Humans ; Smoking Cessation ; Beijing/epidemiology* ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Pandemics/prevention & control* ; Smoking/epidemiology*

Epidemiologic studies have revealed diabetes mellitus is an important determining factor not only for the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) but also for the severity of PAD. As PAD is closely related to mortality and morbidity in individuals with diabetes as well as the general population, the primary prevention for PAD is very important. Age, disease duration, the level of hyperglycemia, blood pressure, and smoking status are independent risk factors for development of PAD in diabetic patients, and management of those risk factors might be an effective tool for reducing PAD burden.
Blood Pressure ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Mortality ; Peripheral Arterial Disease ; Primary Prevention ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

Although colorectal cancer emerged as a major public health concern, its incidence as well as mortality are decreasing during recent years in Korea. Most important contributor for these reduction in disease burden is colorectal cancer screening. Besides screening, primary prevention through risk factor modification could reduce 10% to 54% of colorectal cancer incidence. These factors include limiting alcohol, processed and red meat consumption, and cigarette smoking, maintaining optimal weight, and engaging physical activities.
Colorectal Neoplasms ; Epidemiology ; Incidence ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Mortality ; Motor Activity ; Primary Prevention ; Public Health ; Red Meat ; Risk Factors ; Smoking

Rapid aging, economic development, lifestyle westernization, hygiene improvement, and scientific development have contributed for the epidemiologic changes of gastric cancer. This study aimed to review the descriptive epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention of gastric cancer in Korea. Age-standardized incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have decreased and showed age effect and cohort effect. Annual percent change in the incidence of gastric cancer has been prominent in recent years. Major risk factor of gastric cancer is Helicobacter pylori infection. Although H. pylori infection was associated with only non-cardia gastric cancer in meta-analysis, H. pylori infection was associated with both non-cardia and cardia gastric cancer in Asian studies. The estimated population attributable fraction of H. pylori regarding gastric cancer incidence was about 76% in Korean. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking was associated with gastric cancer regardless of cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer. Cigarette smoking was estimated to be responsible for 28% of gastric cancer incidence in men and 2% in women. Obesity was risk factor for cardia gastric cancer but not non-cardia gastric cancer. This discrepancy between cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer was consistently shown in epidemiologic studies in Korea. Salt intake was also well-known risk factor of gastric cancer and prevalence of high sodium intake more than 2,000mg in Korean was 81.5%. For primary prevention of gastric cancer, eradication of H. pylori and life-style modification including no smoking, no alcohol drinking, weight control, and low sodium intake are important. Gastric endoscopy is recommended for secondary prevention of gastric cancer.
Aging ; Alcohol Drinking ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cardia ; Cohort Effect ; Economic Development ; Endoscopy ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Incidence ; Korea ; Life Style ; Male ; Mortality ; Obesity ; Prevalence ; Primary Prevention ; Risk Factors ; Secondary Prevention ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Sodium ; Stomach Neoplasms

The first national surveillance of COPD in mainland China was carried out in 2014, with the nationally representative data obtained. The national surveillance was significantly important for the monitoring of prevalence, risk factors, and changing trend of COPD among Chinese adults aged ≥ 40. The surveillance was also important in the development of national COPD prevention and control policy, the evaluation of prevention and control progress, the establishment of COPD comprehensive surveillance system, and the building of a professional COPD monitoring and prevention team. In this editorial, we briefly introduced the method and content of COPD surveillance, and reported the rate of spirometry examination and COPD awareness among adults aged ≥40 in China. We also analyzed the rate of main risk factors for COPD, such as tobacco smoking, occupational exposure to dust or chemical and indoor exposure to biomass or coal, and the distribution of high-risk population. This study provided fundamental data for the prevention and control of COPD in China.
Adult ; Aged ; Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data* ; China/epidemiology* ; Chronic Disease/epidemiology* ; Dust ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data* ; Population Surveillance/methods* ; Prevalence ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/prevention & control* ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; Spirometry ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/statistics & numerical data*

