OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in Korea are increasing. This study analyzed income-based inequalities in the incidence and mortality of women breast cancer from 2006 to 2015, using national data that covered all Korean women. METHODS: We used the National Health Information Database from 2006 to 2015. For women aged 20 and older, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 by income quintile per year were calculated using the direct method. The rate ratio and rate difference (RD) of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 between the top and bottom income quintiles were calculated as relative and absolute measures for inequalities. RESULTS: When comparing 2006 and 2015, both the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer increased. The lowest income quintile experienced higher mortality rates despite having lower incidence rates. In 2015, the income-based RD in incidence and mortality rates between the highest and lowest income quintiles (Q1-Q5) was -19.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], -24.3 to -15.5) and 4.4 (95% CI, 2.9 to 5.8), respectively. Throughout this period, there was no statistically significant trend in income-based disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality. The age-specific contributions to the absolute magnitude of inequality (RD) in incidence and mortality were more pronounced among middle-aged women than among older women. CONCLUSIONS This study found that breast cancer in Korea exhibited pro-rich inequalities in mortality despite pro-poor inequalities in incidence. More equitable policies for screening and treatment of breast cancer are needed.

Background: To investigate the clinical treatment status, such as treatment regimen, bleeding events, and drug dose, in patients with hemophilia B in South Korea. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, data of patients with hemophilia B from eight university hospitals were collected. Demographic and clinical data, treatment data, such as regimen and number of injections, dose of factor IX concentrate, and bleeding data were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were performed with annual data for 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as the three years consecutively. Results: The medical records of 150 patients with hemophilia B between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021, were collected. Among these, 72 (48.0%) were severe, 47 (31.3%) were moderate, and 28 (18.7%) were mild. The results showed approximately two times more patients receiving prophylaxis as those receiving on-demand therapy, with 66.1% of patients receiving prophylaxis in 2019, 64.9% in 2020, and 72.1% in 2021. Annualized bleeding rates were 2.2% (± 3.1) in 2019, 1.8% (± 3.0) in 2020, and 1.8% (± 2.9) in 2021 among patients receiving prophylaxis.For the doses of factor IX concentrate, patients receiving prophylaxis received an average of 41.6 (± 11.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2019, 45.7 (± 12.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2020, and 60.1 (± 24.0) IU/Kg/Injection in 2021. Conclusions Clinically, prophylaxis is more prevalent than reported. Based on insights gained from current clinical evidence, it is expected that the unmet medical needs of patients can be identified, and physicians can evaluate the status of patients and actively manage hemophilia B using more effective treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in Korea are increasing. This study analyzed income-based inequalities in the incidence and mortality of women breast cancer from 2006 to 2015, using national data that covered all Korean women. METHODS: We used the National Health Information Database from 2006 to 2015. For women aged 20 and older, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 by income quintile per year were calculated using the direct method. The rate ratio and rate difference (RD) of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 between the top and bottom income quintiles were calculated as relative and absolute measures for inequalities. RESULTS: When comparing 2006 and 2015, both the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer increased. The lowest income quintile experienced higher mortality rates despite having lower incidence rates. In 2015, the income-based RD in incidence and mortality rates between the highest and lowest income quintiles (Q1-Q5) was -19.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], -24.3 to -15.5) and 4.4 (95% CI, 2.9 to 5.8), respectively. Throughout this period, there was no statistically significant trend in income-based disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality. The age-specific contributions to the absolute magnitude of inequality (RD) in incidence and mortality were more pronounced among middle-aged women than among older women. CONCLUSIONS This study found that breast cancer in Korea exhibited pro-rich inequalities in mortality despite pro-poor inequalities in incidence. More equitable policies for screening and treatment of breast cancer are needed.

