Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Prognostic Factors for Predicting Post-COVID-19 Condition in Patients With COVID-19 in an Outpatient Setting.
Although data on post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conditions are extensive, the prognostic factors affecting symptom duration in non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are currently not well known. We aimed to investigate the various prognostic factors affecting symptom duration among outpatients with COVID-19. ⋯ The non-use of antivirals, lower 25(OH)D3 levels, leukocytosis, FVC < 90% predicted, and the presence of dyspnea and anxiety/depression symptoms could be useful prognostic factors for predicting post-COVID-19 condition in outpatients with COVID-19. We suggest that the use of antiviral agents during the acute phase and vitamin D supplements might help reduce COVID-19 symptom duration.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Factors Affecting the Preference for Hospitals Over Clinics in Primary Care in Korea.
While the effect of gatekeeping was extensively studied, few efforts have been made to explain why the measures to strengthen gatekeeping do not work well in some countries. This study examined the patient factors related to the choice of level of health care facilities for outpatient care in Korea. ⋯ This study demonstrates that the preference for hospitals over clinics is mainly based on desire rather than medical need and is not likely to be affected by measures intended to induce a voluntary change of behavior.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Associations of Night Shift Status During Pregnancy With Small for Gestational Age and Preterm Births.
Shift work, including night shift work, during pregnancy has been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as small for gestational age (SGA) infants and preterm births. This study, conducted in South Korea using the Korean CHildren's ENvironmental health Study (Ko-CHENS) cohort, aimed to investigate the association between shift work and night shift status during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. ⋯ Working during pregnancy did not increase the risk of SGA or preterm birth, and night shift work did not increase the risk of preterm birth. However, night-shift work increases the risk of SGA.