Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of falls, mental health issues, and health behaviors among older adults, as well as to analyze the association between multiple falls and mental health status in this population. Methods: We utilized data from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey organized by region and conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants were categorized into no-fall, single-fall, and multiple fall groups based on responses to an index question regarding fall experiences and the number of such incidents reported in the survey. The chi-square test was applied to understand the characteristics of the elderly population in the community. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the association between falls and mental health. Results: Integrated data analysis revealed that 11.3% of participants experienced a single fall, while 5.7% reported multiple falls. Participants from low-education and low-income backgrounds exhibited relatively high rates of falls. Additionally, non-drinkers and non-smokers reported falls more frequently than their counterparts who consumed alcohol and smoked. Multinomial logistic regression revealed significant associations between multiple falls and mental health factors. In particular, the severity of depression was directly proportional to the likelihood of experiencing multiple falls, with an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.49 to 3.50). Conclusions We identified associations between various mental health-related factors—including sleep duration, subjective stress, the presence of depression, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score—and the occurrence of multiple falls.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of falls, mental health issues, and health behaviors among older adults, as well as to analyze the association between multiple falls and mental health status in this population. Methods: We utilized data from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey organized by region and conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants were categorized into no-fall, single-fall, and multiple fall groups based on responses to an index question regarding fall experiences and the number of such incidents reported in the survey. The chi-square test was applied to understand the characteristics of the elderly population in the community. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the association between falls and mental health. Results: Integrated data analysis revealed that 11.3% of participants experienced a single fall, while 5.7% reported multiple falls. Participants from low-education and low-income backgrounds exhibited relatively high rates of falls. Additionally, non-drinkers and non-smokers reported falls more frequently than their counterparts who consumed alcohol and smoked. Multinomial logistic regression revealed significant associations between multiple falls and mental health factors. In particular, the severity of depression was directly proportional to the likelihood of experiencing multiple falls, with an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.49 to 3.50). Conclusions We identified associations between various mental health-related factors—including sleep duration, subjective stress, the presence of depression, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score—and the occurrence of multiple falls.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of falls, mental health issues, and health behaviors among older adults, as well as to analyze the association between multiple falls and mental health status in this population. Methods: We utilized data from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey organized by region and conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants were categorized into no-fall, single-fall, and multiple fall groups based on responses to an index question regarding fall experiences and the number of such incidents reported in the survey. The chi-square test was applied to understand the characteristics of the elderly population in the community. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the association between falls and mental health. Results: Integrated data analysis revealed that 11.3% of participants experienced a single fall, while 5.7% reported multiple falls. Participants from low-education and low-income backgrounds exhibited relatively high rates of falls. Additionally, non-drinkers and non-smokers reported falls more frequently than their counterparts who consumed alcohol and smoked. Multinomial logistic regression revealed significant associations between multiple falls and mental health factors. In particular, the severity of depression was directly proportional to the likelihood of experiencing multiple falls, with an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.49 to 3.50). Conclusions We identified associations between various mental health-related factors—including sleep duration, subjective stress, the presence of depression, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score—and the occurrence of multiple falls.

Purpose: Smoking cessation intervention is one of the key components of successful lung cancer screening program. We investigated the effectiveness and related factors of smoking cessation services provided to the participants in a population-based lung cancer screening trial. Materials and Methods: The Korean Lung Cancer Screening Project (K-LUCAS) is a nationwide, multi-center lung cancer screening trial that evaluates the feasibility of implementing population-based lung cancer screening. All 5,144 current smokers who participated in the K-LUCAS received a mandatory smoking cessation counseling. Changes in smoking status were followed up using a telephone survey in 6 months after lung cancer screening participation. The lung cancer screening’s impact on smoking cessation is analyzed by variations in the smoking cessation interventions provided in screening units. Results: Among 4,136 survey responders, participant’s motivation to quit smoking increased by 9.4% on average after lung cancer screening. After 6 months from the initial screening, 24.3% of participants stopped smoking, and 10.6% of participants had not smoked continuously for at least 6 months after screening. Over 80% of quitters stated that participation in lung cancer screening motivated them to quit smoking. Low-cost public smoking cessation program combined with lung cancer screening increased the abstinence rates. The smokers were three times more likely to quit smoking when the smoking cessation counseling was provided simultaneously with low-dose computed tomography screening results than when provided separately. Conclusion A mandatory smoking cessation intervention integrated with screening result counselling by a physician after participation in lung cancer screening could be effective for increasing smoking cessation attempts.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of currently purchasable denture cleansers against Candida albicans. Materials and methods: This study used tablet-type denture cleansers, PolidentⓇ , CoolingdentⓇ and FittydentⓇ , along with liquid denture cleansers, HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ . The antibacterial activities of denture cleansers were evaluated based on the number of C. albicans and concentrations of the denture cleansers. Results: In the 0.5 × 106 cfu/㎖ culture medium, the C. albicans’ death rate of PolidentⓇ was significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ , and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). In the 0.5 × 107 cfu/, the C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly decreased at 0.02 g and 0.01 g. The C. albicans’ death rate of FittydentⓇ was significantly decreased at 0.005 g (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rate of HexamedineⓇ was significantly decreased at 1/16 dilution. The C. albicans’ death rate of ListerineⓇ was decreased at 1/8 dilution, and the antibacterial activity of Apple vinegarⓇ was decreased at 1/4 dilution (P<.05). Conclusion As the number of C. albicans increased, the antibacterial activities of the denture cleansers decrease. In the tablet-type denture cleanser, all denture cleansers showed 100% C. albicans’ death rate when used at a dose of 1 tablet. One denture cleanser showed the same antibacterial effect with only 1/3 of a tablet. In the liquid type denture cleanser, the level of dilution required was different for each denture cleanser.

