Impact of parental leave system on the childbirth plan among working married women: a three-year follow-up study of the Korean longitudinal survey of women and families.

BACKGROUND: The Korean government seeks to balance work and family and alleviate low fertility by implementing a parental leave system. This study aimed to identify the impact of the parental leave system on childbirth among married working women in South Korea. METHODS: This study used three-year follow-up data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families (2016, 2018, and 2020). The number of participants was 324 at baseline. Logistic regressions using a generalized estimating equation model were performed to examine the impact of parental leave on childbirth. Sub-analyses of covariates, childbirth support, and parental leave systems were conducted. RESULTS: Of workers covered by the parental leave system, 31.7% considered childbirth. Women covered by parental leave were 3.63 times more likely to plan childbirth (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-9.99). The tendency to plan childbirth was pronounced among those in their early 30s (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 7.20) and those who thought that having children was necessary (AOR, 4.30). Child planning was more influenced by leave support (AOR, 6.61) than subsidies. CONCLUSIONS: Parental leave systems can have a positive impact on working married women's childbirth plans. Although this system was effective in a group interested in childbirth, it did not create a fundamental child plan. Time support is more important than money concerning childbirth plans. The parental leave system had an impact on childbirth plan. Appropriate parenting policies can effectively increase the fertility rate.

Socioeconomic Status and Dementia Risk Among Intensive Care Unit Survivors: Using National Health Insurance Cohort in Korea.

BACKGROUND: In aging populations, more elderly patients are going to the intensive care unit (ICU) and surviving. However, the specific factors influencing the occurrence of post-intensive care syndrome in the elderly remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and risk of developing dementia within two years following critical care. METHODS: This study included participants from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Cohort Database who had not been diagnosed with dementia and had been hospitalized in the ICU from 2003 to 2019. Dementia was determined using specific diagnostic codes (G30, G31) and prescription of certain medications (rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, or donepezil). SES was categorized into low (medical aid beneficiaries) and non-low (National Health Insurance) groups. Through a 1:3 propensity score matching based on sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, and primary diagnosis, the study included 16,780 patients. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of dementia. RESULTS: Patients with low SES were higher risk of developing dementia within 2 years after receiving critical care than those who were in non-low SES (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.46). Specifically, patients with low SES and those in the high-income group exhibited the highest incidence rates of developing dementia within two years after receiving critical care, with rates of 3.61 (95% CI: 3.13-4.17) for low SES and 2.58 (95% CI: 2.20-3.03) for high income, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After discharge from critical care, compared to the non-low SES group, the low SES group was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.

Association between alcohol use disorder and risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterised by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep. Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of OSA due to its effects on the upper airway and body mass index (BMI). We aimed to investigate the correlation between alcohol use disorders and OSA. We used 11,859 participants data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The variable of interest was alcohol use disorder, measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the dependent variable was the risk of OSA, measured using the Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, BMI, age, neck circumference, and male gender questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between alcohol use disorder and OSA risk after adjusted analysis. A significant association was found between alcohol use disorder and OSA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.93-2.37). In the unemployed group, those with alcohol use disorder had the highest odds of being at risk of OSA compared with those who did not have this disorder (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 2.04-2.95). The OSA risk increased as the snoring frequency, amount of alcohol consumed, and frequency of binge drinking increased. This study suggests an association between alcohol use disorders and the risk of OSA. The frequency of alcohol consumption, quantity of alcohol consumed, and snoring frequency were associated with the risk of OSA. Therefore, ceasing alcohol consumption is recommended as an effective approach to enhancing sleep quality.

