Objectives: This research analyzed and compared housing transaction prices and depression rates according to housing types before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data on housing transaction prices and depression rates from 2018 to 2022 in 25 districts of Seoul, South Korea, were utilized. Dummy variables were employed to account for potential confounders influencing the relationship between the variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using R, and the relationship between depression rates and housing transaction prices was examined through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and panel data regression analysis. Results: The results of OLS and one-way random effects models indicated a significant relationship between apartment (p<.05) and officetel (p<.001) transaction prices and depression. However, detached/semi-detached and row/townhouse transaction prices did not exhibit a significant relationship with depression. Conclusion It was observed that as apartment and officetel transaction prices increased in Seoul before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, depression rates also increased. Considering that changes in housing prices by housing type in South Korea may impact the mental health of local residents, it is deemed necessary to consider healthy housing and housing prices as comprehensive determinants of mental health.

Objectives: This research analyzed and compared housing transaction prices and depression rates according to housing types before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data on housing transaction prices and depression rates from 2018 to 2022 in 25 districts of Seoul, South Korea, were utilized. Dummy variables were employed to account for potential confounders influencing the relationship between the variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using R, and the relationship between depression rates and housing transaction prices was examined through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and panel data regression analysis. Results: The results of OLS and one-way random effects models indicated a significant relationship between apartment (p<.05) and officetel (p<.001) transaction prices and depression. However, detached/semi-detached and row/townhouse transaction prices did not exhibit a significant relationship with depression. Conclusion It was observed that as apartment and officetel transaction prices increased in Seoul before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, depression rates also increased. Considering that changes in housing prices by housing type in South Korea may impact the mental health of local residents, it is deemed necessary to consider healthy housing and housing prices as comprehensive determinants of mental health.

Objectives: This research analyzed and compared housing transaction prices and depression rates according to housing types before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data on housing transaction prices and depression rates from 2018 to 2022 in 25 districts of Seoul, South Korea, were utilized. Dummy variables were employed to account for potential confounders influencing the relationship between the variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using R, and the relationship between depression rates and housing transaction prices was examined through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and panel data regression analysis. Results: The results of OLS and one-way random effects models indicated a significant relationship between apartment (p<.05) and officetel (p<.001) transaction prices and depression. However, detached/semi-detached and row/townhouse transaction prices did not exhibit a significant relationship with depression. Conclusion It was observed that as apartment and officetel transaction prices increased in Seoul before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, depression rates also increased. Considering that changes in housing prices by housing type in South Korea may impact the mental health of local residents, it is deemed necessary to consider healthy housing and housing prices as comprehensive determinants of mental health.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated the population prevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including unreported infections, through a Korea Seroprevalence Study of Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Retention and Transmission (K-SEROSMART) in 258 communities throughout Korea. METHODS: In August 2022, a survey was conducted among 10,000 household members aged 5 years and older, in households selected through two stage probability random sampling. During face-to-face household interviews, participants self-reported their health status, COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination history, and general characteristics. Subsequently, participants visited a community health center or medical clinic for blood sampling. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to spike proteins (anti-S) and antibodies to nucleocapsid proteins (anti-N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. To estimate the population prevalence, the PROC SURVEYMEANS statistical procedure was employed, with weighting to reflect demographic data from July 2022. RESULTS: In total, 9,945 individuals from 5,041 households were surveyed across 258 communities, representing all basic local governments in Korea. The overall population-adjusted prevalence rates of anti-S and anti-N were 97.6% and 57.1%, respectively. Since the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has reported a cumulative incidence of confirmed cases of 37.8% through July 31, 2022, the proportion of unreported infections among all COVID-19 infection was suggested to be 33.9%. CONCLUSIONS The K-SEROSMART represents the first nationwide, community-based seroepidemiologic survey of COVID-19, confirming that most individuals possess antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and that a significant number of unreported cases existed. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for a surveillance system to continuously monitor transmission at the community level and the response to COVID-19.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a digital group reminiscence program on elderly patients with mild dementia who were registered with Day Care Centers. Methods: The study was conducted with elderly patients with mild dementia in Day Care Centers in D city. The patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group and were assessed for cognitive function, depression, and ego integrity using pre-test and post-test designs. A digital group reminiscence program was applied to the experimental group. Data was collected from July 5 to September 17, 2021, using questionnaires in three sessions. Results: The pre-test cognitive function score was 12.00 in the experimental group and 11.09 in the control group. The post-test cognitive function score was 19.20 in the experimental group and 14.42 in the control group. The later cognitive function score was 18.00 in the experimental group and 13.31 in the control group. The pre-test depression score was 8.32 in the experimental group and 9.91 in the control group. The post-test depression score was 6.05 in the experimental group and 8.82 in the control group.The later depression score was 6.94 in the experimental group and 9.02 in the control group. The pre-test ego integrity score was 41.39 in the experimental group and 39.55 in the control group. The post-test ego integrity score was 57.95 in the experimental group and 51.41 in the control group. The later ego integrity score was 55.88 in the experimental group and 42.15 in the control group. Cognitive function, depression, and ego integrity showed significant differences according to group (p<.05), time (p<.001), and interaction between group and time (p<.01). Conclusion The digital group reminiscence program was found to be effective in improving cognitive function and ego integrity and reducing depression in elderly patients with mild dementia. Further research is needed to explore the effects of repetitive digital group recall programs based on the progress, course, age, and communication level of dementia.

