1.Tobacco cessation: screening and interventions
Yoo-Bin SEO ; Sang-Wook SONG ; Sung-Goo KANG ; Soo Young KIM
Korean Journal of Family Medicine 2025;46(1):12-19
Background:
Tobacco use has been the leading cause of disease and death in South Korea. Early detection of tobacco use and evidence-based interventions play pivotal roles in facilitating tobacco cessation.
Methods:
In accordance with the earlier iterations of the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (2009) and recent recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF; 2021), two themes were chosen for investigation: the identification of and intervention for tobacco use. The USPSTF recommendations were formulated by conducting an overview of reviews. In this study, literature searches and quality assessments of reviews were conducted.
Results:
The findings highlighted the efficacy of physician-led identification and advising in promoting tobacco cessation, with robust evidence supporting the implementation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. These interventions significantly increased the likelihood of successful cessation compared with usual care. Digital interventions, such as internet- or mobile-based interventions, showed additive effects for quitting.
Conclusion
Identification and targeted interventions are essential for tobacco cessation. By leveraging evidencebased strategies and enhancing access to resources, healthcare providers can empower individuals to achieve successful tobacco cessation and improve overall health outcomes.
2.Tobacco cessation: screening and interventions
Yoo-Bin SEO ; Sang-Wook SONG ; Sung-Goo KANG ; Soo Young KIM
Korean Journal of Family Medicine 2025;46(1):12-19
Background:
Tobacco use has been the leading cause of disease and death in South Korea. Early detection of tobacco use and evidence-based interventions play pivotal roles in facilitating tobacco cessation.
Methods:
In accordance with the earlier iterations of the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (2009) and recent recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF; 2021), two themes were chosen for investigation: the identification of and intervention for tobacco use. The USPSTF recommendations were formulated by conducting an overview of reviews. In this study, literature searches and quality assessments of reviews were conducted.
Results:
The findings highlighted the efficacy of physician-led identification and advising in promoting tobacco cessation, with robust evidence supporting the implementation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. These interventions significantly increased the likelihood of successful cessation compared with usual care. Digital interventions, such as internet- or mobile-based interventions, showed additive effects for quitting.
Conclusion
Identification and targeted interventions are essential for tobacco cessation. By leveraging evidencebased strategies and enhancing access to resources, healthcare providers can empower individuals to achieve successful tobacco cessation and improve overall health outcomes.
3.Tobacco cessation: screening and interventions
Yoo-Bin SEO ; Sang-Wook SONG ; Sung-Goo KANG ; Soo Young KIM
Korean Journal of Family Medicine 2025;46(1):12-19
Background:
Tobacco use has been the leading cause of disease and death in South Korea. Early detection of tobacco use and evidence-based interventions play pivotal roles in facilitating tobacco cessation.
Methods:
In accordance with the earlier iterations of the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (2009) and recent recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF; 2021), two themes were chosen for investigation: the identification of and intervention for tobacco use. The USPSTF recommendations were formulated by conducting an overview of reviews. In this study, literature searches and quality assessments of reviews were conducted.
Results:
The findings highlighted the efficacy of physician-led identification and advising in promoting tobacco cessation, with robust evidence supporting the implementation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. These interventions significantly increased the likelihood of successful cessation compared with usual care. Digital interventions, such as internet- or mobile-based interventions, showed additive effects for quitting.
Conclusion
Identification and targeted interventions are essential for tobacco cessation. By leveraging evidencebased strategies and enhancing access to resources, healthcare providers can empower individuals to achieve successful tobacco cessation and improve overall health outcomes.
4.Tobacco cessation: screening and interventions
Yoo-Bin SEO ; Sang-Wook SONG ; Sung-Goo KANG ; Soo Young KIM
Korean Journal of Family Medicine 2025;46(1):12-19
Background:
Tobacco use has been the leading cause of disease and death in South Korea. Early detection of tobacco use and evidence-based interventions play pivotal roles in facilitating tobacco cessation.
Methods:
In accordance with the earlier iterations of the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (2009) and recent recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF; 2021), two themes were chosen for investigation: the identification of and intervention for tobacco use. The USPSTF recommendations were formulated by conducting an overview of reviews. In this study, literature searches and quality assessments of reviews were conducted.
Results:
The findings highlighted the efficacy of physician-led identification and advising in promoting tobacco cessation, with robust evidence supporting the implementation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. These interventions significantly increased the likelihood of successful cessation compared with usual care. Digital interventions, such as internet- or mobile-based interventions, showed additive effects for quitting.
Conclusion
Identification and targeted interventions are essential for tobacco cessation. By leveraging evidencebased strategies and enhancing access to resources, healthcare providers can empower individuals to achieve successful tobacco cessation and improve overall health outcomes.
5.Endoscope Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines for Primary Care Physicians
Yoo-Bin SEO ; Seung Hee KIM ; Eon Sook LEE ; Seung Jin JUNG ; Sang Keun HAHM
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2024;14(4):165-171
The reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes and accessories, including pre-cleaning, cleaning, high-level disinfection, rinsing, drying, and storage, is essential for preventing infections during endoscopic procedures. The risk of infection is significantly minimized when these processes are performed properly. However, the reprocessing environment in primary care settings differs from that in endoscopy centers, and ongoing advancements in medical practices and reprocessing technologies highlight the need for updated, context-specific guidelines. The Korean Academy of Family Medicine has developed these guidelines, tailored to the unique conditions of primary care settings, through a comprehensive review of both international and local standards, as well as systematic reviews of relevant literature. This guideline presents step-by-step procedures and key principles for effective endoscope reprocessing, with a focus on the needs of primary care institutions. By adhering to these guidelines, primary care physicians can maintain the highest standards of safety and effectiveness, minimize infection risks, and promote optimal clinical outcomes.
