1.Scaling Up Maternal Mental Health Care: Evaluating Community-Based Interventions in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review
Melika Geleta DESALEGN ; EunWoo NAM
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):1-8
Background:
Maternal mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, influencing both mothers and their children. In Ethiopia, maternal mental health disorders are prevalent but remain under-addressed due to limited healthcare infrastructure, social stigma, and a shortage of trained mental health professionals. Community-based interventions (CBIs) have shown promise in improving maternal mental health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods:
This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of CBIs in improving maternal mental health outcomes in Ethiopia, identifying key intervention strategies and challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CINAHL) for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, and qualitative research on CBIs targeting maternal mental health in Ethiopia. A total of 65 studies were screened, with 29 meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized narratively to highlight key themes.
Results:
CBIs included peer-support groups, health extension worker (HEW)-led home visits, integrated maternal health services, and community awareness programs. Peer-support groups reduced depressive symptoms by 40% to 50% by fostering emotional resilience and reducing social isolation. HEW-led interventions improved mental health literacy and increased help-seeking behaviors by 25%. Integrating mental health care into routine maternal services enhanced screening rates by 60%. However, key barriers included stigma, lack of HEW mental health training, and resource constraints.
Conclusions
CBIs are effective in improving maternal mental health in Ethiopia. Scaling up successful programs requires enhanced HEW training, community engagement, and integration into existing healthcare frameworks. Addressing social stigma and sustainability challenges is crucial for long-term impact.
2.Health-Related Behaviors of Middle-Aged Cancer Survivors: A Comparative Study with Matched Non-Cancer Controls Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI–VII (2013–2018) Data
Mi Lee KIM ; Ju Ri JEONG ; Yu Ri CHOE
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):20-28
Background:
Middle-aged cancer survivors lack specific health guidelines compared to young and old cancer survivors. Their increased prevalence necessitates the establishment of tailored health guidelines. This study aimed to investigate the health-related behaviors of middle-aged cancer survivors compared to those of the general population.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study analyzed 17,332 adults aged 40–65 years who participated in the sixth and seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2018). Data on cancer screening, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary management were collected via self-reported questionnaires. Propensity score matching (1:5) revealed 591 middle-aged cancer survivors and 2,955 non-cancer controls. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the demographic characteristics and health-related behaviors of both groups.
Results:
Multivariate analysis revealed that middle-aged cancer survivors were significantly less likely to consume alcohol (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.81) and smoke (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43–0.99) and more likely to engage in aerobic physical activity (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.08–1.64) and practice dietary management (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17–1.84) than the non-cancer controls. However, no significant differences in cancer screening adherence and sedentary time were observed between both groups.
Conclusions
Overall, this study provides fundamental data for the development of tailored health guidelines and patient education programs for cancer survivors.
3.Comparative Study of Middle and High School Students on the Relationship between High-Caffeine Drinks and Mental Health
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):29-36
Background:
This study aim to compare between middle and high school students on the relationship of high-caffeine drinks and mental health.
Methods:
This national cross-sectional secondary study used data from the 20th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2024). The respondents of this study were 54,653 middle and high school students. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and complex sample logistic regression analysis were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0.
Results:
Respondents of ‘much’ perceived stress consumed 1.493 times (P<0.001) more high-caffeine drinks in middle school and 1.699 times (P<0.001) in high school than those of ‘little.’ Respondents of ‘yes’ sadness & despair consumed 1.189 times (P<0.001) more high-caffeine drinks in middle school and consumed 1.142 times (P<0.001) in high school than those of ‘no.’ Suicidal ideation and loneliness variables were statistically significant in middle school, but not in high school.
Conclusions
It was concluded that middle and high school students who were more stressed and experienced sadness & despair consumed more high-caffeine drinks. However, only middle school students who experienced suicidal ideation and loneliness consumed more high-caffeine drinks. Recognizing each characteristic of middle and high school students, tailored intervention program should be developed based on the community and school.