Background and Objectives: Prior studies have shown that stroke patients treated with percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) experience better outcomes than similar patients treated with warfarin. We investigated the impact of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure on post-stroke neurological outcomes in NVAF patients, compared with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy. Methods: Medical records for 1,427 patients in multiple registries and for 1,792 consecutive patients at 6 Korean hospitals were reviewed with respect to LAAO or NOAC treatment.Stroke severity in patients who experienced ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack after either treatment was assessed with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scoring at hospital discharge and at 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Results: mRS scores were significantly lower in LAAO patients at 3 (p<0.01) and 12 months (p<0.01) post-stroke, despite no significant differences in scores before the ischemic cerebrovascular event (p=0.22). The occurrences of disabling ischemic stroke in the LAAO and NOAC groups were 36.7% and 44.2% at discharge (p=0.47), 23.3% and 44.2% at 3 months post-stroke (p=0.04), and 13.3% and 43.0% at 12 months post-stroke (p=0.01), respectively.Recovery rates for disabling ischemic stroke at discharge to 12 months post-stroke were significantly higher for LAAO patients (50.0%) than for NOAC patients (5.6%) (p<0.01). Conclusions Percutaneous LAAO was associated with more favorable neurological outcomes after ischemic cerebrovascular event than NOAC treatment.

Background and Objectives: Prior studies have shown that stroke patients treated with percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) experience better outcomes than similar patients treated with warfarin. We investigated the impact of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure on post-stroke neurological outcomes in NVAF patients, compared with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy. Methods: Medical records for 1,427 patients in multiple registries and for 1,792 consecutive patients at 6 Korean hospitals were reviewed with respect to LAAO or NOAC treatment.Stroke severity in patients who experienced ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack after either treatment was assessed with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scoring at hospital discharge and at 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Results: mRS scores were significantly lower in LAAO patients at 3 (p<0.01) and 12 months (p<0.01) post-stroke, despite no significant differences in scores before the ischemic cerebrovascular event (p=0.22). The occurrences of disabling ischemic stroke in the LAAO and NOAC groups were 36.7% and 44.2% at discharge (p=0.47), 23.3% and 44.2% at 3 months post-stroke (p=0.04), and 13.3% and 43.0% at 12 months post-stroke (p=0.01), respectively.Recovery rates for disabling ischemic stroke at discharge to 12 months post-stroke were significantly higher for LAAO patients (50.0%) than for NOAC patients (5.6%) (p<0.01). Conclusions Percutaneous LAAO was associated with more favorable neurological outcomes after ischemic cerebrovascular event than NOAC treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of currently purchasable denture cleansers against Candida albicans. Materials and methods: This study used tablet-type denture cleansers, PolidentⓇ , CoolingdentⓇ and FittydentⓇ , along with liquid denture cleansers, HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ . The antibacterial activities of denture cleansers were evaluated based on the number of C. albicans and concentrations of the denture cleansers. Results: In the 0.5 × 106 cfu/㎖ culture medium, the C. albicans’ death rate of PolidentⓇ was significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ , and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). In the 0.5 × 107 cfu/, the C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly lower than those of FittydentⓇ , HexamedineⓇ , ListerineⓇ and Apple vinegarⓇ (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rates of PolidentⓇ and CoolingdentⓇ were significantly decreased at 0.02 g and 0.01 g. The C. albicans’ death rate of FittydentⓇ was significantly decreased at 0.005 g (P <.05). The C. albicans’ death rate of HexamedineⓇ was significantly decreased at 1/16 dilution. The C. albicans’ death rate of ListerineⓇ was decreased at 1/8 dilution, and the antibacterial activity of Apple vinegarⓇ was decreased at 1/4 dilution (P<.05). Conclusion As the number of C. albicans increased, the antibacterial activities of the denture cleansers decrease. In the tablet-type denture cleanser, all denture cleansers showed 100% C. albicans’ death rate when used at a dose of 1 tablet. One denture cleanser showed the same antibacterial effect with only 1/3 of a tablet. In the liquid type denture cleanser, the level of dilution required was different for each denture cleanser.