Association between having a meal together with family and smoking: a cross-sectional nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is a major risk factor that significantly affects public health. Although the South Korean government spends significant money on smoking cessation services, the smoking rate remains stagnant. Families influence health-conscious decisions, and family meals can positively affect smoking suppression and health behaviors. Therefore, this study investigated whether family meals are correlated with adults' smoking behaviors. METHODS: This study used data from the 2019-2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Having a meal together with family was defined as "yes" for those who have at least one meal with their family each day and "no" for those who do not. Current smoking status was classified as having smoked at least 5 packs of cigarettes (100 cigarettes) in one's lifetime and having used either conventional cigarettes or e-cigarettes in the last 30 days. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between eating together, smoking, and weight application. RESULTS: When comparing the group that ate with their family compared to the group that did not, the odds ratio for current smoking status was 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.54) for male participants and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.33-2.71) for female participants. This showed a dose-dependent effect according to the frequency of family meals. Those who smoked conventional cigarettes had a strong association (men: OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.00-1.67; women: OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.42-3.46). However, those who only vaped e-cigarettes or used both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes had no statistically significant correlations. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence suggesting that eating meals as a family is related to smoking behavior and can positively affect smoking cessation intentions in adults. Consequently, a smoking cessation program can be developed that uses social support, such as encouraging family meals.

Association between work-related physical activity and depressive symptoms in Korean workers: data from the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.

BACKGROUND: The workplace experiences of employees can impact their mental health. Depressive symptoms, which are experienced by workers, are a mental health issue that deserves attention. Several studies have evaluated physical activity to prevent possible depression in workers in a work environment, however, research on physical activity and depression symptoms directly related to work is still insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to identify the relationship between work-related physical activity and depression among South Korean workers. METHODS: We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020, which included 31,051 participants. We excluded, participants aged < 15 years (n = 4,663), unemployed and economically inactive persons (n = 9,793), those who did not engage in work-related physical activities (n = 1,513) and leisure physical activities (n = 1,558), or those with missing data (n = 450). Therefore, the study included 13,074 participants. Work-related activity was measured by self-reporting, while depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between work-related physical symptoms and depressive symptoms among workers. RESULTS: Individuals who engaged in work-related physical activity had higher PHQ-9 scores than those who did not (male: odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.52; female: OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.66-3.29). High-intensity work-related physical activity significantly increased depressive symptoms (male: OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04-4.43; female: OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.46-5.96). When classified according to the severity of depressive symptom, the OR of depressive symptoms of workers engaged in both leisure and work-related physical activities tended to be lower than that of those engaged only in work-related physical activities. CONCLUSION: Korean workers who engaged in work-related physical activities exhibited more depressive symptoms. Therefore, our findings suggest that balancing work-related and leisure physical activities can help Korean workers prevent development of depressive symptoms.

Association between changes in sensory impairment and functional disability in older adults: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Given the rapidly aging population, the relationship between sensory impairment and functional disability in older adults is gaining attention. Dual sensory impairment is a known risk factor for every competency. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of changes in sensory impairments on functional disabilities. METHODS: The study targeted 5,852 participants from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020). Functional disability was measured using the Korean version of the activities of daily Life and the instrumental activities of daily life scales. Sensory impairment was assessed using self-reported questionnaires. A generalized estimation equation model was used to evaluate the effect of sensory impairment on functional disability over time. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, we observed an association between changes in sensory impairment and functional disability measured by activities of daily life and instrumental activities of daily life. Groups with worsened sensory impairment had a high risk of every competence (activities of daily life: odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.40; instrumental activities of daily life: OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.39). In addition, strong associations have also been shown in dual sensory impairment (activities of daily life: OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.57-2.65; instrumental activities of daily life: OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.95-2.80). CONCLUSION: By addressing sensory impairment early, healthcare providers in Korea can prevent functional disabilities and improve the overall well-being of middle-aged and older adults. Managing the decline in their senses can be beneficial in enhancing their quality of life.

Association between smoking and obstructive sleep apnea based on the STOP-Bang index.

