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Most-download articles are from the articles published in 2022 during the last three month.

Editorial
Preparedness for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases
Jong-Koo Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):265-266.   Published online August 29, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0236
  • 595 View
  • 157 Download
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Review Article
Pandemics: past, present, and future: multitasking challenges in need of cross-disciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary collaborative solutions
Amir Khorram-Manesh, Frederick Martin Burkle Jr, Krzysztof Goniewicz
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):267-285.   Published online July 23, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0372
  • 4,240 View
  • 608 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 3 Crossref
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
The extensive history of pandemics has spanned many centuries, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and public health, and thereby shaping the course of history in various ways. Advances in medicine, science, and public health practices have played a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of pandemics over time. This review explores the scientific landscape of contemporary pandemics, examining their diverse and complex nature. It goes beyond the biological aspects of pandemics to consider socioeconomic, environmental, and technological factors. Through a scientific lens, this study aims to understand the complexities of pandemics and contribute to the expanding knowledge base that helps humanity strengthen its defenses against global health threats. By elucidating the enigmas of pandemics, the study hopes to foster a more resilient and prepared global health environment. Highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary approach, this exploration emphasizes the critical need to integrate biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and technological domains to develop more robust defenses against these global health challenges.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Shaping Safety: Unveiling the Dynamics of Incident Reporting and Safety Culture in Saudi Arabian Healthcare
    Hind Alsahli, Ahmed Al-Wathinani, Tariq Althobaiti, Mohammed Abahussain, Krzysztof Goniewicz
    Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.2024; Volume 17: 3775.     CrossRef
  • The Impacts of Narcissistic Leadership on Achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—A Scoping Review
    Amir Khorram-Manesh, Krzysztof Goniewicz, Frederick M. Burkle
    Challenges.2024; 15(3): 37.     CrossRef
  • Global Health Emergencies of Extreme Drought Events: Historical Impacts and Future Preparedness
    Zakaria A. Mani, Amir Khorram-Manesh, Krzysztof Goniewicz
    Atmosphere.2024; 15(9): 1137.     CrossRef
Original Articles
Novel prophylactic and therapeutic multi-epitope vaccine based on Ag85A, Ag85B, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using an immunoinformatics approach
Muhammad Fikri Nugraha, Daniel Alexander Changestu, Rizky Ramadhan, Tasya Salsabila, Arsila Nurizati, Sari Eka Pratiwi, Ysrafil Ysrafil
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):286-306.   Published online July 26, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0026
  • 1,276 View
  • 73 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Current tuberculosis (TB) control strategies face limitations, such as low antibiotic treatment compliance and a rise in multidrug resistance. Furthermore, the lack of a safe and effective vaccine compounds these challenges. The limited efficacy of existing vaccines against TB underscores the urgency for innovative strategies, such as immunoinformatics. Consequently, this study aimed to design a targeted multi-epitope vaccine against TB infection utilizing an immunoinformatics approach.
Methods
The multi-epitope vaccine targeted Ag85A, Ag85B, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 proteins. The design adopted various immunoinformatics tools for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), helper T lymphocyte (HTL), and linear B lymphocyte (LBL) epitope prediction, the assessment of vaccine characteristics, structure modeling, population coverage analysis, disulfide engineering, solubility prediction, molecular docking/dynamics with toll-like receptors (TLRs), codon optimization/cloning, and immune simulation.
Results
The multi-epitope vaccine, which was assembled using 12 CTL, 25 HTL, and 21 LBL epitopes associated with CpG adjuvants, showed promising characteristics. The immunoinformatics analysis confirmed the antigenicity, immunogenicity, and lack of allergenicity. Physicochemical evaluations indicated that the proteins were stable, thermostable, hydrophilic, and highly soluble. Docking simulations suggested high-affinity binding to TLRs, including TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9. In silico immune simulation predicted strong T cell (cytokine release) and B cell (immunoglobulin release) responses.
Conclusion
This immunoinformatics-designed multi-epitope vaccine targeting Ag85A, Ag85B, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 proteins showed promising characteristics in terms of stability, immunogenicity, antigenicity, solubility, and predicted induction of humoral and adaptive immune responses. This suggests its potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against TB.