6.Smoking Cessation Treatment in Primary Care
Hye-ji AN ; Cheol-Min LEE ; Yoo-Bin SEO ; Eon-Sook LEE ; Yu-Jin PAEK
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2024;14(4):184-192
Smoking is a major health risk factor contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although most smokers express a desire to quit— or they attempt to do so—, achieving smoking cessation solely through individual willpower is often challenging. Primary care plays a pivotal role in supporting smoking cessation efforts by increasing the likelihood of success. Even brief advice from a physician significantly increases the chance of quitting, and combining counseling with pharmacotherapy further improves cessation rates. Particular attention is required for smokers in special populations, such as those with cardiovascular diseases or mental health conditions, wherein tailored and proactive smoking cessation interventions are crucial. Digital health tools, including smartphone applications and text messaging interventions, have recently emerged as effective strategies to support personalized smoking cessation behaviors. Furthermore, institutional support, such as national programs, quitlines, and post-screening counseling for lung cancer, are critical resources that promote successful cessation. Primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to foster longterm smoking cessation success through sustained relationships with patients by leveraging these tools and resources to provide comprehensive and continuous care.
7.The Importance of Dietary Intervention in Obesity Management
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2024;14(4):193-202
Obesity is a critical global health issue, with escalating prevalence over the past few decades. This review discusses the importance of dietary approaches in managing obesity, focusing on evidence-based strategies for weight loss and long-term health outcomes. Key interventions include low-calorie diets, very-low-calorie diets, and meal replacement programs, which have demonstrated varying efficacies in achieving weight reduction and improving metabolic health. Macronutrient-focused approaches such as low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and low-fat diets offer flexibility, and long-term results often depend on individual adherence. The quality and source of macronutrients are emphasized for achieving long-term health outcomes. To improve adherence to dietary therapy, time-restricted eating can be considered based on an individual’s lifestyle and health conditions. Emerging evidence supports dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, vegetarian, and Nordic diets to improve cardiometabolic profiles. Personalized dietary interventions are crucial for sustainable lifestyle changes and the optimization of weight management.
8.Endoscope Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines for Primary Care Physicians
Yoo-Bin SEO ; Seung Hee KIM ; Eon Sook LEE ; Seung Jin JUNG ; Sang Keun HAHM
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2024;14(4):165-171
The reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes and accessories, including pre-cleaning, cleaning, high-level disinfection, rinsing, drying, and storage, is essential for preventing infections during endoscopic procedures. The risk of infection is significantly minimized when these processes are performed properly. However, the reprocessing environment in primary care settings differs from that in endoscopy centers, and ongoing advancements in medical practices and reprocessing technologies highlight the need for updated, context-specific guidelines. The Korean Academy of Family Medicine has developed these guidelines, tailored to the unique conditions of primary care settings, through a comprehensive review of both international and local standards, as well as systematic reviews of relevant literature. This guideline presents step-by-step procedures and key principles for effective endoscope reprocessing, with a focus on the needs of primary care institutions. By adhering to these guidelines, primary care physicians can maintain the highest standards of safety and effectiveness, minimize infection risks, and promote optimal clinical outcomes.
9.Smoking Cessation Treatment in Primary Care
Hye-ji AN ; Cheol-Min LEE ; Yoo-Bin SEO ; Eon-Sook LEE ; Yu-Jin PAEK
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2024;14(4):184-192
Smoking is a major health risk factor contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although most smokers express a desire to quit— or they attempt to do so—, achieving smoking cessation solely through individual willpower is often challenging. Primary care plays a pivotal role in supporting smoking cessation efforts by increasing the likelihood of success. Even brief advice from a physician significantly increases the chance of quitting, and combining counseling with pharmacotherapy further improves cessation rates. Particular attention is required for smokers in special populations, such as those with cardiovascular diseases or mental health conditions, wherein tailored and proactive smoking cessation interventions are crucial. Digital health tools, including smartphone applications and text messaging interventions, have recently emerged as effective strategies to support personalized smoking cessation behaviors. Furthermore, institutional support, such as national programs, quitlines, and post-screening counseling for lung cancer, are critical resources that promote successful cessation. Primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to foster longterm smoking cessation success through sustained relationships with patients by leveraging these tools and resources to provide comprehensive and continuous care.
10.The Importance of Dietary Intervention in Obesity Management
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2024;14(4):193-202
Obesity is a critical global health issue, with escalating prevalence over the past few decades. This review discusses the importance of dietary approaches in managing obesity, focusing on evidence-based strategies for weight loss and long-term health outcomes. Key interventions include low-calorie diets, very-low-calorie diets, and meal replacement programs, which have demonstrated varying efficacies in achieving weight reduction and improving metabolic health. Macronutrient-focused approaches such as low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and low-fat diets offer flexibility, and long-term results often depend on individual adherence. The quality and source of macronutrients are emphasized for achieving long-term health outcomes. To improve adherence to dietary therapy, time-restricted eating can be considered based on an individual’s lifestyle and health conditions. Emerging evidence supports dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, vegetarian, and Nordic diets to improve cardiometabolic profiles. Personalized dietary interventions are crucial for sustainable lifestyle changes and the optimization of weight management.

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