Objectives: This study explored the stigma and mental health challenges that vulnerable populations faced during COVID-19 using in-depth interviews with 32 participants. Methods: A generic qualitative methodology was employed, with data collected via face-to-face and Zoom interviews conducted from March to August 2021. Results: Two major themes emerged: the nature of stigmatization and mental health impacts.The participants reported increased exposure to personal information, worsening institutional stigmatization, and routine social exclusion, leading to internalized stigma. They experienced extreme fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and declining physical health. Conclusion The results underscore the necessity of a comprehensive mental health support system that integrates psychological interventions, stigma prevention education, anti-stigma initiatives, and customized policies. Future research should investigate the prolonged impact of pandemic-induced stigma and devise effective strategies for support and intervention.

Objectives: This study explored the stigma and mental health challenges that vulnerable populations faced during COVID-19 using in-depth interviews with 32 participants. Methods: A generic qualitative methodology was employed, with data collected via face-to-face and Zoom interviews conducted from March to August 2021. Results: Two major themes emerged: the nature of stigmatization and mental health impacts.The participants reported increased exposure to personal information, worsening institutional stigmatization, and routine social exclusion, leading to internalized stigma. They experienced extreme fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and declining physical health. Conclusion The results underscore the necessity of a comprehensive mental health support system that integrates psychological interventions, stigma prevention education, anti-stigma initiatives, and customized policies. Future research should investigate the prolonged impact of pandemic-induced stigma and devise effective strategies for support and intervention.

Objectives: This study explored the stigma and mental health challenges that vulnerable populations faced during COVID-19 using in-depth interviews with 32 participants. Methods: A generic qualitative methodology was employed, with data collected via face-to-face and Zoom interviews conducted from March to August 2021. Results: Two major themes emerged: the nature of stigmatization and mental health impacts.The participants reported increased exposure to personal information, worsening institutional stigmatization, and routine social exclusion, leading to internalized stigma. They experienced extreme fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and declining physical health. Conclusion The results underscore the necessity of a comprehensive mental health support system that integrates psychological interventions, stigma prevention education, anti-stigma initiatives, and customized policies. Future research should investigate the prolonged impact of pandemic-induced stigma and devise effective strategies for support and intervention.

Objectives: This study explored the stigma and mental health challenges that vulnerable populations faced during COVID-19 using in-depth interviews with 32 participants. Methods: A generic qualitative methodology was employed, with data collected via face-to-face and Zoom interviews conducted from March to August 2021. Results: Two major themes emerged: the nature of stigmatization and mental health impacts.The participants reported increased exposure to personal information, worsening institutional stigmatization, and routine social exclusion, leading to internalized stigma. They experienced extreme fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and declining physical health. Conclusion The results underscore the necessity of a comprehensive mental health support system that integrates psychological interventions, stigma prevention education, anti-stigma initiatives, and customized policies. Future research should investigate the prolonged impact of pandemic-induced stigma and devise effective strategies for support and intervention.

Background: s/Aims: Reported incidence of extrahepatic bile duct cancer is higher in Asians than in Western populations. Korea, in particular, is one of the countries with the highest incidence rates of extrahepatic bile duct cancer in the world. Although research and innovative therapeutic modalities for extrahepatic bile duct cancer are emerging, clinical guidelines are currently unavailable in Korea. The Korean Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery in collaboration with related societies (Korean Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery Society, Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology, Korean Society of Medical Oncology, Korean Society of Radiation Oncology, Korean Society of Pathologists, and Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine) decided to establish clinical guideline for extrahepatic bile duct cancer in June 2021. Methods: Contents of the guidelines were developed through subgroup meetings for each key question and a preliminary draft was finalized through a Clinical Guidelines Committee workshop. Results: In November 2021, the finalized draft was presented for public scrutiny during a formal hearing. Conclusions The extrahepatic guideline committee believed that this guideline could be helpful in the treatment of patients.