Objectives: Handwashing is one of the most effective methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This study assessed the related factors and reasons for not practicing handwashing at school among adolescents. Methods: We analyzed data collected from 57,303 adolescents who participated in the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2019. Results: The proportions of not washing hands “before meals at school” and “after using the toilet at school” were 15.9% and 4.4%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for not washing hands before meals at school was significantly higher in girls (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.52, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]=1.42-1.63), metropolitan city (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.11-1.56), city (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.08-1.54), higher grade, higher academic performance, lower economic status, not handwashing at home (OR=14.36, 95% CI=13.37-15.42), and without annual personal hygiene education (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.33-1.49). Reasons for not washing hands at school among adolescents who do not wash their hands before meals at school included ‘it is bothersome (52.3%)’, ‘there is no soap or hand sanitizer (13.8%)’, and ‘I do not feel the need (9.5%)’. Conclusions Improving handwashing before meals at school among adolescents requires raising awareness of the importance of handwashing before meals and establishing a suitable environment and handwashing-encouraging culture.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a non-face-to-face obesity management program, implemented during the pandemic. Methods: The non-face-to-face obesity management program used the Intervention mapping protocol (IMP). The program was put into effect over the course of eight weeks, from September 14 to November 13, 2020 in 48 overweight and obese adults, who applied to participate through the Daegu Citizen Health Support Center. Results: IMP was first a needs assessment was conducted; second, goal setting for behavior change was established; third, evidence-based selection of arbitration method and performance strategy was performed; fourth, program design and validation; fifth, the program was run; and sixth, the results were evaluated. The average weight after participation in the program was reduced by 1.2kg, average WC decreased by 3cm, and average BMI decreased by 0.8kg/m 2 (p<0.05). The results of the health behavior survey showed a positive improvement in lifestyle factors, including average daily intake calories, fruit intake, and time spent in walking exercise before and after participation in the program. A statistically significant difference was seen (p<0.05). The satisfaction level for program process evaluation was high, at 4.57±0.63 point. Conclusion The non-face-to-face obesity management program was useful for obesity management for adults in communities, as it enables individual counseling by experts and active participation through self-body measurement and recording without restriction by time and place. However, the program had some restrictions on participation that may relate to the age of the subject, such as skill and comfort in using a mobile app.

Background: There has been no comparison of the determinants of admission route between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined whether factors associated with direct versus transferred-in admission to regional cardiocerebrovascular centers (RCVCs) differed between AIS and AMI. Methods: Using a nationwide RCVC registry, we identified consecutive patients presenting with AMI and AIS between July 2016 and December 2018. We explored factors associated with direct admission to RCVCs in patients with AIS and AMI and examined whether those associations differed between AIS and AMI, including interaction terms between each factor and disease type in multivariable models. To explore the influence of emergency medical service (EMS) paramedics on hospital selection, stratified analyses according to use of EMS were also performed. Results: Among the 17,897 and 8,927 AIS and AMI patients, 66.6% and 48.2% were directly admitted to RCVCs, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that previous coronary heart disease, prehospital awareness, higher education level, and EMS use increased the odds of direct admission to RCVCs, but the odds ratio (OR) was different between AIS and AMI (for the first 3 factors, AMI > AIS; for EMS use, AMI < AIS). EMS use was the single most important factor for both AIS and AMI (OR, 4.72 vs. 3.90). Hypertension and hyperlipidemia increased, while living alone decreased the odds of direct admission only in AMI;additionally, age (65–74 years), previous stroke, and presentation during non-working hours increased the odds only in AIS. EMS use weakened the associations between direct admission and most factors in both AIS and AMI. Conclusions Various patient factors were differentially associated with direct admission to RCVCs between AIS and AMI. Public education for symptom awareness and use of EMS is essential in optimizing the transportation and hospitalization of patients with AMI and AIS.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic greatly impacted the health and economy worldwide. Children and adolescents are less affected by COVID-19 but are more vulnerable to secondary damage, such as mental health. We would like to evaluate the subjective economic changes caused by COVID-19 in Korea and adolescents’ mental health status. Methods: The data are based on the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, published by the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention in South Korea. It is an annual cross-sectional national representative survey of middle and high school students. There were 54,948 subjects, and the survey was conducted from August 3, 2020 to November 13, 2020. We investigated usual stress, loneliness, anxiety, sadness and hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Results: We found that the odds ratio of adolescent mental health increased as the economic deterioration caused by COVID-19 increased. Overall, it was more severe in female students, and the greater the economic change, the worse the anxiety in boys and the worse the sadness and hopelessness in girls. Conclusion We hope that it will be possible to prevent and intervene early in adolescents, considering not only the risk of infection from COVID-19 but also mental health, especially mental health related to the economic deterioration caused by COVID-19.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to suggest the direction of the Healthy Village project for rural residents in accordance with the prolonged COVID-19 by investigating the digital environment for major health problems, the role of a health leader, necessary projects, and non-face-to-face projects for Healthy Village members in the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: Telephone interview surveys were conducted with 585 residents from November 30, 2020 to December 21, 2020. Results: Health problems perceived by residents were in the order of concerns about infection (48.5%), depression (32.5%), difficulties in using medical services (9.4%), and lack of exercise (7.7%). The role of the health committee in the COVID-19 situation was “encouraging people to follow quarantine rules” with 91.3%. As a necessary health village project, there was a high demand for the provision of health products and mental health projects. 17.9% said that there is a computer or smart device connected to the Internet in their home, and 42.2% said that there is someone in the village who can easily get help if there is a problem in accessing and using Internet information. 36.9% were able to watch videos, and 22.2% were able to use the Internet through public facilities. Conclusion In a public health crisis, where the provision of public health and medical services to rural residents is not smooth, it is necessary to manage health and quarantine through health leaders in the village, and it is required to establish a digital environment infrastructure that can conduct community participatory health village projects in a non-face-to-face environment.