South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with twin pregnancy following day 3 double embryo transfer (DET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study incorporated data from 16,972 day 3 DET cycles. The participants were women aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at My Duc Assisted Reproduction Technique Unit (IVFMD), My Duc Hospital, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Of the 16,972 day 3 DET cycles investigated, 8,812 (51.9%) resulted in pregnancy. Of these, 6,108 cycles led to clinical pregnancy, with 1,543 (25.3% of clinical pregnancies) being twin pregnancies. Factors associated with twin pregnancy included age under 35 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32 to 1.71; p<0.001) and cycles involving the transfer of at least one grade I embryo. Relative to the transfer of two grade III embryos, the risk of twin pregnancy was significantly elevated following the transfer of two grade I embryos (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.69; p<0.001) or a combination of one grade I and one grade II embryo (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.55; p=0.001). Conclusion By analyzing a large number of IVF/ICSI cycles, we identified several predictors of twin pregnancy. These findings can assist medical professionals in tailoring treatment strategies for couples with infertility.

Background: Depression is a mental disorder common worldwide. This study determined the relationships between demographics, health status, household parameters, and depression rates among working-age household heads. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study Survey conducted in 2020. The 11-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Bivariate analyses and a multiple logistic regression model were used to evaluate the influence of these factors on depression among household heads. Results: The overall prevalence of depression among working-age household heads was 11.69% (19.83% of females and 9.58% of males). The relative risk of depression was 1.71 times higher among the unemployed than among wage earners and 2.18 times higher among those with low income than among those with general income. The relative risk of depression was 3.23 times higher in those with poor health status than in those with good health, and 2.45 times more in those with severe disabilities than in those without disabilities. The rate of depression decreased with education level, number of family members, and presence of children but increased with the presence of the disabled or elderly. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive overview of depression among working-age household heads and identifies factors strongly associated with depression. These findings may have implications for policymakers to reduce the burden on and improve the quality of life of household heads.

Objectives: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnamfrom December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (usingthe 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD.Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001). Conclusion Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

Objective: The risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from schoolchildren to their household and the protective effects of vaccination in these settings remain poorly understood. We assessed the transmission dynamics of schoolchildren with SARS-CoV-2 within their households and the protective effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination among household members in Viet Nam. Methods: We estimated the attack rate, vaccine effectiveness and adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission to household contacts of children confirmed to have COVID-19 who attended three schools in Ha Nam, Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces between September and December 2021 using multivariable regression with household-level random effects. Results: This retrospective cohort study included 157 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their 540 household contacts. The attack rate among household contacts was 24.6% (133/540). Overall, vaccine effectiveness among household contacts was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1 to -63), higher among males than females and higher in adults aged >40 years. COVID-19 transmission was greater among female household contacts compared with males (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.95), although not statistically significant, and highest among those aged 19–39 years (aRR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.50 to 4.21). Fully vaccinated household contacts had significantly lower infection risk (aRR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.84). Discussion: We found substantial onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from schoolchildren to household members, and older people were more likely to be protected by vaccination. We recommend that schoolchildren and all household members living with schoolchildren receive at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Recognizing the role of schoolchildren in the onward transmission of COVID-19 is an important lesson learned by Viet Nam that can help not only in managing other outbreaks but also in protecting schoolchildren by predicting the progress of the outbreak and preparing for a timely response.

Objective: To investigate the cause of a foodborne outbreak that occurred in Dong Nai province, Viet Nam, in 2024, and implement control measures. Methods: An initial investigation was conducted to confirm the outbreak, which was followed by epidemiological and environmental investigations to find the plausible causative food item. Clinical specimens and food samples were tested to identify the pathogen. Results: A total of 547 symptomatic cases were recorded, of whom two were in severe condition requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventilation, one of whom died. Among 99 interviewed cases, the mean incubation time was 9 hours (range 2–24 hours), with the main symptoms being fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. All patients had eaten banh mi from a local bakery. Salmonella spp. were identified in food samples and clinical specimens. The bakery halted production, and the outbreak ended after 1 week. Discussion: All the patients were exposed to only one food in common, which facilitated the investigation process. This outbreak is a reminder to small retailers and take-away shops of the importance of food safety management in preventing similar future outbreaks. All food handlers must comply with food hygiene principles, especially in hot temperatures, which boosts bacterial growth.

South Korea currently has the lowest fertility rate among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a total fertility rate of less than one child per woman. This study explored the factors influencing future fertility intentions (FFI) among Korean women of childbearing age. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from the 2022 Survey on Low Birth Policy Demand in Seoul, conducted by the Seoul Women and Family Foundation. This study focused on women of childbearing age. Bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to investigate the FFI rate and its associated factors. Results: The observed overall FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age was 25.6%, with rates of 27.9% among unmarried women, and 22.0% among married women. Factors associated with FFI included education level, employment status, weekly working hours, number of children, age at first sexual education, monthly income, and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality. High FFI rates were noted among self-employed individuals (33.3%); those who received sexual education in adulthood (48.6%), those who believed in having children after marriage (44.0%), those who thought children strengthen relationships (32.5%), and those who perceived gender equality in family or workplace culture (31.7%). Conclusion: This study assessed the FFI rate among Korean women of childbearing age, identifying the sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on marriage, childbearing, and gender inequality that influence it. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and nurses to engage with women and increase birth rates in Seoul and throughout South Korea.

STRESS IN RELATIONSHIP WITH BURNOUT DUE TO COVID-19: THE MODERATING ROLE OF COPING STRATEGIES This study investigates the relationship between stress and burnout related to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the moderating influence of positive and negative coping strategies. In a cross-sectional survey involving 3,664 Vietnamese citizens aged 18 and above, the research explores the dynamics of stress and burnout symptoms associated with the ongoing pandemic. The results reveal a negative impact of stress symptoms on COVID-19-related burnout among the population. Notably, both positive and negative coping strategies are identified as significant moderators in the interplay between stress and burnout. This suggests that individuals’ coping mechanisms influence the severity of stress and burnout experienced in dealing with COVID-19 challenges. These findings contribute to the foundational understanding of the stress-burnout relationship during the pandemic and provide essential insights for interventions. By recognizing the moderating role of coping strategies, this study lays the groundwork for strategies aimed at enhancing individuals’ coping abilities, ultimately reducing stress and burnout levels. These insights hold the potential to assist individuals in adapting more effectively to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering improved mental well-being in the face of ongoing uncertainties. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 25 (3) March, 2024; 1-10.