed using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale, with scores ≥6 indicat-ing depression. Factors such as sex, age, education level, marital status, income, health status, underlying diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, and suicide risk were also examined. Results: Of the 4,742 participants, 52.6% showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. Factors affecting prevalence included sex (p=0.020), age (p<0.001), education (p<0.001), subjective health (p<0.001), smoking history (p<0.001), cancer (p=0.001), dementia (p<0.001), and diagnostic history of depression (p<0.001), whose symptoms were correlated with suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex, age, education level, subjective health, dementia, and current smoking and alcohol consumption were significant factors. Conclusion Depression among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju is severe and influenced by sociocultural factors. Early detection and mental health policies are essential to reduce its prevalence and socioeconomic impact.

Background: Depression among elderly individuals, especially those living alone, is an important social issue. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors in elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A survey was conducted among elderly individuals living alone and registered in the Basic Senior Care Services. Depressive symptoms were analyzed using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale, with scores ≥6 indicat-ing depression. Factors such as sex, age, education level, marital status, income, health status, underlying diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, and suicide risk were also examined. Results: Of the 4,742 participants, 52.6% showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. Factors affecting prevalence included sex (p=0.020), age (p<0.001), education (p<0.001), subjective health (p<0.001), smoking history (p<0.001), cancer (p=0.001), dementia (p<0.001), and diagnostic history of depression (p<0.001), whose symptoms were correlated with suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex, age, education level, subjective health, dementia, and current smoking and alcohol consumption were significant factors. Conclusion Depression among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju is severe and influenced by sociocultural factors. Early detection and mental health policies are essential to reduce its prevalence and socioeconomic impact.

Background: Depression among elderly individuals, especially those living alone, is an important social issue. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors in elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A survey was conducted among elderly individuals living alone and registered in the Basic Senior Care Services. Depressive symptoms were analyzed using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale, with scores ≥6 indicat-ing depression. Factors such as sex, age, education level, marital status, income, health status, underlying diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, and suicide risk were also examined. Results: Of the 4,742 participants, 52.6% showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. Factors affecting prevalence included sex (p=0.020), age (p<0.001), education (p<0.001), subjective health (p<0.001), smoking history (p<0.001), cancer (p=0.001), dementia (p<0.001), and diagnostic history of depression (p<0.001), whose symptoms were correlated with suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex, age, education level, subjective health, dementia, and current smoking and alcohol consumption were significant factors. Conclusion Depression among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju is severe and influenced by sociocultural factors. Early detection and mental health policies are essential to reduce its prevalence and socioeconomic impact.