Chronic kidney disease in Indonesia: evidence from a national health survey
Puti Sari Hidayangsih, Dwi Hapsari Tjandrarini, Noor Edi Widya Sukoco, Nikson Sitorus, Ika Dharmayanti, Feri Ahmadi
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2023;14(1):23-30.   Published online February 14, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0290
  • 5,009 View
  • 348 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Several previous studies have stated that consuming certain foods and beverages might increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to examine the relationships of food and beverage consumption with other risk factors for CKD. Methods: Data sources included the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) and the National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), which were analyzed using a cross-sectional design. The study samples were households from 34 provinces in Indonesia, and the analysis was performed with provincial aggregates. Data were analyzed using risk factor analysis followed by linear regression to identify relationships with CKD. Results: The prevalence of CKD in Indonesia was 0.38%. The province with the highest prevalence was North Kalimantan (0.64%), while the lowest was found in West Sulawesi (0.18%). Five major groups were formed from 15 identified risk factors using factor analysis. A linear regression model presented 1 significant selected factor (p=0.006, R2 =31%). The final model of risk factors included water quality, consumption of fatty foods, and a history of diabetes. Conclusion: Drinking water quality, fatty food consumption, and diabetes are associated with CKD. There is a need to monitor drinking water, as well as to promote health education and provide comprehensive services for people with diabetes, to prevent CKD.
Individual and contextual factors associated with measles infection in Malaysia: a multilevel analysis
Mohd Rujhan Hadfi Mat Daud, Nor Azwany Yaacob, Wan Nor Arifin, Jamiatul Aida Md Sani, Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(5):429-439.   Published online August 21, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0156
  • 690 View
  • 45 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Despite effective vaccination strategies, measles remains a global public health challenge. The study explored individual and contextual factors associated with measles infection in Malaysia from 2018 to 2022, informing the development of targeted public health interventions.
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilised data from the Ministry of Health, the Department of Statistics, and the Department of Environment Malaysia. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to examine individual-level factors, including age, sex, ethnicity, nationality, contact history, travel history, and vaccination status. Concurrently, contextual factors were assessed, encompassing district-level determinants such as population density, median household income, urbanisation, the number of health and rural clinics, vaccination rates, PM2.5 levels, relative humidity, and temperature, to determine their impact on measles infection risk.
Results
Measles infection was significantly associated with various individual factors. These included age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.03), ethnicity, non-Malaysian nationality (aOR, 34.53; 95% CI, 8.42–141.51), prior contact with a measles case (aOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.07–2.69), travel history (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.13–4.70), and vaccination status (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72–0.79). Among contextual factors, urbanisation (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.16–2.10) and the number of clinics (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99) were significant determinants.
Conclusion
This multilevel logistic regression analysis illuminates the complexities of measles transmission, advocating public health interventions tailored to individual and contextual vulnerabilities. The findings highlight the need for a synergistic approach that combines vaccination campaigns, healthcare accessibility improvements, and socioeconomic interventions to effectively combat measles.
Immunoinformatics approach for design novel multi-epitope prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine based on capsid proteins L1 and L2 and oncoproteins E6 and E7 of human papillomavirus 16 and human papillomavirus 18 against cervical cancer
Nicholas Ryan, Sari Eka Pratiwi, Mardhia Mardhia, Ysrafil Ysrafil, Delima Fajar Liana, Mahyarudin Mahyarudin
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):307-328.   Published online July 23, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0013
  • 1,408 View
  • 73 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study aimed to identify the optimal protein construction for designing a multi-epitope vaccine with both prophylactic and therapeutic effects against cervical cancer, utilizing an immunoinformatics approach. The construction process involved using capsid epitopes L1 and L2, as well as oncoproteins E5, E6, and E7 from human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18.
Methods
An experimental in silico analysis with an immunoinformatics approach was used to develop 2 multi-epitope vaccine constructs (A and B). Further analysis was then conducted to compare the constructs and select the one with the highest potential against cervical cancer.
Results
This study produced 2 antigenic, non-allergenic, and nontoxic multi-epitope vaccine constructs (A and B), which exhibited the ideal physicochemical properties for a vaccine. Further analysis revealed that construct B effectively induced both cellular and humoral immune responses.
