Objective: Disaster survivors often experience negative impacts on their mental health, but some may also exhibit posttraumatic growth, overcoming adversity, and finding positive outcomes. This study aimed to identify psychological factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among students who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. Methods: The study used a longitudinal design. Data were collected at 6-month intervals between high school graduation and 6 years after the ferry disaster. Data were obtained from 48 adolescents who completed self-report measures of rumination, meaning in life, coping, PTG, family adaptability and cohesion. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to 11 waves of follow-up data. Results: Intrusive rumination (coefficient [coef]=0.165; p<0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.081–0.250) and deliberate rumination (coef=0.554; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.376–0.732) were significantly associated with PTG. Concerning meaning in life, the presence of meaning (coef=0.312; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.189–0.435) and the search for meaning (coef=0.216; p=0.001; 95% CI 0.093–0.340) were also significantly associated with PTG. Finally, the problem-focused (coef=0.682; p=0.011; 95% CI 0.153–1.210) and emotion-focused (coef=0.736; p=0.009; 95% CI 0.186–1.285) coping strategies both showed significant associations with PTG. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that rumination, meaning in life, and adaptive coping (including cognitive and emotional coping) were protective factors for mental health problems among adolescents who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. These psychological factors may promote PTG over time.

Objective: Disaster survivors often experience negative impacts on their mental health, but some may also exhibit posttraumatic growth, overcoming adversity, and finding positive outcomes. This study aimed to identify psychological factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among students who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. Methods: The study used a longitudinal design. Data were collected at 6-month intervals between high school graduation and 6 years after the ferry disaster. Data were obtained from 48 adolescents who completed self-report measures of rumination, meaning in life, coping, PTG, family adaptability and cohesion. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to 11 waves of follow-up data. Results: Intrusive rumination (coefficient [coef]=0.165; p<0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.081–0.250) and deliberate rumination (coef=0.554; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.376–0.732) were significantly associated with PTG. Concerning meaning in life, the presence of meaning (coef=0.312; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.189–0.435) and the search for meaning (coef=0.216; p=0.001; 95% CI 0.093–0.340) were also significantly associated with PTG. Finally, the problem-focused (coef=0.682; p=0.011; 95% CI 0.153–1.210) and emotion-focused (coef=0.736; p=0.009; 95% CI 0.186–1.285) coping strategies both showed significant associations with PTG. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that rumination, meaning in life, and adaptive coping (including cognitive and emotional coping) were protective factors for mental health problems among adolescents who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. These psychological factors may promote PTG over time.

Objective: Disaster survivors often experience negative impacts on their mental health, but some may also exhibit posttraumatic growth, overcoming adversity, and finding positive outcomes. This study aimed to identify psychological factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among students who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. Methods: The study used a longitudinal design. Data were collected at 6-month intervals between high school graduation and 6 years after the ferry disaster. Data were obtained from 48 adolescents who completed self-report measures of rumination, meaning in life, coping, PTG, family adaptability and cohesion. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to 11 waves of follow-up data. Results: Intrusive rumination (coefficient [coef]=0.165; p<0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.081–0.250) and deliberate rumination (coef=0.554; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.376–0.732) were significantly associated with PTG. Concerning meaning in life, the presence of meaning (coef=0.312; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.189–0.435) and the search for meaning (coef=0.216; p=0.001; 95% CI 0.093–0.340) were also significantly associated with PTG. Finally, the problem-focused (coef=0.682; p=0.011; 95% CI 0.153–1.210) and emotion-focused (coef=0.736; p=0.009; 95% CI 0.186–1.285) coping strategies both showed significant associations with PTG. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that rumination, meaning in life, and adaptive coping (including cognitive and emotional coping) were protective factors for mental health problems among adolescents who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. These psychological factors may promote PTG over time.

