2.Collaborative networks, trends, and comparativeanalysis of artificial intelligence techniques in healthcare research: a narrative review
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):100-113
Objectives:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare by improving diagnosis and treatment planning, increasing operational efficiency, and streamlining administrative workflows. This paper integrates findings from an extensive PubMed search (2015–2025) with bibliometric analysis using RStudio and VOSviewer to investigate the comparative applications of AI methods in healthcare, collaborative networks, and emerging trends.
Methods:
A total of 1,243 records were identified through the PubMed search, and after removal of 143 duplicates, 1,100 records were screened. Following full-text assessment and exclusion of ineligible studies, 986 articles were included in the final bibliometric analysis.
Results:
The main research areas included robotic-assisted surgery, predictive analytics, diagnostic imaging, and precision medicine, with particular emphasis on the prevalence of machine learning and deep learning in imaging and the increasing application of natural language processing to unstructured medical information.
Conclusion
The review emphasizes the need for greater budgetary allocation to scalable and pragmatic AI technologies and for interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers, industry, and healthcare providers. Despite this growth, challenges such as algorithmic bias, data integration, and ethical concerns persist. The paper also highlights the importance of equitable collaboration, accountable AI, and multinational partnerships in ensuring that AI can be used ethically and efficiently in healthcare over the long term to improve patient care and biomedical innovation. It does so by mapping international and regional trends, identifying the most influential authors, institutions, and funding sources, and evaluating methodological approaches.
3.Current status of hepatitis C treatment and its barriers in Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
Ji Hyeon KANG ; You Jeong MOON ; Ung-Gyu KIM ; Jung-Im PARK ; Chang Hun LEE ; In Hee KIM ; Ju-Hyung LEE ; Jin GWACK
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):188-192
Objectives:
In alignment with the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating hepatitis C, this study assessed the current treatment status and reasons for non-treatment among patients with hepatitis C in Jeonbuk State, Republic of Korea, to inform strategies for improving care engagement.
Methods:
Among 311 individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C and reported through the NationalNotifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance system between January 2023 and June 2024, 208 patients were surveyed after excluding those who had died or could not be contacted.Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, the Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and logistic regression.
Results:
Overall, 116 participants (55.8%) reported having received antiviral therapy. Among the 92 untreated individuals, the most common reason for non-treatment was the absence of symptoms (n = 23; 25.0%), followed by the burden of drug costs (n = 21; 22.8%).
Conclusion
These findings highlight suboptimal treatment uptake and key barriers that may hinder progress toward hepatitis C elimination. Expanding screening and strengthening linkage-to-care strategies, while addressing financial barriers, will be essential to achievingnational elimination targets.
4.Metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities as predictors of severe dengue in Vietnamese adults: a retrospective study, 2022–2024
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):136-144
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of severe dengue and examine the associations between pre-existing comorbidities and disease severity.
Methods:
This retrospective study examined patients with dengue fever who received inpatient treatment at a hospital in northern Vietnam between January 1, 2022, and December 30, 2024.Patients were categorized into 2 groups—severe dengue and non-severe dengue—based on the 2009 World Health Organization criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with severe dengue.
Results:
Among 3,692 patients, the prevalence of severe dengue was 1.5%. Patients with any pre-existing comorbidity had higher odds of severe dengue compared to those withoutcomorbidities (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–3.53). Having2 or more comorbidities was also associated with higher odds of severe dengue (aOR, 2.26; 95%CI, 1.18–4.33). Among individual conditions, hyperlipidemia was associated with severe dengue (aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.17–4.81). Certain combinations of comorbidities, including hypertension with hyperlipidemia (aOR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.39–5.97), hypertension with cardiac disease (aOR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.30–14.79), and hyperlipidemia with cardiac disease (aOR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.19–13.53),were also associated with higher odds of severe dengue.
Conclusion
Pre-existing comorbidities, particularly cardiometabolic conditions, wereassociated with higher odds of severe dengue. Considering comorbidity profiles at hospitaladmission may help identify patients who require closer clinical monitoring.