Background: To investigate the clinical treatment status, such as treatment regimen, bleeding events, and drug dose, in patients with hemophilia B in South Korea. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, data of patients with hemophilia B from eight university hospitals were collected. Demographic and clinical data, treatment data, such as regimen and number of injections, dose of factor IX concentrate, and bleeding data were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were performed with annual data for 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as the three years consecutively. Results: The medical records of 150 patients with hemophilia B between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021, were collected. Among these, 72 (48.0%) were severe, 47 (31.3%) were moderate, and 28 (18.7%) were mild. The results showed approximately two times more patients receiving prophylaxis as those receiving on-demand therapy, with 66.1% of patients receiving prophylaxis in 2019, 64.9% in 2020, and 72.1% in 2021. Annualized bleeding rates were 2.2% (± 3.1) in 2019, 1.8% (± 3.0) in 2020, and 1.8% (± 2.9) in 2021 among patients receiving prophylaxis.For the doses of factor IX concentrate, patients receiving prophylaxis received an average of 41.6 (± 11.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2019, 45.7 (± 12.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2020, and 60.1 (± 24.0) IU/Kg/Injection in 2021. Conclusions Clinically, prophylaxis is more prevalent than reported. Based on insights gained from current clinical evidence, it is expected that the unmet medical needs of patients can be identified, and physicians can evaluate the status of patients and actively manage hemophilia B using more effective treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in Korea are increasing. This study analyzed income-based inequalities in the incidence and mortality of women breast cancer from 2006 to 2015, using national data that covered all Korean women. METHODS: We used the National Health Information Database from 2006 to 2015. For women aged 20 and older, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 by income quintile per year were calculated using the direct method. The rate ratio and rate difference (RD) of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 between the top and bottom income quintiles were calculated as relative and absolute measures for inequalities. RESULTS: When comparing 2006 and 2015, both the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer increased. The lowest income quintile experienced higher mortality rates despite having lower incidence rates. In 2015, the income-based RD in incidence and mortality rates between the highest and lowest income quintiles (Q1-Q5) was -19.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], -24.3 to -15.5) and 4.4 (95% CI, 2.9 to 5.8), respectively. Throughout this period, there was no statistically significant trend in income-based disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality. The age-specific contributions to the absolute magnitude of inequality (RD) in incidence and mortality were more pronounced among middle-aged women than among older women. CONCLUSIONS This study found that breast cancer in Korea exhibited pro-rich inequalities in mortality despite pro-poor inequalities in incidence. More equitable policies for screening and treatment of breast cancer are needed.

Background: To investigate the clinical treatment status, such as treatment regimen, bleeding events, and drug dose, in patients with hemophilia B in South Korea. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, data of patients with hemophilia B from eight university hospitals were collected. Demographic and clinical data, treatment data, such as regimen and number of injections, dose of factor IX concentrate, and bleeding data were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were performed with annual data for 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as the three years consecutively. Results: The medical records of 150 patients with hemophilia B between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021, were collected. Among these, 72 (48.0%) were severe, 47 (31.3%) were moderate, and 28 (18.7%) were mild. The results showed approximately two times more patients receiving prophylaxis as those receiving on-demand therapy, with 66.1% of patients receiving prophylaxis in 2019, 64.9% in 2020, and 72.1% in 2021. Annualized bleeding rates were 2.2% (± 3.1) in 2019, 1.8% (± 3.0) in 2020, and 1.8% (± 2.9) in 2021 among patients receiving prophylaxis.For the doses of factor IX concentrate, patients receiving prophylaxis received an average of 41.6 (± 11.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2019, 45.7 (± 12.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2020, and 60.1 (± 24.0) IU/Kg/Injection in 2021. Conclusions Clinically, prophylaxis is more prevalent than reported. Based on insights gained from current clinical evidence, it is expected that the unmet medical needs of patients can be identified, and physicians can evaluate the status of patients and actively manage hemophilia B using more effective treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in Korea are increasing. This study analyzed income-based inequalities in the incidence and mortality of women breast cancer from 2006 to 2015, using national data that covered all Korean women. METHODS: We used the National Health Information Database from 2006 to 2015. For women aged 20 and older, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 by income quintile per year were calculated using the direct method. The rate ratio and rate difference (RD) of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer per 100,000 between the top and bottom income quintiles were calculated as relative and absolute measures for inequalities. RESULTS: When comparing 2006 and 2015, both the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer increased. The lowest income quintile experienced higher mortality rates despite having lower incidence rates. In 2015, the income-based RD in incidence and mortality rates between the highest and lowest income quintiles (Q1-Q5) was -19.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], -24.3 to -15.5) and 4.4 (95% CI, 2.9 to 5.8), respectively. Throughout this period, there was no statistically significant trend in income-based disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality. The age-specific contributions to the absolute magnitude of inequality (RD) in incidence and mortality were more pronounced among middle-aged women than among older women. CONCLUSIONS This study found that breast cancer in Korea exhibited pro-rich inequalities in mortality despite pro-poor inequalities in incidence. More equitable policies for screening and treatment of breast cancer are needed.

