Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2023
Assessing the Fear Factor of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea Using the COVID-19 Phobia Scale: A Cross-Sectional Study.
A study on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) phobia among students revealed that fear of contracting COVID-19 was associated with commuting to school and spending time with others at school. Therefore, it is the need-of-the-hour for the Korean government to identify factors affecting COVID-19 phobia among university students and to consider these factors while framing the policy direction for the process of returning to normalcy in university education. Consequently, we aimed to identify the current state of COVID-19 phobia among Korean undergraduate and graduate students and the factors affecting COVID-19 phobia. ⋯ The Korean government, in their pursuit of a policy that eases COVID-19-related restrictions, will also have to spare no efforts in providing correct information to prevent the escalation of COVID-19 phobia among people with a high fear of contracting the disease. This should be done through trustworthy information sources, such as the media, public agencies, and COVID-19 professionals.
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As in every field, online information has become increasingly used in health. However, it is well known that some information online containing health advice is incorrect and may even include false statements. For this reason, it is crucial for public health that individuals reach reliable, high-quality resources when they are trying to obtain health information. Studies have been conducted on the quality and reliability of online information about many diseases, but no similar study has been found in the literature on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ YouTube should be considered a complex structure where accurate and reliable health information can be presented, as well as erroneous and misleading information. Users should understand the importance of video sources and focus their research on videos from doctors, academics, and universities.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2023
The Impact of Persistent Low Weight Status on the Occurrence of Vertebral Fractures: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.
Although, being underweight is commonly associated with osteoporosis and sarcopenia, its association with vertebral fractures (VFs), is less well researched. We investigated the influence of cumulative, chronic periods of low weight and changes in body weight on VF development. ⋯ Low weight is a risk factor for VFs in the general population. Given the significant correlation between cumulative periods of low weight and the risk of VFs, it is necessary to treat underweight patients before a VF to prevent its development and other osteoporotic fractures.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2023
Relationship Between the Serum FGF21 Level and Growth in Children of Short Stature.
This study investigated the relationship between fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels and growth in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS), and the effects of the FGF21 level on response to growth hormone (GH) treatment. ⋯ The FGF21 level was higher in children of short stature, both those with GHD and the ISS, than in children with normal growth. The pretreatment FGF21 level negatively affected the GV of children with GH-treated GHD. These results suggest the existence of a GH/FFA/FGF21 axis in children.