Conclusion
The multi-epitope vaccine construct B for HPV 16 and 18, designed for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, met the development criteria for a cervical cancer vaccine. However, these findings need to be validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Prevalence and patterns of post-COVID-19 symptoms in recovered patients of Delhi, India: a population-based study
Nidhi Bhatnagar, Mongjam Meghachandra Singh, Hitakshi Sharma, Suruchi Mishra, Gurmeet Singh, Shivani Rao, Amod Borle, Tanu Anand, Naresh Kumar, Binita Goswami, Sarika Singh, Mahima Kapoor, Sumeet Singla, Bembem Khuraijam, Nita Khurana, Urvi Sharma, Suneela Garg
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):229-237.   Published online May 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0251
  • 1,688 View
  • 86 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms were widely reported. However, data on post-COVID-19 conditions following infection with the Omicron variant remained scarce. This prospective study was conducted to understand the prevalence, patterns, and duration of symptoms in patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A prospective study was conducted across 11 districts of Delhi, India, among individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. Study participants were enrolled, and then returned for post-recovery follow-up at 3 months and 6 months interval. Results: The mean age of study participants was 42.07 years, with a standard deviation of 14.89 years. The majority of the participants (79.7%) reported experiencing post-COVID-19 symptoms. The most common symptoms included joint pain (36.0%), persistent dry cough (35.7%), anxiety (28.4%), and shortness of breath (27.1%). Other symptoms were persistent fatigue (21.6%), persistent headache (20.0%), forgetfulness (19.7%), and limb weakness (18.6%). The longest duration of symptom was observed to be anxiety (138.75±54.14 days), followed by fatigue (137.57±48.33 days), shortness of breath (131.89±60.21 days), and joint pain/swelling (131.59±58.76 days). At the first follow-up visit, 2.2% of participants presented with abnormal electrocardiogram readings, but no abnormalities were noticed during the second follow-up. Additionally, 4.06% of participants exhibited abnormal chest X-ray findings at the first followup, which decreased to 2.16% by the second visit. Conclusion: The most frequently reported post-COVID-19 symptoms were joint pain, dry cough, anxiety and shortness of breath. These clinical symptoms persisted for up to 6 months, with evidence of multi-system involvement. Consequently, findings highlighted the need for long-term follow-up during the post-COVID-19 period.
Infectious disease research in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region: a scientometric analysis
Joseph Christian Obnial, Catherine Joy Escuadra, Adriana Viola Miranda, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, III
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):329-339.   Published online August 2, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0058
  • 981 View
  • 55 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study compared the research output of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to understand research trends and clarify past, present, and future patterns using scientometric techniques.
Methods
This scientometric study systematically mined health and social science publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases using keywords associated with infectious disease. The analysis included only English-language articles and review articles by authors from any ASEAN country. Publication, citation, and text co-occurrence network analyses were performed. R Studio and VOSviewer enabled data management, analysis, and visualization.
Results
Searches identified 12,511 articles published between 1925 and 2022, with a notable increase in research publications since 2003. The leading journals on infectious disease were associated with established publishing houses, including BMC, BMJ, and The Lancet. The most-cited articles were primarily global burden of disease studies, with 7,367 citations. Among ASEAN countries, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore had the most publications and collaborative efforts on the topic. Analysis of keyword co-occurrence revealed clusters related to global health, dengue, bacterial studies, non-dengue viral topics, and diagnostics. Most early studies examined diagnostics, gene and sequencing methodologies, and virology; later, the focus shifted toward herbal and alternative medicine.
Conclusion
Recently, the research capacity of Southeast Asia has expanded dramatically, with substantial contributions from high-income countries. Intense cooperation between member states is essential, emphasizing the role of HICs in supporting their neighbors. Increased research efforts and collaboration must be dedicated to innovative approaches to combat persistent health conditions, along with emerging issues like climate change.
Editorial
Which infectious diseases are currently posing problems in the Republic of Korea? One out of every two tuberculosis patients is over 65 years old
Jong-Koo Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(5):383-384.   Published online October 31, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0301
  • 92 View
  • 29 Download
PDF
Original Articles
Menstrual hygiene management and its determinants among adolescent girls in low-income urban areas of Delhi, India: a community-based study
Suneela Garg, Nidhi Bhatnagar, Mongjam Meghachandra Singh, Saurav Basu, Amod Borle, Yamini Marimuthu, Falak Azmi, Yomri Dabi, Indu Bala
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2022;13(4):273-281.   Published online August 31, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0127
  • 5,018 View
  • 325 Download
  • 6 Web of Science
  • 6 Crossref
AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in developing countries is linked to human rights, social justice, and the education and empowerment of young girls. The objective of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene practices and their determinants among adolescent girls, including school dropouts, and the effects of pad distribution programs in urban resettlement areas of Delhi, India.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to February 2020 in urban resettlement colonies and 2 villages of Delhi among 1,130 adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years, who were interviewed face to face.