PURPOSE: There have been limited studies investigating the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), metabolic diseases, and dietary factors in Korean adults. Here, we examined the association between nutrient intake and serum hsCRP among Korean adults. METHODS: Using data on 2,624 healthy Korean adults (1,537 women and 1,087 men) from the 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary factors were analyzed once the subjects were grouped into either sex, age, or BMI. Nutrient intake was evaluated using the dietary data obtained by one-day 24-hour recall. Based on the guidelines of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association, hsCRP level was classified as HCRPG (High CRP Group, hsCRP > 1 mg/L) and LCRPG (Low CRP Group, hsCRP ≤ 1 mg/L). Proc surveyreg procedure was performed to examine the associations between nutrient intake and hsCRP after adjustment for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: The average hsCRP level of healthy Korean adults was 0.95 ±0.03 mg/L (0.97 ±0.04 mg/L in men, 0.92 ±0.05 mg/L in women). Obese subjects had significantly higher hsCRP than non-obese subjects in both sexes. The hsCRP level was positively associated with current smoking, physical inactivity, BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure and inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol. LCRPG had significantly higher intake of dietary fiber compared to HCRPG in women. High hsCRP level was associated with more dietary cholesterol intake but less omega-3 fatty acid intake among subjects aged ≥ 50y. HCRPG of obese subjects had higher intakes of fat and saturated fatty acid than LCRPG. CONCLUSION: The hsCRP level is closely associated with several lifestyle variables and nutrient intake in healthy Korean adults. Individuals with high hsCRP level show low intakes of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids but high intakes of dietary fat and cholesterol. Our findings suggest that a potential anti-inflammatory role for nutrients and lifestyle in the Korean adult population.
Adult* ; American Heart Association ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; C-Reactive Protein* ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, Dietary ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Dietary Fats ; Dietary Fiber ; Fasting ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Female ; Humans ; Korea* ; Life Style ; Male ; Metabolic Diseases ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide and in Korea as well. Dyslipidemia is considered as a major and modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease. In Korea, the prevalence of dyslipidemia in people aged 30 years or older was 47.8% in 2013, with prevalence increasing as age increases. Men had higher prevalence of dyslipidemia than women (men, 57.6%; women, 38.3%). However, the prevalence of dyslipidemia in women increased rapidly after menopause. Furthermore, dyslipidemia is also rising in childhood and adolescents. The prevalence of hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were higher than hyper-LDL cholesterolemia. However, hyper-LDL cholesterolemia also has been increasing due to the westernized diet and other lifestyle changes. Atherogenic dyslipidemia, which is the combination of these lipoprotein abnormalities, seems to be increasing. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in obese people, and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, which included dyslipidemia as a component of abnormalities, also increased in accordance with dyslipidemia. Also, dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes increased from 27.8% in 2006 to 49.5% in 2013. The awareness and treatment rate of dyslipidemia were lower in comparison with other chronic diseases. By providing information about the risk of dyslipidemia, primary prevention such as weight loss, dietary treatment, and quit smoking and secondary prevention such as early detection and drug treatment are required for reducing the development of cardiovascular disease.
Adolescent ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Chronic Disease ; Diet ; Dyslipidemias* ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertriglyceridemia ; Korea* ; Life Style ; Lipoproteins ; Male ; Menopause ; Mortality ; Obesity ; Prevalence ; Primary Prevention ; Risk Factors ; Secondary Prevention ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Weight Loss

We investigated the interaction effect between body weight perception and chronic disease comorbidities on body weight control behavior in overweight/obese Korean adults. We analyzed data from 9,138 overweight/obese adults > or =20 yr of age from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Multiple logistic regression using an interaction model was performed to estimate the effect of chronic disease comorbidities on weight control behavior regarding weight perception. Adjusted odds ratios for weight control behavior tended to increase significantly with an increasing number of comorbidities in men regardless of weight perception (P<0.05 for trend), suggesting no interaction. Unlike women who perceived their weight accurately, women who under-perceived their weight did not show significant improvements in weight control behavior even with an increasing number of comorbidities. Thus, a significant interaction between weight perception and comorbidities was found only in women (P=0.031 for interaction). The effect of the relationship between accurate weight perception and chronic disease comorbidities on weight control behavior varied by sex. Improving awareness of body image is particularly necessary for overweight and obese women to prevent complications.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Body Image ; Body Mass Index ; Comorbidity ; Educational Status ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/*epidemiology/*prevention & control ; Patient Compliance/*statistics & numerical data ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Sex Characteristics ; Sex Distribution ; Smoking/epidemiology ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; *Weight Perception ; Weight Reduction Programs/*utilization ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: Increased awareness and understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important aspect of disease management. The aim of this study was to explore COPD awareness among smokers participating in a smoking cessation program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 289 subjects in three smoking cessation clinics, using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 68.2% of subjects had COPD-related symptoms, and 19.7% were in poor health. Only 1.0% of the subjects knew that COPD was a respiratory disease. A total of 2.4% of subjects had been diagnosed with COPD and received treatment. Television was the most common source of information about COPD, with 57.1% of the subjects receiving information in this way. After being informed about COPD, smoking-cessation willingness increased in 84.1% of the study group. It increased in 86.3% of the subjects without awareness of COPD and in 81.2% of subjects with COPD-related symptoms. CONCLUSION: We found that awareness of COPD is very poor among current smokers in Korea. Many smokers perceived their health status as good, despite the presence of COPD-related symptoms. As the level of smoking-cessation willingness was different between those with and without awareness of COPD or COPD-related symptoms, a personalized education program with various educational tools may be needed to enhance awareness of the disease and to motivate smokers to quit.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/psychology ; *Awareness ; Female ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Health Status ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motivation ; *Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis/etiology/prevention & control ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea ; Risk Factors ; Smoking/*adverse effects/epidemiology ; Smoking Cessation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies of the attitudes toward COPD of smokers, the group at risk of developing this condition, have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to explore the awareness of and attitudes toward COPD of current smokers. METHODS: The sample consisted of 502 individuals aged 45 and older from throughout Korea who smoked at least 10 packs of cigarettes per year. Telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted with respondents. RESULTS: First, we evaluated the health status of subjects, finding that 45.4% considered themselves to be in good health. We also asked about COPD-related symptoms, and 60.6% of subjects reported such symptoms. However, only 1.2% of subjects had been diagnosed with or treated for COPD, only 0.4% spontaneously mentioned COPD as a respiratory disease, and only 26.5% recognized COPD as a respiratory disease after seeing a list of such diseases. Television ranked as the top source of information about COPD. The willingness of 45.0% of subjects to stop smoking increased after being informed about COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having COPD-related symptoms, most smokers did not know that COPD is a respiratory disease. The attitudes of smokers toward COPD and smoking cessation varied according to socioeconomic status. In summary, a continuous effort to increase the awareness of COPD among smokers is needed. Additionally, strategies tailored according to different socioeconomic groups will also be necessary.
Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*psychology ; *Awareness ; Consumer Health Information ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice/*ethnology ; Health Promotion ; Health Status ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Media ; Middle Aged ; Patient Compliance/ethnology ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis/*ethnology/psychology/therapy ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Smoking/*adverse effects/*ethnology/prevention & control/psychology ; Smoking Cessation/ethnology ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Time Factors