Objective: Disaster survivors often experience negative impacts on their mental health, but some may also exhibit posttraumatic growth, overcoming adversity, and finding positive outcomes. This study aimed to identify psychological factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among students who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. Methods: The study used a longitudinal design. Data were collected at 6-month intervals between high school graduation and 6 years after the ferry disaster. Data were obtained from 48 adolescents who completed self-report measures of rumination, meaning in life, coping, PTG, family adaptability and cohesion. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to 11 waves of follow-up data. Results: Intrusive rumination (coefficient [coef]=0.165; p<0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.081–0.250) and deliberate rumination (coef=0.554; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.376–0.732) were significantly associated with PTG. Concerning meaning in life, the presence of meaning (coef=0.312; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.189–0.435) and the search for meaning (coef=0.216; p=0.001; 95% CI 0.093–0.340) were also significantly associated with PTG. Finally, the problem-focused (coef=0.682; p=0.011; 95% CI 0.153–1.210) and emotion-focused (coef=0.736; p=0.009; 95% CI 0.186–1.285) coping strategies both showed significant associations with PTG. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that rumination, meaning in life, and adaptive coping (including cognitive and emotional coping) were protective factors for mental health problems among adolescents who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. These psychological factors may promote PTG over time.

Objective: Disaster survivors often experience negative impacts on their mental health, but some may also exhibit posttraumatic growth, overcoming adversity, and finding positive outcomes. This study aimed to identify psychological factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among students who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. Methods: The study used a longitudinal design. Data were collected at 6-month intervals between high school graduation and 6 years after the ferry disaster. Data were obtained from 48 adolescents who completed self-report measures of rumination, meaning in life, coping, PTG, family adaptability and cohesion. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to 11 waves of follow-up data. Results: Intrusive rumination (coefficient [coef]=0.165; p<0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.081–0.250) and deliberate rumination (coef=0.554; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.376–0.732) were significantly associated with PTG. Concerning meaning in life, the presence of meaning (coef=0.312; p<0.001; 95% CI 0.189–0.435) and the search for meaning (coef=0.216; p=0.001; 95% CI 0.093–0.340) were also significantly associated with PTG. Finally, the problem-focused (coef=0.682; p=0.011; 95% CI 0.153–1.210) and emotion-focused (coef=0.736; p=0.009; 95% CI 0.186–1.285) coping strategies both showed significant associations with PTG. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that rumination, meaning in life, and adaptive coping (including cognitive and emotional coping) were protective factors for mental health problems among adolescents who survived the Sewol ferry disaster. These psychological factors may promote PTG over time.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been used for over a century and has been demonstrated to be effective in treating patients with various allergic diseases. AIT allergens can be administered through various routes, including subcutaneous, sublingual, intralymphatic, oral, or epicutaneous routes. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has recently gained clinical interest, and it is considered an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. This review provides an overview of the current evidence-based studies that address the use of SLIT for treating AR, including (1) mechanisms of action, (2) appropriate patient selection for SLIT, (3) the current available SLIT products in Korea, and (4) updated information on its efficacy and safety. Finally, this guideline aims to provide the clinician with practical considerations for SLIT.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.

