This study aimed to investigate changes in candidemia incidence, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, initial antifungal use, and mortality trends in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis was conducted on candidemia cases from two tertiary care hospitals in Korea between 2017 and 2022. Data were compared between the pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods. Statistical methods included incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and multivariate Cox regression to assess 30-day mortality risk factors. A total of 470 candidemia cases were identified, with 48.7% occurring pre-pandemic and 51.3% during the pandemic. While the overall incidence of candidemia remained similar across the two periods (IRR 1.15;p=0.13), the incidence in intensive care units (ICUs) significantly increased during the pandemic (IRR 1.50; p<0.01). The distribution of Candida species did not differ significantly between the two periods. Fluconazole non-susceptibility in C. albicans markedly decreased (10.0% vs. 0.9%, p<0.01), whereas C. glabrata exhibited a significant rise in caspofungin non-susceptibility during the pandemic (0% vs. 22.4%, p<0.01).Echinocandin use increased (21.8% vs. 34.4%; p<0.01), while fluconazole use declined (48.0% vs. 32.8%; p<0.01). Although the 30-day mortality rate was higher during the pandemic (60.2% vs. 57.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.57).The findings highlight the need for region-specific surveillance and tailored management strategies to improve candidemia outcomes, especially during healthcare disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate changes in candidemia incidence, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, initial antifungal use, and mortality trends in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis was conducted on candidemia cases from two tertiary care hospitals in Korea between 2017 and 2022. Data were compared between the pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods. Statistical methods included incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and multivariate Cox regression to assess 30-day mortality risk factors. A total of 470 candidemia cases were identified, with 48.7% occurring pre-pandemic and 51.3% during the pandemic. While the overall incidence of candidemia remained similar across the two periods (IRR 1.15;p=0.13), the incidence in intensive care units (ICUs) significantly increased during the pandemic (IRR 1.50; p<0.01). The distribution of Candida species did not differ significantly between the two periods. Fluconazole non-susceptibility in C. albicans markedly decreased (10.0% vs. 0.9%, p<0.01), whereas C. glabrata exhibited a significant rise in caspofungin non-susceptibility during the pandemic (0% vs. 22.4%, p<0.01).Echinocandin use increased (21.8% vs. 34.4%; p<0.01), while fluconazole use declined (48.0% vs. 32.8%; p<0.01). Although the 30-day mortality rate was higher during the pandemic (60.2% vs. 57.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.57).The findings highlight the need for region-specific surveillance and tailored management strategies to improve candidemia outcomes, especially during healthcare disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate changes in candidemia incidence, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, initial antifungal use, and mortality trends in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis was conducted on candidemia cases from two tertiary care hospitals in Korea between 2017 and 2022. Data were compared between the pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods. Statistical methods included incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and multivariate Cox regression to assess 30-day mortality risk factors. A total of 470 candidemia cases were identified, with 48.7% occurring pre-pandemic and 51.3% during the pandemic. While the overall incidence of candidemia remained similar across the two periods (IRR 1.15;p=0.13), the incidence in intensive care units (ICUs) significantly increased during the pandemic (IRR 1.50; p<0.01). The distribution of Candida species did not differ significantly between the two periods. Fluconazole non-susceptibility in C. albicans markedly decreased (10.0% vs. 0.9%, p<0.01), whereas C. glabrata exhibited a significant rise in caspofungin non-susceptibility during the pandemic (0% vs. 22.4%, p<0.01).Echinocandin use increased (21.8% vs. 34.4%; p<0.01), while fluconazole use declined (48.0% vs. 32.8%; p<0.01). Although the 30-day mortality rate was higher during the pandemic (60.2% vs. 57.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.57).The findings highlight the need for region-specific surveillance and tailored management strategies to improve candidemia outcomes, especially during healthcare disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in primary care. It is associated with increased reliance on medical care, comorbidities, and poor quality of life. This study is intended to evaluate the relationship between scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and adult health behavior based on the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021). Methods: The study selected 5,191 Korean adults, who completed the survey and evaluation according to KNHANES 2021. To determine the effect of the GAD-7 scale on outpatient visits, underweight, obesity, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the sexes. Results: Among the study subjects, people in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups numbered 560, 141, and 95, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of the probability of outpatient visits within two weeks increased (mild: OR, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.46–2.19; moderate: OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; severe: OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.85) compared to the normal group. The risk of smoking and drinking increased in the moderate group (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24–3.58; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15–2.52). In the subgroup analysis, the probability of outpatient visits increased among both sexes, and the risk of smoking increased among females. Conclusion Among Korean adults, the probability of outpatient visits and the risk of smoking and drinking increased in the anxiety group compared to the normal group.

Background: Decreased handgrip strength (HGS) reflects overall muscle mass reduction, which can reduce respiratory muscle strength and impair lung function. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been reported to cause muscle catabolism and lung damage. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS and lung function by exploring the effect modifiers, including OSA. Methods: Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used in this study. A total of 3,207 adults aged >40 years were included. The association between HGS and lung function was determined using correlation analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using complex sample logistic regression analysis to determine the association between lung function (restrictive or obstructive pattern) according to HGS groups stratified by sex and OSA risk. Results: In total, 1,264 males and 1,479 females had normal HGS. In males, the low HGS group had lower forced vital capacity (FVC, L), FVC (%, predicted), forced exploratory volume in one second (FEV 1), FEV 1 (%, predicted), and FEV 1/FVC, than the normal HGS group. The risk of having restrictive pattern of lung function was higher in males with low HGS (adjusted OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.22–6.30). The association between low HGS and decreased lung function was stronger in males (P interaction of sex: 0.022 for obstructive pattern and 0.008 for restrictive pattern). However, there was no significant effect modification by OSA risk. Conclusion Males with a low HGS showed a higher risk of restrictive pattern of decreased pulmonary function.