Smoking is a risk factor for respiratory diseases, and it worsens sleep quality due to nicotine stimulation and sudden nicotine withdrawal during sleep. This can increase the severity of OSA through alterations upper airway inflammation and neuromuscular function, arousal mechanisms, and sleep architecture. Therefore, it may lead to sleep-disrupted breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Herein, this study aims to research the association between smoking and OSA through the STOP-Bang index. In this study, total sample of 3442 participants (1465 men and 1977 women) were analyzed. We used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2020 by classifying adults into current, ex-, and non-smokers. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between smoking and OSA. Furthermore, multinomial regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of smoking cessation. For males, compared to the non-smokers, the odds ratios (OR) for the OSA were significantly higher in the ex-smokers (OR: 1.53, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.01-2.32) and current smokers (OR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.10-2.89). In females, higher ORs were observed for OSA risk, similar to the non-smokers, smoking cessation, and pack-years. Among men, OSA was significantly associated with a moderate risk for ex-smokers (OR: 1.61, 95% CI 1.05-2.48) and a severe risk for current smokers (OR: 1.88, 95% CI 1.07-3.29). This study observed that smoking might contribute to OSA risk among adults. Smoking cessation can help to manage sleep quality properly.

Association between smoking behavior and serum uric acid among the adults: Findings from a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Gout incidence is increasing worldwide; appropriate management of serum uric acid levels and a healthy lifestyle may help its prevention. The popularity of electronic cigarettes and the resultant emergence of dual smokers is increasing. Despite many studies on the effects of various health behaviors on serum uric acid levels, the association between smoking and serum uric acid levels remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between smoking and serum uric acid levels. METHODS: In this study, total sample of 27,013 participants (11,924 men and 15,089 women) were analyzed. This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2020) and grouped adults into dual smokers, single smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between smoking behavior and serum uric acid levels. RESULTS: Compared to male non-smokers, male dual smokers had significantly higher serum uric acid level (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.88). In female, serum uric acid level was higher among single smokers than non-smokers (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25-2.25). Higher serum uric acid levels were more likely to be present in male dual smokers with a > 20 pack-year smoking habit (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.06-3.18). CONCLUSION: Dual smoking may contribute to high serum uric acid levels in adults. Thus, serum uric acid levels should be properly managed through smoking cessation.

Association between changes in having of cancer patients in the family and depression: A longitudinal panel study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer diagnosis can cause considerable stress among patients and their families. Both may experience clinical depression and severe anxiety. Therefore, this study investigated the association between the occurrence of cancer patients in the family and the depression among family members. METHODS: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020) were used. A total of 6251 participants who completed the short-form Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10-D) questionnaire were included. General estimating equations were used to assess the temporal effects of changes on depression in the presence of cancer patients in the family. RESULTS: Having cancer patients in the family was associated with a high risk of depression among both men and women (men, Odds Ratio (OR):1.78, 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.13-2.79; women, OR:1.53, 95 % CI 1.06-2.22). Depressive symptoms were particularly high in women, especially when cancer symptoms were more severe than previous surveys (OR: 2.48, 95 % CI 1.18-5.20). LIMITATIONS: First, non-responders were excluded but this could be affected by underestimation bias. Second, depression was defined as the CESD-10-D score, and the biological risk factors of depression could not be identified because of survey-based database. Third, due to the retrospective design study, confirming the causal relationship clearly is difficult. Finally, residual scheming effects of unmeasured variables could not be eliminated. CONCLUSION: Our findings support efforts to diagnose and manage depression in the families of cancer patients. Accordingly, healthcare services and supportive interventions to reduce the psychological factors of cancer patients' families are needed.

Association between Smoking and Periodontal Disease in South Korean Adults.