Background: With a rapid decrease in tuberculosis (TB) incidence, the significance of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) has been underscored in South Korea. Although South Korea does not have a high proportion of immigrants compared to other countries, there is a growing argument that it should actively embrace immigrants as a solution to address issues of low birth rates and population aging. This study aimed to assess TB incidence among immigrants who participated a pilot LTBI screening program in South Korea. Methods: Records of immigrants participated in a pilot LTBI screening program in South Korea between 2018 and 2019 were linked with Korean National TB Surveillance System to determine TB development. Participants underwent interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and chest X-rays. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) stratified by age, country of origin’s TB burden was calculated with a reference group of general South Korean population. Results: Of a total of 9,517 participants, 14 TB cases were identified. Participants with positive IGRA results who did not initiate LTBI treatment showed TB incidence of 312.5 per 100,000 person-years, whereas those with negative results showed TB incidence of 34.4 per 100,000 person-years, resulting in an incidence rate ratio of 9.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.50–32.99). SIR of TB among total participants including those with negative IGRA results was 2.60 (95% CI, 1.54–4.38; P < 0.001), whereas SIR among those with positive IGRA results was 5.86 (95% CI, 3.15–10.89; P < 0.001). In the calculation of SIR among participants with positive IGRA results, those aged under 35 from high TB-burden countries or intermediate TBburden countries showed a high SIR (18.08; 95% CI, 2.55–128.37; P = 0.004), and 11.30 (95% CI, 2.82–45.16; P < 0.001), respectively). Contrary to previous reports that suggest the majority of elderly population with a positive IGRA result were due to remote infection and had a lower TB risk compared to younger ages, SIR among those aged 65 or over from intermediate TB-burden countries was 6.15 (95% CI, 0.87–43.69; P = 0.069), which was comparable to that in younger participants aged between 35 and 49 (SIR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.22–19.49; P = 0.025) or those aged between 50 and 64 (SIR, 4.62; 95% CI, 1.73–12.31; P = 0.002). Conclusion Young immigrants with positive IGRA results from countries with high or intermediate TB burden showed a relatively high TB risk compared to a general South Korea population. In addition, unexpected high TB risk was observed among elderly immigrants with positive IGRA results. In establishing future policies for LTBI in immigrants in South Korea, screenings should primarily focus on younger age group (who aged under 35).Additionally, further research is needed on the high TB risk observed in elderly immigrants.

Objective: We aimed to predict the risk of postoperative adjuvant therapy using preoperative variables in young patients with early stage cervical cancer. The predicted risk can guide whether ovarian transposition should be performed during surgery. Methods: In total, 886 patients with stage IB1-IIA cervical cancer aged 20-45 years who underwent modified radical or radical hysterectomy between January 2000 and December 2008 were included. Preoperative variables, preoperative laboratory findings, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stage, tumor size, and pathological variables were collected. Patients with high risk factors or those who met the Sedlis criteria were considered adjuvant therapy risk (+); others were considered adjuvant therapy risk (-). A decision-tree model using preoperative variables was constructed to predict the risk of adjuvant therapy. Results: Of 886 patients, 362 were adjuvant therapy risk (+) (40.9%). The decision-tree model with four distinct adjuvant therapy risks using tumor size and age were generated. Specifically, patients with tumor size ≤2.45 cm had low risk (49/367; 13.4%), those with tumor size ≤3.85 cm and >2.45 cm had moderate risk (136/314; 43.3%), those with tumor size >3.85 cm and age ≤39.5 years had high risk (92/109; 84.4%), and those with tumor size >3.85 cm and age >39.5 years had the highest risk (85/96; 88.5%). Conclusion The risk of postoperative adjuvant therapy in young patients with early stage cervical cancer can be predicted using preoperative variables. We can decide whether ovarian transposition should be performed using the predicted risk.

Objective: The Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) is a relatively specific test for bipolar disorders designed to assess the main functioning problems experienced by patients. This brief instrument includes 24 items assessing impairment or disability in 6 domains of functioning: autonomy, occupational functioning, cognitive functioning, financial issues, interpersonal relationships, and leisure time. It has already been translated into standardized versions in several languages. The aim of this study is to measure the validity and reliability of the Korean version of FAST (K-FAST). Methods: A total of 209 bipolar disorder patients were recruited from 14 centers in Korea. K-FAST, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered, and psychometric analysis of the K-FAST was conducted. Results: The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) of the K-FAST was 0.95. Test-retest reliability analysis showed a strong correlation between the two measures assessed at a 1-week interval (ICC = 0.97; p ＜ 0.001). The K-FAST exhibited significant correlations with GAF (r = −0.771), WHOQOL-BREF (r = −0.326), YMRS (r = 0.509) and BDRS (r = 0.598). A strong negative correlation with GAF pointed to a reasonable degree of concurrent validity. Although the exploratory factor analysis showed four factors, the confirmatory factor analysis of questionnaires had a good fit for a six factors model (CFI = 0.925; TLI = 0.912; RMSEA = 0.078). Conclusion The K-FAST has good psychometric properties, good internal consistency, and can be applicable and acceptable to the Korean context.