5.Hepatitis virus seroconversion among patients on maintenance hemodialysis in North India: a prospective cohort study
Pooja YADAV ; Arpita PANDA ; Shilpee KUMAR ; Rajesh KUMAR ; Deepthi NAIR
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):182-187
Objectives:
Patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to repeated blood exposure, vascular access procedures, and blood transfusions. The study aimed to determine the seroconversion rates of HBV and HCV among patients undergoing dialysis and to identify associated risk factors.
Methods:
A total of 220 adult patients receiving dialysis who were seronegative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies at baseline were enrolled. Serologic testing was repeated at 6 months.
Results:
Sixteen patients (7.3%) seroconverted to HBsAg positivity, and 23 (10.5%) seroconvertedto anti-HCV positivity. HBV seroconversion was significantly associated with multiple dialysis center visits. HCV seroconversion was significantly associated with dialyzer reuse, multiple dialysis center visits, and dialysis duration ≥2 years. Elevated liver enzyme levels were stronglycorrelated with seroconversion for both viruses.
Conclusion
HBV and HCV seroconversion remain concerns in HD units. Standardized infection control practices, minimization of patient transfers, and strict adherence to nationalguidelines are essential to reducing risk.
6.Secondary transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in a hospital setting in Republic of Korea: a retrospective observational study of personal protective equipment use and infection risk factors
Seongwoo PARK ; Hye Young LEE ; Jeong-ran KWON ; Yuna KIM
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):155-164
Objectives:
This study investigated a cluster of secondary human-to-human transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in a hospital setting, focusing on infection risk factors and the role of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Methods:
A descriptive epidemiological investigation was conducted following the death of anindex patient with laboratory-confirmed SFTS. A total of 27 close contacts, including healthcareworkers and a funeral director, were monitored for symptoms. Suspected cases underwent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing. Clinical features, PPE use, and exposure histories were analyzed. The Fisher exact test was used to assess associations between PPE use and infection. Viral genotyping and sequence analyses were performed to evaluate transmission routes.
Results:
The index patient deteriorated rapidly and died after repeated cardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR), during which 8 secondary cases occurred. Most infections were identifiedamong individuals involved in CPR or postmortem care without adequate PPE. Although notstatistically significant, infection rates were higher among those who did not wear masks or who used low-filtration masks. Proper use of gloves, gowns, and goggles was associated withlower infection rates. Cycle threshold values in secondary cases (range, 34–39) were higherthan in the index case (14.07), suggesting lower viral loads. Sequence analysis demonstrated99.6%–100% homology between the index and secondary cases; all isolates were genotype B, indicating direct transmission.
Conclusion
This study provides molecular and epidemiological evidence of nosocomial SFTS transmission. Inadequate PPE use during aerosol-generating procedures likely facilitated infection, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to PPE protocols and reinforced infection control practices.
7.Evidence for a perinatal origin of childhood obesity:a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk and protective factors
Andi Rispah SULISTIANINGSIH ; Nurjazuli NURJAZULI ; Martha Irene KARTASURYA ; Syamsulhuda Budi MUSTHOFA ; Jauhari Oka REUWPASSA
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):114-135
Objectives:
This systematic review aimed to identify perinatal risk factors associated withobesity in children aged ≤5 years.
Methods:
This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception, without language or date restrictions. In addition, gray literature sources, including LILACS and CNKI, were screened for comprehensive evidence synthesis. Metaanalyses were conducted to estimate pooled risk ratios. Study quality was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool.
Results:
A total of 24,643 articles were screened, and 39 cohort studies were included in the final analysis. Sample sizes ranged from 169 to 333,353 participants. Meta-analysis results indicated that high gestational weight gain (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.82), history of cesarean section (aRR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17–1.33), macrosomia (aRR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.55–2.27), antibiotic use (aRR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14–1.51), pre-pregnancy obesity (aRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.21–2.73), and female sex (aRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.32–1.61) were associated with an increased risk of obesity in children aged ≤5 years. Exclusive breastfeeding (aRR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64–0.85) was identified as a protective factor.