Results
In total, 954 participants (84.4%) used only disposable sanitary pads, 150 (13.3%) used both sanitary pads and cloths, and 26 (2.3%) used only cloths (n=1,130). Most school-going girls utilized the scheme for pad distribution, but only two-thirds of the girls who were out of school utilized the scheme. In the adjusted analysis, girls with lower educational status, those who had dropped out of school, and those from the Muslim religious community were more likely to use cloths for MHM.
Conclusion
More than 4 out of 5 adolescent girls in Delhi in low-income neighborhoods preferred sanitary pads for MHM. The government free pad scheme reached near-universal utilization among school-going girls (97%), but the subsidized pad scheme for girls who did not attend school was insufficiently utilized (75%).

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Factors Associated with Exclusive Use of Hygienic Methods during Menstruation among Adolescent Girls (15–19 Years) in Urban India: Evidence from NFHS-5
    Doli Roy, Nuruzzaman Kasemi, Manik Halder, Malasree Majumder
    Heliyon.2024; 10(8): e29731.     CrossRef
  • Enhancement of Health-related Quality of Life among School-going Adolescent Girls with Improvement in Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices
    Akanksha Goyal, Sunita Agarwal
    Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences.2024; 12(1): 73.     CrossRef
  • Menstrual practice needs among college going women in Coimbatore district, India: an analytical cross-sectional study
    Vijayakumar Ramya, Mohan Kumar, Jeevithan Shanmugam, N. Seetharaman, Sushmitha Mahanshetty, Srihari Dhandapani, P. Aparnavi, Thavansree Durairaj, Ramesh Rathinamoorthy
    Discover Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Menstrual Hygiene Problems and Challenges Faced by Adolescent Females in Rural Areas: A Narrative Review
    Vijiya Kashyap, Sonali G Choudhari
    Cureus.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Perceived difficulties in maintaining menstrual hygiene practices among indigenous adolescents during seasonal water scarcity periods in Bandarban hill district of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
    Imdadul Haque Talukdar, M.A. Rifat, Plabon Sarkar, Nobonita Saha, Mesfin Kassaye Tessma, Md. Ibrahim Miah
    International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental.2023; 254: 114268.     CrossRef
  • Menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent women in rural India: a cross-sectional study
    Aditya Singh, Mahashweta Chakrabarty, Shivani Singh, Rakesh Chandra, Sourav Chowdhury, Anshika Singh
    BMC Public Health.2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
Identifying risk factors for COVID-19 cluster infections in schools in the Republic of Korea: a case-control study
Jihyun Choi, Seongju Choi, Baigu Lee, Young-Joon Park, Sang Eun Lee
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):375-382.   Published online July 11, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0351
  • 2,158 View
  • 51 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
No study has yet analyzed risk factors to determine whether students with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections may affect students at neighboring schools. Therefore, this study aimed to determine risk factors for COVID-19 transmission among schools within a community in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
An epidemiological investigation was conducted among 696 students and school staff members at 3 schools where COVID-19 clusters began on October 15, 2021. Interviews, visit history surveys, a facility risk assessment, and closed-circuit television were used to identify risk factors. The statistical significance of risk factors was also evaluated.
Results
We confirmed 129 cases (18.5%) among the individuals exposed to COVID-19 at the 3 schools, many of whom had a history of visiting the same multi-use facilities. The odds ratio of having visited multi-use facilities such as karaoke rooms was 1.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.50); the number of visits to a karaoke room and the visit durations were significantly higher among confirmed cases than non-confirmed cases (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively).
Conclusion
Having a history of visiting karaoke rooms often and spending a long time there were risk factors for COVID-19 infection and inter-school transmission. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the status of multi-use facilities frequently visited by adolescents and consider incorporating them into the scope of school quarantine to prevent infectious diseases at schools in a community.