Smoking poses a threat to global public health. This study analyzed data from the 2016-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate smoking's impact on periodontal health and identify potential risk factors associated with poor periodontal health in Korean adults. The final study population was 9178 patients, with 4161 men and 5017 women. The dependent variable was the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), to investigate periodontal disease risks. Smoking was the independent variable and was divided into three groups. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used in this study. Current smokers had a higher risk of periodontal disease than non-smokers (males OR: 1.78, 95% CIs = 1.43-2.23, females OR: 1.44, 95% CIs = 1.04-1.99). Age, educational level, and dental checkups affected periodontal disease. Men with a higher number of pack years had a higher risk of periodontal disease than non-smokers (OR: 1.84, 95% CIs = 1.38-2.47). Men who quit smoking for less than five years had a higher risk of periodontal disease than non-smokers but lower than current smokers (current OR: 1.78, 95% CIs = 1.43-2.23, ex OR: 1.42, 95% CIs = 1.04-1.96). Those who had quit smoking for less than five years had a higher risk of periodontal disease than non-smokers but lower than current smokers (males OR: 1.42, 95% CIs = 1.04-1.96, females OR: 1.11, 95% CIs = 1.71-1.74). It is necessary to motivate smokers by educating them on the importance of early smoking cessation.

Association between smoking cessation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using NAFLD liver fat score.

Background: Smoking is well known to be associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of liver diseases such as advanced fibrosis. However, the impact of smoking on developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains controversial, and clinical data on this is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between smoking history and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2020 were used for the analysis. NAFLD was diagnosed according to an NAFLD liver fat score of >-0.640. Smoking status was classified as into nonsmokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between smoking history and NAFLD in the South Korean population. Results: In total, 9,603 participants were enrolled in this study. The odds ratio (OR) for having NAFLD in ex-smokers and current smokers in males was 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-1.41) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.08-1.76) compared to that in nonsmokers, respectively. The OR increased in magnitude with smoking status. Ex-smokers who ceased smoking for <10 years (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.00-1.77) were more likely to have a strong correlation with NAFLD. Furthermore, NAFLD had a dose-dependent positive effect on pack-years, which was 10 to 20 (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.86) and over 20 (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14-2.00). Conclusion: This study found that smoking may contribute to NAFLD. Our study suggests cessation of smoking may help management of NAFLD.

Association between Asthma and Oral Health Symptoms in Adolescents.

Oral health is an indicator of patients' overall quality of life. Poor oral health among adolescents with asthma can affect their health in adulthood. This study researched the association between asthma and oral health symptoms in South Korean adolescents. Data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were used. A total of 44,940 students participated in this study. The dependent variables were self-reported oral health symptoms. Asthma was the primary independent variable based on diagnosis in the past 12 months. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used. Students with asthma were associated with oral health symptoms, compared with those without asthma (boys, odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.66; girls, OR: 1.94, 95% CI = 1.40-2.69). Poor health habits, such as low physical activity, higher sweetened beverage consumption, and fewer sleeping hours, were associated with oral health symptoms. Students who did not receive asthma treatment also had higher oral health symptoms (boys, OR: 1.29, 95% CI = 1.13-1.48, girls, OR: 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15-1.57). Students with absence due to asthma had a higher risk of oral health than those without asthma (boys, OR: 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.46, girls OR: 1.28, 95% CI = 1.12-1.46). Students with asthma had a high risk of poor oral health among South Korean adolescents, suggesting more attention be given to regular dental check-ups and maintaining oral hygiene.

Association of the "Weekend Warrior" and Other Physical Activity Patterns with Metabolic Syndrome in the South Korean Population.

These days, it is not common for people to have time to do physical activities regularly because of their own work. So, they perform physical activities all at once, which is often called the "weekend warrior". Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association of the "weekend warrior" and other physical activity patterns with metabolic syndrome. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used, and 27,788 participants were included. The participants were divided into inactive, weekend warriors, and regularly active based on physical activity patterns. The risk of metabolic syndrome in each group was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The inactive and weekend warrior groups showed a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome than the regularly active groups (weekend warrior: odds ratio (OR) 1.29, confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.65; inactive: OR 1.38, CI 1.25-1.53). According to the physical activity patterns, the weekend warrior group showed a dose-response relationship compared to the regularly active group (only moderate: OR 1.85, CI 1.25-2.72; only vigorous: OR 1.41, CI 0.93-2.14; both: OR 0.84, CI 0.56-1.27). This study found increasing the amount of physical activity and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity helped manage metabolic syndrome in the weekend warrior group.