Objectives: This study investigated the association between exacerbated economic hardship during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and changes in the health behaviors of Korean adolescents. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey and included 44 908 students (22 823 boys and 22 085 girls) as study subjects. The dependent variables included changes in health behaviors (breakfast habits, physical activity, and alcohol use) that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aggravation of economic hardship by COVID-19 and the subjective economic status of the family were used as exposure variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was utilized to calculate the prevalence odds ratios (PORs). Results: Severe exacerbation of a family’s economic hardship due to COVID-19 was negatively associated with the health behaviors of adolescents, including increased breakfast skipping (POR, 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55 to 2.21 for boys and POR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.92 for girls) and decreased physical activity (POR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.57 for boys and POR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.60 for girls). These negative changes in health behaviors were further amplified when combined with a low subjective family economic status. Conclusions The experience of worsening household hardship can lead to negative changes in health behavior among adolescents. It is crucial to implement measures that address the economic challenges that arise from stressful events such as COVID-19 and to strive to improve the lifestyles of adolescents under such circumstances.

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the supply and demand for cardiologists in Korea and provide evidence for healthcare policy to ensure a stable and adequate workforce for optimal cardiovascular disease management. Methods: Past trends of inflow and outflow of cardiologists were used to make crude projections, which were then adjusted based on demands of services to obtain final projections. Inflow of cardiologists was estimated using second-order polynomial regression and demand for cardiology care was estimated using linear regression. Results: There were 1,139 active cardiologists who were under the age of 65 in clinical practice in Korea. The estimated number of cardiologists from 2022 to 2040 showed that the number of cardiologists would peak at 1,344 in 2032 and gradually decrease thereafter. We also estimated an increase of 947,811 cases of heart-related procedures annually from 2023 to 2032. The number of heart-related procedures per cardiologist would increase 1.4 times from 12,964 in 2023 to 17,862 in 2032. The estimated number of emergency patients per cardiologist under 50 years old would almost double from 544 in 2022 to 987 in 2032. Conclusions We expect significant shortage of cardiologists in Korea within the next 10 years. The number of emergency patients per cardiologist will increase by nearly 50%, leading to high individual workload for cardiologists. To prevent this imbalance between supply and demand, an organized and collective approach by the specialty of cardiology is imperative to produce a balanced workforce.

Background: Although inequality in traumatic brain injury (TBI) by individual socioeconomic status (SES) exists, interventions to modify individual SES are difficult. However, as interventions for area-based SES can affect the individual SES, monitoring or public health intervention can be planned. We analyzed the effect of area-based SES on hospitalization for TBI and revealed yearly inequality trends to provide a basis for health intervention. Methods: We included patients who were hospitalized due to intracranial injuries (ICIs) between 2008 and 2015 as a measure of severe TBI with data provided by the Korea National Hospital Discharge Survey. Area-based SES was synthesized using the 2010 census data. We assessed inequalities in ICI-related hospitalization rates using the relative index of inequality and the slope index of inequality for the periods 2008–2009, 2010–2011, 2012–2013, and 2014–2015. We analyzed the trends of these indices for the observation period by age and sex. Results: The overall relative indices of inequality for each 2-year period were 1.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–2.3), 1.97 (1.6–2.5), 2.01 (1.6–2.5), and 2.01 (1.6–2.5), respectively. The overall slope indices of inequality in each period were 38.74 (23.5–54.0), 36.75 (21.7–51.8), 35.65 (20.7–50.6), and 43.11 (27.6–58.6), respectively. The relative indices of inequality showed a linear trend for men (P = 0.006), which was most evident in the ≥ 65-year age group. Conclusion Inequality in hospitalization for ICIs by area-based SES tended to increase during the observation period. Practical preventive interventions and input in healthcare resources for populations with low area-based SES are likely needed.