4.Association between Caffeinated Beverages Consumption and Sleep Quality of Urban Workers
Byung Il HWANG ; Ji-Young LEE ; Hyeon Jeong LIM ; Ryun HUH ; Mikyung RYU ; Sun Ha JEE ; Heejin KIMM
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):9-19
Background:
The stimulatory effects of caffeine contribute to poor sleep quality. However, the relationship between caffeinated beverages and sleep quality, considering frequency or types of caffeinated beverages, were not extensively studied.
Methods:
Data were collected from 160 urban workers (75 men [46.9%] aged 20–69 years; with an average age of 41.8±12.3 years) using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Sleep quality, time, satisfaction; types and frequency of caffeinated beverages (number of cups per week; Q1: 0 cup, Q4: 14 or more cups per week), demographics, and health behaviors were asked. Sleep quality were evaluated using the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-K). Multiple regression analysis was conducted on the association between the frequency of caffeinated beverages consumption and sleep quality.
Results:
The most frequently consumed beverages were unsweetened coffee (22.8%) and the most common time for caffeine was between 12 pm to 5 pm (58.2%). The average sleep quality score based on the PSQI-K was 6.0±2.0 overall, 5.3±1.6 in Q1, and 6.6±2.2 in Q4 (frequent caffeinated beverage drinkers), indicating poorer sleep quality in Q4 (P=0.022). In Q1, 13.3% rated their sleep quality as ‘very good,’ while in Q4, only 2.5% gave the same rating. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with the frequency of caffeinated beverages per week (β=0.232, P=0.004) and self-reported stress level (β=0.256, P=0.002).
Conclusions
Frequent consumption of caffeinated beverages appears to be associated with poor sleep quality among urban workers. While reducing caffeine intake may contribute to improvements in sleep quality as a health promoting behavior, this hypothesis requires validation through future studies employing personalized intervention approaches.
6.Scaling Up Maternal Mental Health Care: Evaluating Community-Based Interventions in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review
Melika Geleta DESALEGN ; EunWoo NAM
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):1-8
Background:
Maternal mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, influencing both mothers and their children. In Ethiopia, maternal mental health disorders are prevalent but remain under-addressed due to limited healthcare infrastructure, social stigma, and a shortage of trained mental health professionals. Community-based interventions (CBIs) have shown promise in improving maternal mental health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods:
This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of CBIs in improving maternal mental health outcomes in Ethiopia, identifying key intervention strategies and challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CINAHL) for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, and qualitative research on CBIs targeting maternal mental health in Ethiopia. A total of 65 studies were screened, with 29 meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized narratively to highlight key themes.
Results:
CBIs included peer-support groups, health extension worker (HEW)-led home visits, integrated maternal health services, and community awareness programs. Peer-support groups reduced depressive symptoms by 40% to 50% by fostering emotional resilience and reducing social isolation. HEW-led interventions improved mental health literacy and increased help-seeking behaviors by 25%. Integrating mental health care into routine maternal services enhanced screening rates by 60%. However, key barriers included stigma, lack of HEW mental health training, and resource constraints.
Conclusions
CBIs are effective in improving maternal mental health in Ethiopia. Scaling up successful programs requires enhanced HEW training, community engagement, and integration into existing healthcare frameworks. Addressing social stigma and sustainability challenges is crucial for long-term impact.
7.Health-Related Behaviors of Middle-Aged Cancer Survivors: A Comparative Study with Matched Non-Cancer Controls Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI–VII (2013–2018) Data
Mi Lee KIM ; Ju Ri JEONG ; Yu Ri CHOE
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):20-28
Background:
Middle-aged cancer survivors lack specific health guidelines compared to young and old cancer survivors. Their increased prevalence necessitates the establishment of tailored health guidelines. This study aimed to investigate the health-related behaviors of middle-aged cancer survivors compared to those of the general population.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study analyzed 17,332 adults aged 40–65 years who participated in the sixth and seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2018). Data on cancer screening, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary management were collected via self-reported questionnaires. Propensity score matching (1:5) revealed 591 middle-aged cancer survivors and 2,955 non-cancer controls. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the demographic characteristics and health-related behaviors of both groups.
