1.Health status of poor, older urban adults compared with key health indicators from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the Republic of Korea: a cross-sectional comparative study
Joo Hyun KIM ; Yeon Jeong HEO ; Curie AHN ; Ho Young LEE ; Bumjo OH ; Jae Bok KWAK ; Samil PARK ; Jung Sik LEE ; Soyeon KIM ; Chaewon NAM ; Taerim LEE
Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science 2026;28(1):179-190
This study compared key health indicators of poor, older urban adults attending a free clinic with those of the general older population, using data from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 60 adults aged ≥60 years who attended the Raphael Nanum Homeless Clinic in Seoul. Participants completed a questionnaire, underwent anthropometric assessment, and provided fasting blood samples for measurement of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG). Obesity, current smoking, monthly alcohol use, poor self-rated health, and strength exercise (≥ 2 days/week) were defined according to 2023 KNHANES criteria and compared with age-matched 2023 KNHANES estimates for adults aged ≥ 60 years using independent t-tests and two-proportion z-tests. Results: Participants were predominantly men (80.0%) with a mean age of 79.9 years; 70.0% reported no regular income, and 46.7% rated their health as poor. Compared with their 2023 KNHANES counterparts, the clinic group had a higher prevalence of obesity (50.0% vs. 35.0%), particularly among men, and a more atherogenic lipid profile characterized by higher LDL-cholesterol despite similar total cholesterol levels and lower TG. The prevalence of current smoking (3.3% vs. 10.6%) and monthly alcohol use (31.7% vs. 53.0%) was significantly lower, whereas participation in strength exercise was low in both groups, with no significant differences observed. Conclusion: Poor, older urban adults exhibited multidimensional health disparities, including obesity, adverse lipid profiles, and markedly poorer self-rated health, despite lower levels of smoking and alcohol consumption. Community-based interventions targeting nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease management are needed to reduce health inequalities in this vulnerable population.
2.Factors influencing satisfaction with medical services in medically underserved populations: an analytical cross-sectional study at a free medical clinic in the Republic of Korea
Joo Hyun KIM ; Yeon Jeong HEO ; Jae Bok KWAK ; Samil PARK ; Curie AHN ; So Hee AHN ; Bumjo OH ; Jung Sik LEE ; Jun Hyun LEE ; Ho Young LEE
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025;16(2):181-191
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore factors influencing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations at the free medical clinic, providing data to improve free medical services for these populations.
Methods:
We employed a descriptive correlational study design involving 112 individuals (aged 19 years and older) from medically underserved populations who visited the clinic. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys from September to October 2023, and statistical analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression) were used to identify key predictors of satisfaction.
Results:
Perceived support from healthcare providers emerged as the strongest predictor ofsatisfaction with medical services, demonstrating a significant positive association. While socialsupport was positively correlated with perceived support from healthcare providers, it did not independently predict satisfaction.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of healthcare provider and social supportin increasing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations.Developing tailored healthcare programs and specialized healthcare provider training are essential strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes for these vulnerable groups.
3.Factors influencing satisfaction with medical services in medically underserved populations: an analytical cross-sectional study at a free medical clinic in the Republic of Korea
Joo Hyun KIM ; Yeon Jeong HEO ; Jae Bok KWAK ; Samil PARK ; Curie AHN ; So Hee AHN ; Bumjo OH ; Jung Sik LEE ; Jun Hyun LEE ; Ho Young LEE
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025;16(2):181-191
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore factors influencing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations at the free medical clinic, providing data to improve free medical services for these populations.
Methods:
We employed a descriptive correlational study design involving 112 individuals (aged 19 years and older) from medically underserved populations who visited the clinic. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys from September to October 2023, and statistical analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression) were used to identify key predictors of satisfaction.
Results:
Perceived support from healthcare providers emerged as the strongest predictor ofsatisfaction with medical services, demonstrating a significant positive association. While socialsupport was positively correlated with perceived support from healthcare providers, it did not independently predict satisfaction.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of healthcare provider and social supportin increasing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations.Developing tailored healthcare programs and specialized healthcare provider training are essential strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes for these vulnerable groups.
4.Factors influencing satisfaction with medical services in medically underserved populations: an analytical cross-sectional study at a free medical clinic in the Republic of Korea
Joo Hyun KIM ; Yeon Jeong HEO ; Jae Bok KWAK ; Samil PARK ; Curie AHN ; So Hee AHN ; Bumjo OH ; Jung Sik LEE ; Jun Hyun LEE ; Ho Young LEE
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025;16(2):181-191
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore factors influencing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations at the free medical clinic, providing data to improve free medical services for these populations.
Methods:
We employed a descriptive correlational study design involving 112 individuals (aged 19 years and older) from medically underserved populations who visited the clinic. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys from September to October 2023, and statistical analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression) were used to identify key predictors of satisfaction.
Results:
Perceived support from healthcare providers emerged as the strongest predictor ofsatisfaction with medical services, demonstrating a significant positive association. While socialsupport was positively correlated with perceived support from healthcare providers, it did not independently predict satisfaction.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of healthcare provider and social supportin increasing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations.Developing tailored healthcare programs and specialized healthcare provider training are essential strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes for these vulnerable groups.
5.Factors influencing satisfaction with medical services in medically underserved populations: an analytical cross-sectional study at a free medical clinic in the Republic of Korea
Joo Hyun KIM ; Yeon Jeong HEO ; Jae Bok KWAK ; Samil PARK ; Curie AHN ; So Hee AHN ; Bumjo OH ; Jung Sik LEE ; Jun Hyun LEE ; Ho Young LEE
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025;16(2):181-191
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore factors influencing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations at the free medical clinic, providing data to improve free medical services for these populations.
Methods:
We employed a descriptive correlational study design involving 112 individuals (aged 19 years and older) from medically underserved populations who visited the clinic. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys from September to October 2023, and statistical analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression) were used to identify key predictors of satisfaction.
Results:
Perceived support from healthcare providers emerged as the strongest predictor ofsatisfaction with medical services, demonstrating a significant positive association. While socialsupport was positively correlated with perceived support from healthcare providers, it did not independently predict satisfaction.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of healthcare provider and social supportin increasing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations.Developing tailored healthcare programs and specialized healthcare provider training are essential strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes for these vulnerable groups.
6.Factors influencing satisfaction with medical services in medically underserved populations: an analytical cross-sectional study at a free medical clinic in the Republic of Korea
Joo Hyun KIM ; Yeon Jeong HEO ; Jae Bok KWAK ; Samil PARK ; Curie AHN ; So Hee AHN ; Bumjo OH ; Jung Sik LEE ; Jun Hyun LEE ; Ho Young LEE
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025;16(2):181-191
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore factors influencing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations at the free medical clinic, providing data to improve free medical services for these populations.
Methods:
We employed a descriptive correlational study design involving 112 individuals (aged 19 years and older) from medically underserved populations who visited the clinic. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys from September to October 2023, and statistical analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression) were used to identify key predictors of satisfaction.
Results:
Perceived support from healthcare providers emerged as the strongest predictor ofsatisfaction with medical services, demonstrating a significant positive association. While socialsupport was positively correlated with perceived support from healthcare providers, it did not independently predict satisfaction.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of healthcare provider and social supportin increasing satisfaction with medical services among medically underserved populations.Developing tailored healthcare programs and specialized healthcare provider training are essential strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes for these vulnerable groups.

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