Conclusion
Perinatal factors and pre-pregnancy obesity played important roles in increasingthe risk of obesity in children aged ≤5 years. Breastfeeding was associated with a protective effect against childhood obesity. Therefore, obesity prevention efforts should begin during pregnancy, and maintaining appropriate maternal weight before conception is equally essential.
8.Barriers to treatment completion among drugsensitive tuberculosis patients: evidence from Indonesia’s tuberculosis surveillance system
Mahalul AZAM ; Latifa HANAN ; Muhammad AZINAR ; Amelia Fitra KHASANAH ; Arulita Ika FIBRIANA ; Moch YUNUS ; Dewi SUSANNA ; Martha Irene KARTASURYA ; Shabbir SYED-ABDUL
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):145-154
Objectives:
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among tuberculosis (TB) patients in Indonesia and to identify associated factors.
Methods:
This study analyzed data from the 2022 Tuberculosis Information System in Indonesia. A total of 71,665 drug-sensitive TB patients were included in the analysis. Age, sex,employment status, diagnosis type, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, diabetesmellitus, TB type, mode of treatment, treatment standard, referral status, and type of residence.Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests, followed by multivariable logistic regression to identify confounder-adjusted independent predictors of LTFU.
Results:
The prevalence of LTFU was 18.4%. A higher likelihood of LTFU was observed amongolder adults aged ≥65 years (adjusted-prevalence-odds-ratio [aPOR], 1.862), men (aPOR, 1.187), unemployed individuals (aPOR, 1.136), non-referred patients (aPOR, 1.547), patients with HIV (aPOR, 3.712), and those obtaining TB drugs out of pocket (aPOR, 4.998). The strongest predictorwas receipt of non-standard treatment, which was associated with a markedly increasedlikelihood of LTFU (aPOR, 26.912). In contrast, rural residence demonstrated a protective association (aPOR, 0.610). All associations were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study highlights a substantial burden of LTFU among TB patients in Indonesia,with nearly one in five patients discontinuing treatment. Multiple sociodemographic and clinical factors—particularly non-standard treatment, non-referral status, and HIV co-infection—were strongly associated with LTFU, underscoring gaps in the TB care continuum.These findings emphasize the need for targeted, patient-centered interventions, strengthenedreferral pathways, improved communication, and enhanced care coordination to reduce LTFU in high-risk groups.
10.Association of quantity and quality of fat intake with sleep quality: a cross-sectional study in Iran
Melika FALLAH ; Azadeh AMINIANFAR ; Awat FEIZI ; Maryam FALLAH ; Peyman ADIBI ; Hamidreza ROOHAFZA ; Alireza ANI ; Leila AZADBAKHT ; Ahmad ESMAILLZADEH
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2026;17(2):165-181
Objectives:
The association between dietary fat intake and sleep quality remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of both dietary fat quality and quantity on sleep quality.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, participants completed a food frequency questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess quantity and quality of fat intake and sleep quality.
Results:
A total of 1,904 participants (55% female) were included in the study. Participants in the highest tertile of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake, compared with those in the lowesttertile, had significantly higher total sleep quality scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.62) and longer sleep onset latency (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.08–1.83). Participants with higher animal fat intake exhibited higher total sleep quality scores (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09–1.89) and increased sleep disturbances (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02–1.83). Among women, thosein the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile showed increased odds of higher totalsleep quality scores with total fat (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.04–1.82), PUFA (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07–1.87), monounsaturated fatty acids (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09–1.90), saturated fatty acid (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01–1.77), and animal fat (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.18–2.11).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that higher intakes of PUFA and animal fat are associated with higher total sleep quality scores. When stratified by sex, higher intake of total fat andunsaturated fats was associated with higher total sleep quality scores in women only.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail