Background: The drug addiction crisis in South Korea highlights the need to activate the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse’s (KAADA) rehabilitation centers. This study proposes strategies to activate drug rehabilitation centers by analyzing factors affecting participation intention. Method: We analyzed questionnaire responses from participants (n=540) in Incheon KAADA’s deferred prosecution and probation programs. Descriptive statistics covered treatment-experience, mental health, and social support by drug type. A multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to analyze the association between the characteristics of drug offenders and their intention to use rehabilitation centers. Results: Among the participants, most drug abusers mainly used stimulants (59.8%), followed by cannabis (27.7%), opioids and sedatives (6.8%), and other substances (5.8%). Stimulant users(odds ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.83), treatment-experienced (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.08-2.92), poor mental health (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.28-3.60), and poor social support (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.07-2.83) were significantly associated with the intention to use rehabilitation centers. In drug-specific subgroup analysis, cannabis users showed a lack of clear motivation forutilizing rehabilitation centers. Additionally, in the sex-based subgroup analysis, intent to use rehabilitation centers increased with age among men, whereas women under 30 displayed the highest intent. Conclusion The study suggests enhancing rehabilitation centers by strengthening personalized programs for those with poor social support and creating flexible online programs for can-nabis users. Additionally, incorporating pharmacist interventions during medical shopping or polypharmacy scenarios could bebeneficial.

Background: The diagnostic accuracy of preoperative radiologic findings in predicting the tumor characteristics and clinical outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) was evaluated across all risk groups. Methods: In total, 939 PTMC patients, comprising both low-risk and non-low-risk groups, who underwent surgery were enrolled. The preoperative tumor size and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were evaluated by ultrasonography within 6 months before surgery and compared with the postoperative pathologic findings. Discrepancies between the preoperative and postoperative tumor sizes were analyzed, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: The agreement rate between radiological and pathological tumor size was approximately 60%. Significant discrepancies were noted, including an increase in tumor size in 24.3% of cases. Notably, in 10.8% of patients, the postoperative tumor size exceeded 1 cm, despite being initially classified as 0.5 to 1.0 cm based on preoperative imaging. A postoperative tumor size >1 cm was associated with aggressive pathologic factors such as multiplicity, microscopic extrathyroidal extension, and LNM, as well as a higher risk of distant metastasis. In 30.1% of patients, LNM was diagnosed after surgery despite not being suspected before the procedure. This group was characterized by smaller metastatic foci and lower risks of distant metastasis or recurrence than patients with LNM detected both before and after surgery. Conclusion Among all risk groups of PTMCs, a subset showed an increase in tumor size, reaching 1 cm after surgery. These cases require special consideration due to their association with adverse clinical outcomes, including an elevated risk of distant metastasis.

Background: Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare tumors with aggressive but varied prognosis. Stage, Grade, Resection status, Age, Symptoms (S-GRAS) score, based on clinical and pathological factors, was found to best stratify the prognosis of European ACC patients. This study assessed the prognostic performance of modified S-GRAS (mS-GRAS) scores including modified grade (mG) by integrating mitotic counts into the Ki67 index (original grade), in Korean ACC patients. Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for ACC between January 1996 and December 2022 at three medical centers in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. mS-GRAS scores were calculated based on tumor stage, mG (Ki67 index or mitotic counts), resection status, age, and symptoms. Patients were divided into four groups (0–1, 2–3, 4–5, and 6–9 points) based on total mS-GRAS score. The associations of each variable and mS-GRAS score with recurrence and survival were evaluated using Cox regression analysis, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Data on mS-GRAS components were available for 114 of the 153 patients who underwent surgery for ACC. These 114 patients had recurrence and death rates of 61.4% and 48.2%, respectively. mS-GRAS score was a significantly better predictor of recurrence (C-index=0.829) and death (C-index=0.747) than each component (P<0.05), except for resection status. mS-GRAS scores correlated with shorter progression-free survival (P=8.34E-24) and overall survival (P=2.72E-13). Conclusion mS-GRAS scores showed better prognostic performance than tumor stage and grade in Asian patients who underwent surgery for ACC.

