Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

A nationwide survey of chigger mites causing scrub typhus and an investigation of epidemiologic factors for chigger mites was conducted at 16 localities in 8 provinces in Korea during autumn 2009, 2012, and 2013. A total of 233 Apodemus agrarius were captured, and all were infested with chigger mites. The chigger index was highest in Chungcheongbuk-do in 2009 (358.3) and 2012 (290.1) and Chungcheongnam-do in 2013 (294.4). The predominant chigger mite species was Leptotrombidium pallidum in the northern and central parts and L. scutellare in the southern and western parts, Korea. L. pallidum was not found in Jellanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do and the distribution of L. scutellare had been expanded in the northern parts of Korea. The chigger index of L. pallidum was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with humidity. The incidence of scrub typhus is dependent on L. scutellare index. These findings could be helpful to monitor the distribution of chigger mites and to develop a preventive measures for scrub typhus in Korea.

Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora are well-known coccidian protozoa that can cause waterborne and foodborne diarrheal illnesses. There have been a few reports regarding contamination in different vegetables with Cryptosporidium, but no data are available regarding the sources of Cyclospora infections in Korea. In the present study, we collected 6 kinds of vegetables (perilla leaves, winter-grown cabbages, chives, sprouts, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes) from July 2014 to June 2015, and investigated contamination by these 2 protozoa using multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. Among 404 vegetables, Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected in 31 (7.7%) and 5 (1.2%) samples, respectively. In addition, Cryptosporidium was isolated from all 6 kinds of vegetables, whereas Cyclospora was detected in 4 kinds of vegetables (except perilla leaves and chives). Cryptosporidium (17.8%) and Cyclospora (2.9%) had the highest detection rates in chives and winter-grown cabbages, respectively. Cryptosporidium was detected all year long; however, Cyclospora was detected only from October to January. In 2 samples (sprout and blueberry), both Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected. Further investigations using TaqI restriction enzyme fragmentation and nested PCR confirmed Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis, respectively. In conclusion, we detected C. cayetanensis in vegetables for the first time in Korea. This suggests that screening should be employed to prevent these protozoal infections in Korea.
Blueberry Plant ; Brassica ; Chive ; Cryptosporidium parvum ; Cryptosporidium* ; Cyclospora* ; Korea* ; Mass Screening ; Perilla ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Vegetables*

BACKGROUND: Youth suicide is increasingly being recognized as a major social problem in South Korea. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of parental support on the relationship between life stress and suicidal ideation among middle-school students. METHODS: This study analyzed data from a cross-sectional study on mental health conducted by the South Korea National Youth Policy Institute between May and July of 2013. Questionnaire responses from 3,007 middle-school students regarding stress factors, thoughts of suicide during the past year, and parental support were analyzed in terms of 3 subscale elements: emotional, academic, and financial support. RESULTS: Among the participants, 234 male students (7.8%) and 476 female students (15.8%) reported experiencing suicidal ideation in the past year. Life stress significantly influenced suicidal ideation (P<0.001), and parental support and all of the subscale elements had a significant influence on decreasing suicidal ideation. As shown in model 1, life stress increased suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.318; P<0.001), and, in model 2, the effect of life stress on suicidal ideation decreased with parental support (aOR, 1.238; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Parental support was independently related to a decrease in suicidal ideation, and life stress was independently related to an increase in suicidal ideation. Parental support buffered the relationship between life stress and suicidal ideation.
Adolescent ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Financial Support ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mental Health ; Negotiating* ; Odds Ratio ; Parent-Child Relations ; Parents* ; Social Problems ; Stress, Psychological* ; Suicidal Ideation* ; Suicide

BACKGROUND: Adolescent smoking is positively related to weight control attempts, especially by unhealthy methods. The co-occurrence of smoking and unhealthy weight control behaviors may cause serious health problems in adolescents. This study examined the relationship of smoking with unhealthy weight control behaviors among Korean adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 31,090 students of grades 7 to 12, who had tried to reduce or maintain their weight during the 30 days prior to The Tenth Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, 2014. Data on height, weight, weight control methods, smoking, alcohol intake, living with one's family, and perceived economic status were obtained through self-report questionnaires. ‘Unhealthy weight control behaviors’ were subcategorized into ‘extreme weight control behaviors’ and ‘less extreme weight control behaviors.’ RESULTS: The smoking rates were 13.3%±0.4% in boys and 3.8%±0.2% in girls. Current smokers were more likely to engage in extreme weight control behaviors (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 2.00 in boys, and OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.59 to 2.65 in girls) and less extreme weight control behaviors (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.40 in boys, and OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.76 in girls) compared to non-smokers among both boys and girls. CONCLUSION: Current smoking is independently related to a high likelihood of engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors among Korean adolescents. This relationship is stronger for girls than for boys. Extreme weight control behaviors have a stronger relationship with current smoking than less extreme weight control behaviors.
Adolescent* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Korea* ; Problem Behavior ; Risk-Taking* ; Smoke* ; Smoking* ; Weight Loss

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Coronary vasospasms are one of the important causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Provocation of coronary vasospasms can be useful, though some results may lead to false positives, with patients potentially experiencing recurrent SCD despite appropriate medical treatments. We hypothesized that it is not coronary vasospasms but inherited primary arrhythmia syndromes (IPAS) that underlie the development of SCD. METHODS: We analyzed 74 consecutive patients (3.8%) who survived out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among 1,986 patients who had angiographically proven coronary vasospasms. Electrical abnormalities were evaluated in serial follow-up electrocardiograms (ECGs) during and after the index event for a 3.9 years median follow-up. Major clinical events were defined as the composite of death and recurrent SCD events. RESULTS: Forty five patients (60.8%) displayed electrocardiographic abnormalities suggesting IPAS: Brugada type patterns in six (8.2%), arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia patterns in three (4.1%), long QT syndrome pattern in one (2.2%), and early repolarization in 38 (51.4%). Patients having major clinical events showed more frequent Brugada type patterns, early repolarization, and more diffuse multivessel coronary vasospasms. Brugada type pattern ECGs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 15.99; p = 0.034), and early repolarization (HR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.09 to 8.10; p = 0.034) were ultimately associated with an increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Even though a number of aborted SCD survivors have coronary vasospasms, some also have IPAS, which has the potential to cause SCD. Therefore, meticulous evaluations and follow-ups for IPAS are required in those patients.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac* ; Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia ; Coronary Vasospasm* ; Death, Sudden, Cardiac* ; Electrocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Arrest ; Humans ; Long QT Syndrome ; Masks* ; Mortality ; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest ; Survivors

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite that causes watery diarrhea, is found worldwide and is common in areas with low water hygiene. In February 2014, 866 stool samples were collected from the inhabitants of 2 rural areas in White Nile State, Sudan. These stool samples were assessed by performing modified acid-fast staining, followed by examination under a light microscope. The overall positive rate of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 13.3%. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 8.6% stool samples obtained from inhabitants living in the area having water purification systems and in 14.6% stool samples obtained from inhabitants living in the area not having water purification systems. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection between men and women (14.7% and 14.1%, respectively). The positive rate of oocysts by age was the highest among inhabitants in their 60s (40.0%). These findings suggest that the use of water purification systems is important for preventing Cryptosporidium infection among inhabitants of these rural areas in Sudan.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cryptosporidiosis/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Cryptosporidium/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Feces/parasitology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Rural Population ; Sudan/epidemiology ; Young Adult