Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Appropriate vitamin D status improves bone health and chronic diseases; it has shown benefits during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Therefore, assessing vitamin D status is crucial. However, limited research on vitamin D intake among Koreans complicates understanding of its consumption. This study aimed to develop and validate a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess vitamin D intake among Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A vitamin D FFQ was developed to include 31 vitamin D source foods from 8 food groups frequently consumed by Korean adults. The study included 152 women residing in a major city in South Korea. From September 2020 to August 2022, intake was surveyed using a 12-day dietary record (12-day DR) across 4 seasons, and 2 vitamin D FFQs were conducted approximately 9–11 months apart (FFQ1 and FFQ2). Reproducibility (FFQ1 vs. FFQ2) and validity (FFQ2 vs. 12-day DR) were verified using Spearman’s rank correlation, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation, and Bland–Altman plots. RESULTS: The vitamin D intake of Korean women using the newly developed vitamin D FFQ was higher at FFQ1 (4.90 µg/day) and FFQ2 (4.58 µg/day) compared with the 12-day DR (4.07 µg/day). Additionally, the results for reproducibility and validity were demonstrated through the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.592; validity, 0.460), weighted kappa coefficient (reproducibility, 0.379; validity, 0.284), intraclass correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.599; validity, 0.543), and Bland–Altman plots (reproducibility index, 3.95%; validity index, 3.95%). CONCLUSION This study confirmed the newly developed vitamin D FFQ is reliable and valid for assessing vitamin D intake among Korean women. These results suggest the FFQ is an effective tool for dietary assessment, particularly in large-scale studies where year-round monitoring may not be feasible. Further validation in Korean men is crucial to enhance its applicability, enabling significant contributions to assessing vitamin D intake among Korean adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Appropriate vitamin D status improves bone health and chronic diseases; it has shown benefits during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Therefore, assessing vitamin D status is crucial. However, limited research on vitamin D intake among Koreans complicates understanding of its consumption. This study aimed to develop and validate a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess vitamin D intake among Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A vitamin D FFQ was developed to include 31 vitamin D source foods from 8 food groups frequently consumed by Korean adults. The study included 152 women residing in a major city in South Korea. From September 2020 to August 2022, intake was surveyed using a 12-day dietary record (12-day DR) across 4 seasons, and 2 vitamin D FFQs were conducted approximately 9–11 months apart (FFQ1 and FFQ2). Reproducibility (FFQ1 vs. FFQ2) and validity (FFQ2 vs. 12-day DR) were verified using Spearman’s rank correlation, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation, and Bland–Altman plots. RESULTS: The vitamin D intake of Korean women using the newly developed vitamin D FFQ was higher at FFQ1 (4.90 µg/day) and FFQ2 (4.58 µg/day) compared with the 12-day DR (4.07 µg/day). Additionally, the results for reproducibility and validity were demonstrated through the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.592; validity, 0.460), weighted kappa coefficient (reproducibility, 0.379; validity, 0.284), intraclass correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.599; validity, 0.543), and Bland–Altman plots (reproducibility index, 3.95%; validity index, 3.95%). CONCLUSION This study confirmed the newly developed vitamin D FFQ is reliable and valid for assessing vitamin D intake among Korean women. These results suggest the FFQ is an effective tool for dietary assessment, particularly in large-scale studies where year-round monitoring may not be feasible. Further validation in Korean men is crucial to enhance its applicability, enabling significant contributions to assessing vitamin D intake among Korean adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Appropriate vitamin D status improves bone health and chronic diseases; it has shown benefits during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Therefore, assessing vitamin D status is crucial. However, limited research on vitamin D intake among Koreans complicates understanding of its consumption. This study aimed to develop and validate a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess vitamin D intake among Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A vitamin D FFQ was developed to include 31 vitamin D source foods from 8 food groups frequently consumed by Korean adults. The study included 152 women residing in a major city in South Korea. From September 2020 to August 2022, intake was surveyed using a 12-day dietary record (12-day DR) across 4 seasons, and 2 vitamin D FFQs were conducted approximately 9–11 months apart (FFQ1 and FFQ2). Reproducibility (FFQ1 vs. FFQ2) and validity (FFQ2 vs. 12-day DR) were verified using Spearman’s rank correlation, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation, and Bland–Altman plots. RESULTS: The vitamin D intake of Korean women using the newly developed vitamin D FFQ was higher at FFQ1 (4.90 µg/day) and FFQ2 (4.58 µg/day) compared with the 12-day DR (4.07 µg/day). Additionally, the results for reproducibility and validity were demonstrated through the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.592; validity, 0.460), weighted kappa coefficient (reproducibility, 0.379; validity, 0.284), intraclass correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.599; validity, 0.543), and Bland–Altman plots (reproducibility index, 3.95%; validity index, 3.95%). CONCLUSION This study confirmed the newly developed vitamin D FFQ is reliable and valid for assessing vitamin D intake among Korean women. These results suggest the FFQ is an effective tool for dietary assessment, particularly in large-scale studies where year-round monitoring may not be feasible. Further validation in Korean men is crucial to enhance its applicability, enabling significant contributions to assessing vitamin D intake among Korean adults.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the survival rate (SR) and death risk for associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (aPAH; 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases [ICD-10], I27.2) in Koreans. Methods: The data were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2006 through 2017 (n= 15,448). We analyzed the SR using the Kaplan-Meier method and carried out Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results: Patients’ mean age upon aPAH diagnosis was 60.1±24.0 years, and 60.7% of the patients were female. The 10-year SR of aPAH was 46.3% (95% confidence interval, 45.0 to 47.6). The factors associated with an increase in the adjusted death risk included age of 0 to 9 years, advancing age, male sex, lower income level, and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hemorrhagic stroke, chronic kidney disease, malignant neoplasm, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Conclusion The 10-year SR of aPAH was over 46%. The risk of death from aPAH was significantly higher with advancing age, sex, lower income level, and comorbidities.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Appropriate vitamin D status improves bone health and chronic diseases; it has shown benefits during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Therefore, assessing vitamin D status is crucial. However, limited research on vitamin D intake among Koreans complicates understanding of its consumption. This study aimed to develop and validate a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess vitamin D intake among Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A vitamin D FFQ was developed to include 31 vitamin D source foods from 8 food groups frequently consumed by Korean adults. The study included 152 women residing in a major city in South Korea. From September 2020 to August 2022, intake was surveyed using a 12-day dietary record (12-day DR) across 4 seasons, and 2 vitamin D FFQs were conducted approximately 9–11 months apart (FFQ1 and FFQ2). Reproducibility (FFQ1 vs. FFQ2) and validity (FFQ2 vs. 12-day DR) were verified using Spearman’s rank correlation, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation, and Bland–Altman plots. RESULTS: The vitamin D intake of Korean women using the newly developed vitamin D FFQ was higher at FFQ1 (4.90 µg/day) and FFQ2 (4.58 µg/day) compared with the 12-day DR (4.07 µg/day). Additionally, the results for reproducibility and validity were demonstrated through the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.592; validity, 0.460), weighted kappa coefficient (reproducibility, 0.379; validity, 0.284), intraclass correlation coefficient (reproducibility, 0.599; validity, 0.543), and Bland–Altman plots (reproducibility index, 3.95%; validity index, 3.95%). CONCLUSION This study confirmed the newly developed vitamin D FFQ is reliable and valid for assessing vitamin D intake among Korean women. These results suggest the FFQ is an effective tool for dietary assessment, particularly in large-scale studies where year-round monitoring may not be feasible. Further validation in Korean men is crucial to enhance its applicability, enabling significant contributions to assessing vitamin D intake among Korean adults.