Background: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in primary care. It is associated with increased reliance on medical care, comorbidities, and poor quality of life. This study is intended to evaluate the relationship between scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and adult health behavior based on the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021). Methods: The study selected 5,191 Korean adults, who completed the survey and evaluation according to KNHANES 2021. To determine the effect of the GAD-7 scale on outpatient visits, underweight, obesity, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the sexes. Results: Among the study subjects, people in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups numbered 560, 141, and 95, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of the probability of outpatient visits within two weeks increased (mild: OR, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.46–2.19; moderate: OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; severe: OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.85) compared to the normal group. The risk of smoking and drinking increased in the moderate group (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24–3.58; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15–2.52). In the subgroup analysis, the probability of outpatient visits increased among both sexes, and the risk of smoking increased among females. Conclusion Among Korean adults, the probability of outpatient visits and the risk of smoking and drinking increased in the anxiety group compared to the normal group.

Background: Decreased handgrip strength (HGS) reflects overall muscle mass reduction, which can reduce respiratory muscle strength and impair lung function. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been reported to cause muscle catabolism and lung damage. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS and lung function by exploring the effect modifiers, including OSA. Methods: Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used in this study. A total of 3,207 adults aged >40 years were included. The association between HGS and lung function was determined using correlation analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using complex sample logistic regression analysis to determine the association between lung function (restrictive or obstructive pattern) according to HGS groups stratified by sex and OSA risk. Results: In total, 1,264 males and 1,479 females had normal HGS. In males, the low HGS group had lower forced vital capacity (FVC, L), FVC (%, predicted), forced exploratory volume in one second (FEV 1), FEV 1 (%, predicted), and FEV 1/FVC, than the normal HGS group. The risk of having restrictive pattern of lung function was higher in males with low HGS (adjusted OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.22–6.30). The association between low HGS and decreased lung function was stronger in males (P interaction of sex: 0.022 for obstructive pattern and 0.008 for restrictive pattern). However, there was no significant effect modification by OSA risk. Conclusion Males with a low HGS showed a higher risk of restrictive pattern of decreased pulmonary function.

Background: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in primary care. It is associated with increased reliance on medical care, comorbidities, and poor quality of life. This study is intended to evaluate the relationship between scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and adult health behavior based on the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021). Methods: The study selected 5,191 Korean adults, who completed the survey and evaluation according to KNHANES 2021. To determine the effect of the GAD-7 scale on outpatient visits, underweight, obesity, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the sexes. Results: Among the study subjects, people in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups numbered 560, 141, and 95, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of the probability of outpatient visits within two weeks increased (mild: OR, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.46–2.19; moderate: OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; severe: OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.85) compared to the normal group. The risk of smoking and drinking increased in the moderate group (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24–3.58; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15–2.52). In the subgroup analysis, the probability of outpatient visits increased among both sexes, and the risk of smoking increased among females. Conclusion Among Korean adults, the probability of outpatient visits and the risk of smoking and drinking increased in the anxiety group compared to the normal group.

Background: Decreased handgrip strength (HGS) reflects overall muscle mass reduction, which can reduce respiratory muscle strength and impair lung function. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been reported to cause muscle catabolism and lung damage. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS and lung function by exploring the effect modifiers, including OSA. Methods: Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used in this study. A total of 3,207 adults aged >40 years were included. The association between HGS and lung function was determined using correlation analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using complex sample logistic regression analysis to determine the association between lung function (restrictive or obstructive pattern) according to HGS groups stratified by sex and OSA risk. Results: In total, 1,264 males and 1,479 females had normal HGS. In males, the low HGS group had lower forced vital capacity (FVC, L), FVC (%, predicted), forced exploratory volume in one second (FEV 1), FEV 1 (%, predicted), and FEV 1/FVC, than the normal HGS group. The risk of having restrictive pattern of lung function was higher in males with low HGS (adjusted OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.22–6.30). The association between low HGS and decreased lung function was stronger in males (P interaction of sex: 0.022 for obstructive pattern and 0.008 for restrictive pattern). However, there was no significant effect modification by OSA risk. Conclusion Males with a low HGS showed a higher risk of restrictive pattern of decreased pulmonary function.

Background: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses in primary care. It is associated with increased reliance on medical care, comorbidities, and poor quality of life. This study is intended to evaluate the relationship between scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and adult health behavior based on the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021). Methods: The study selected 5,191 Korean adults, who completed the survey and evaluation according to KNHANES 2021. To determine the effect of the GAD-7 scale on outpatient visits, underweight, obesity, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the sexes. Results: Among the study subjects, people in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups numbered 560, 141, and 95, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of the probability of outpatient visits within two weeks increased (mild: OR, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.46–2.19; moderate: OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; severe: OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.85) compared to the normal group. The risk of smoking and drinking increased in the moderate group (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24–3.58; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15–2.52). In the subgroup analysis, the probability of outpatient visits increased among both sexes, and the risk of smoking increased among females. Conclusion Among Korean adults, the probability of outpatient visits and the risk of smoking and drinking increased in the anxiety group compared to the normal group.