Background: The drug addiction crisis in South Korea highlights the need to activate the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse’s (KAADA) rehabilitation centers. This study proposes strategies to activate drug rehabilitation centers by analyzing factors affecting participation intention. Method: We analyzed questionnaire responses from participants (n=540) in Incheon KAADA’s deferred prosecution and probation programs. Descriptive statistics covered treatment-experience, mental health, and social support by drug type. A multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to analyze the association between the characteristics of drug offenders and their intention to use rehabilitation centers. Results: Among the participants, most drug abusers mainly used stimulants (59.8%), followed by cannabis (27.7%), opioids and sedatives (6.8%), and other substances (5.8%). Stimulant users(odds ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.83), treatment-experienced (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.08-2.92), poor mental health (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.28-3.60), and poor social support (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.07-2.83) were significantly associated with the intention to use rehabilitation centers. In drug-specific subgroup analysis, cannabis users showed a lack of clear motivation forutilizing rehabilitation centers. Additionally, in the sex-based subgroup analysis, intent to use rehabilitation centers increased with age among men, whereas women under 30 displayed the highest intent. Conclusion The study suggests enhancing rehabilitation centers by strengthening personalized programs for those with poor social support and creating flexible online programs for can-nabis users. Additionally, incorporating pharmacist interventions during medical shopping or polypharmacy scenarios could bebeneficial.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

Background: The drug addiction crisis in South Korea highlights the need to activate the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse’s (KAADA) rehabilitation centers. This study proposes strategies to activate drug rehabilitation centers by analyzing factors affecting participation intention. Method: We analyzed questionnaire responses from participants (n=540) in Incheon KAADA’s deferred prosecution and probation programs. Descriptive statistics covered treatment-experience, mental health, and social support by drug type. A multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to analyze the association between the characteristics of drug offenders and their intention to use rehabilitation centers. Results: Among the participants, most drug abusers mainly used stimulants (59.8%), followed by cannabis (27.7%), opioids and sedatives (6.8%), and other substances (5.8%). Stimulant users(odds ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.83), treatment-experienced (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.08-2.92), poor mental health (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.28-3.60), and poor social support (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.07-2.83) were significantly associated with the intention to use rehabilitation centers. In drug-specific subgroup analysis, cannabis users showed a lack of clear motivation forutilizing rehabilitation centers. Additionally, in the sex-based subgroup analysis, intent to use rehabilitation centers increased with age among men, whereas women under 30 displayed the highest intent. Conclusion The study suggests enhancing rehabilitation centers by strengthening personalized programs for those with poor social support and creating flexible online programs for can-nabis users. Additionally, incorporating pharmacist interventions during medical shopping or polypharmacy scenarios could bebeneficial.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

Background: The drug addiction crisis in South Korea highlights the need to activate the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse’s (KAADA) rehabilitation centers. This study proposes strategies to activate drug rehabilitation centers by analyzing factors affecting participation intention. Method: We analyzed questionnaire responses from participants (n=540) in Incheon KAADA’s deferred prosecution and probation programs. Descriptive statistics covered treatment-experience, mental health, and social support by drug type. A multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to analyze the association between the characteristics of drug offenders and their intention to use rehabilitation centers. Results: Among the participants, most drug abusers mainly used stimulants (59.8%), followed by cannabis (27.7%), opioids and sedatives (6.8%), and other substances (5.8%). Stimulant users(odds ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.83), treatment-experienced (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.08-2.92), poor mental health (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.28-3.60), and poor social support (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.07-2.83) were significantly associated with the intention to use rehabilitation centers. In drug-specific subgroup analysis, cannabis users showed a lack of clear motivation forutilizing rehabilitation centers. Additionally, in the sex-based subgroup analysis, intent to use rehabilitation centers increased with age among men, whereas women under 30 displayed the highest intent. Conclusion The study suggests enhancing rehabilitation centers by strengthening personalized programs for those with poor social support and creating flexible online programs for can-nabis users. Additionally, incorporating pharmacist interventions during medical shopping or polypharmacy scenarios could bebeneficial.