Results:
Multivariate analysis revealed that middle-aged cancer survivors were significantly less likely to consume alcohol (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.81) and smoke (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43–0.99) and more likely to engage in aerobic physical activity (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.08–1.64) and practice dietary management (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17–1.84) than the non-cancer controls. However, no significant differences in cancer screening adherence and sedentary time were observed between both groups.
Conclusions
Overall, this study provides fundamental data for the development of tailored health guidelines and patient education programs for cancer survivors.
8.Comparative Study of Middle and High School Students on the Relationship between High-Caffeine Drinks and Mental Health
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):29-36
Background:
This study aim to compare between middle and high school students on the relationship of high-caffeine drinks and mental health.
Methods:
This national cross-sectional secondary study used data from the 20th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2024). The respondents of this study were 54,653 middle and high school students. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and complex sample logistic regression analysis were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0.
Results:
Respondents of ‘much’ perceived stress consumed 1.493 times (P<0.001) more high-caffeine drinks in middle school and 1.699 times (P<0.001) in high school than those of ‘little.’ Respondents of ‘yes’ sadness & despair consumed 1.189 times (P<0.001) more high-caffeine drinks in middle school and consumed 1.142 times (P<0.001) in high school than those of ‘no.’ Suicidal ideation and loneliness variables were statistically significant in middle school, but not in high school.
Conclusions
It was concluded that middle and high school students who were more stressed and experienced sadness & despair consumed more high-caffeine drinks. However, only middle school students who experienced suicidal ideation and loneliness consumed more high-caffeine drinks. Recognizing each characteristic of middle and high school students, tailored intervention program should be developed based on the community and school.
9.Association between Caffeinated Beverages Consumption and Sleep Quality of Urban Workers
Byung Il HWANG ; Ji-Young LEE ; Hyeon Jeong LIM ; Ryun HUH ; Mikyung RYU ; Sun Ha JEE ; Heejin KIMM
Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2025;25(1):9-19
Background:
The stimulatory effects of caffeine contribute to poor sleep quality. However, the relationship between caffeinated beverages and sleep quality, considering frequency or types of caffeinated beverages, were not extensively studied.
Methods:
Data were collected from 160 urban workers (75 men [46.9%] aged 20–69 years; with an average age of 41.8±12.3 years) using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Sleep quality, time, satisfaction; types and frequency of caffeinated beverages (number of cups per week; Q1: 0 cup, Q4: 14 or more cups per week), demographics, and health behaviors were asked. Sleep quality were evaluated using the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-K). Multiple regression analysis was conducted on the association between the frequency of caffeinated beverages consumption and sleep quality.
Results:
The most frequently consumed beverages were unsweetened coffee (22.8%) and the most common time for caffeine was between 12 pm to 5 pm (58.2%). The average sleep quality score based on the PSQI-K was 6.0±2.0 overall, 5.3±1.6 in Q1, and 6.6±2.2 in Q4 (frequent caffeinated beverage drinkers), indicating poorer sleep quality in Q4 (P=0.022). In Q1, 13.3% rated their sleep quality as ‘very good,’ while in Q4, only 2.5% gave the same rating. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with the frequency of caffeinated beverages per week (β=0.232, P=0.004) and self-reported stress level (β=0.256, P=0.002).
Conclusions
Frequent consumption of caffeinated beverages appears to be associated with poor sleep quality among urban workers. While reducing caffeine intake may contribute to improvements in sleep quality as a health promoting behavior, this hypothesis requires validation through future studies employing personalized intervention approaches.

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