Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Real-World Utilization Patterns of Oral Corticosteroids During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Korea.
Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used during pregnancy, but patterns of their usage and indications are understudied. We described OCS utilization among pregnant women in South Korea using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database, 2010-2021. Among 4,574,294 pregnancies, 6.2% (n = 283,001) were exposed to OCS, with the annual prevalence increasing from 4.98% in 2010 to 6.65% in 2021. ⋯ Respiratory and skin diseases were the most common indications, and prescriptions for pregnancy-associated conditions increased notably after 2017, coinciding with insurance coverage for infertility treatments. OCS prescriptions declined during the first trimester and increased near delivery, suggesting discontinuation upon pregnancy recognition. Our findings highlight the common and increasing use of OCS during pregnancy, mainly for acute conditions, underscoring the need for further research on their safety in pregnant populations.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Impact of Government Healthcare Policy Changes on Consumption and Human Movements During COVID-19: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis in Korea.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has altered daily behavioral patterns based on government healthcare policies, including consumption and movement patterns. We aimed to examine the extent to which changes in the government's healthcare policy have affected people's lives, primarily focusing on changes in consumption and population movements. ⋯ Enhancing healthcare policies presents advantages and disadvantages. Although such policies help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they also reduce consumption and mobility, extending the time needed to return to pre-COVID-19 levels. Government healthcare policymakers should consider not only disease prevention but also the impact of these policies on social behaviors, economic activity, and mobility.
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Hearing level reference values based on the results of recent audiometry have not been established for the general population of South Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the mean hearing levels of each age group and to measure the annual progression of hearing loss. ⋯ The present study provides reference values for normal hearing levels by age group, and indirectly reveals the progression of age-related hearing loss. Based on the results, physicians will be able to provide appropriate advice regarding hearing levels and the need for monitoring in the elderly.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Insights Into JKMS Submissions and Medical Journal Publications in Korea.
We analyzed the publication and submission statuses of Korean medical journals from 2010 to 2024, amidst challenges impacting researchers. Data from 58 domestic journals identified through the 2023 JCR database were used to assess publication status, while data from the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) were utilized to examine submission status. ⋯ In contrast, international submissions to JKMS showed consistent growth, surpassing the 15-year average, reflecting growing global interest. Addressing issues, including medical school admission policies and the lingering effects of coronavirus disease 2019, is vital to ensure a sustainable and thriving medical research environment in Korea.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Gaps and Similarities in Research Use LOINC Codes Utilized in Korean University Hospitals: Towards Semantic Interoperability for Patient Care.
The accuracy of Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) mappings is reportedly low, and the LOINC codes used for research purposes in Korea have not been validated for accuracy or usability. Our study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies and similarities in interoperability using existing LOINC mappings in actual patient care settings. ⋯ This study reveals a significant inconsistency rate of over 15% in LOINC mappings utilized for research purposes in university hospitals, underlining the necessity for expert verification to enhance interoperability in real patient care.