Review Article
Effectiveness of virtual reality-supported exercise therapy in improving upper extremity function and activities of daily living among patients after stroke: a systematic review of randomized control trials
Priyanshi Dixit, Uma Phalswal, Nipin Kalal, Saumya P. Srivastava
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(3):189-200.   Published online May 24, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0148
  • 2,212 View
  • 93 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This systematic review describes the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-supported exercise therapy on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living after stroke. Methods: Studies published through January 24, 2022, were identified using CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science. Randomized control trials comparing VR treatment with conventional therapy (CT) for upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results: Of 9 included studies, 5 concluded that the VR group outperformed control participants, 1 indicated the superiority of VR-supported exercises alone over CT, and 3 found VR comparable to CT in promoting upper limb motor function. Five studies analyzed independence in daily living, with 4 reporting no significant difference between VR and CT groups. No strong evidence indicated long-term benefits of VR-assisted exercise. All included studies demonstrated low risk of bias concerning random sequence generation, allocation concealment, outcome assessment blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting bias. However, a high risk of bias was observed regarding participant blinding due to the nature of the intervention. Conclusion: Most studies suggested that VR, used alongside CT, can improve motor function following stroke. However, the evidence was insufficient to conclude that VR outperforms conventional approaches.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Protocol Based on Art Therapy in Patients with Stroke: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
    Gaetano Tieri, Marco Iosa, Antonio Fortini, Federica Aghilarre, Federico Gentili, Cristiano Rubeca, Tommaso Mastropietro, Gabriella Antonucci, Roberto De Giorgi
    Brain Sciences.2024; 14(9): 863.     CrossRef
  • Elevating patient experience: Transformative strategies in hand therapy
    Jean Paul Brutus, Bianieff Tchiloemba, Anna Galstyan, Tom Lattré, Aviva Wolff, Alison Taylor
    Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation.2024; : 101764.     CrossRef
Original Articles
Impact of COVID-19 on human immunodeficiency virus tests, new diagnoses, and healthcare visits in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study from 2016 to 2021
Yeonju Kim, Eonjoo Park, Yoonhee Jung, Koun Kim, Taeyoung Kim, Hwa Su Kim
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):340-352.   Published online August 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0123
  • 714 View
  • 31 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Public health workers have been at the forefront of treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and managing the pandemic. The redeployment of this workforce has limited or interrupted other public health services, including testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing and diagnosis in the Republic of Korea from 2016 to 2021, comparing data before and after the onset of COVID-19.
Methods
Annual HIV testing data were collected from each institution through direct communication or from open-source databases. The annual number of new HIV cases was obtained from the official report of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Data on healthcare visits for HIV diagnosis or treatment were extracted from the open-source database of the National Insurance Health Service of Korea. Interrupted time series regression was conducted, stratified by institution type.
Results
In 2020, HIV tests, diagnoses, and visits decreased. Notably, public health centers experienced a substantial reduction in 2020−2021 compared to previous years. The annual percentage change in HIV tests was −53.0%, while for HIV diagnoses, it was −31.6%. The decrease in visits for HIV was also most pronounced for public facilities: −33.3% in 2020 and −45.6% in 2021 relative to 2019.
Conclusion
The numbers of tests, diagnoses, and healthcare visits for HIV at public health centers in the Republic of Korea substantially decreased in 2020 and 2021. The impacts of these changes on the early diagnosis and treatment of HIV necessitate further monitoring.
Comparative safety of monovalent and bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccines in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea
Mijeong Ko, Seontae Kim, Seok-Kyoung Choi, Seung Hwan Shin, Yeon-Kyeng Lee, Yunhyung Kwon
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):364-374.   Published online July 9, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0081
  • 1,053 View
  • 62 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study analyzed the safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bivalent and monovalent booster vaccines, including the frequency of adverse events (AEs) such as myocarditis and pericarditis, in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the Republic of Korea. We aimed to share the safety profile of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster doses.
Methods
We analyzed the frequencies of AEs reported to the COVID-19 vaccination management system (CVMS) or self-reported through the text message survey (TMS). Diagnostic eligibility and causality with vaccines were compared using odds ratios (ORs) by vaccine type, and incidence rates per 100,000 person-days were calculated for confirmed cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following monovalent and bivalent booster doses.
Results
In the CVMS, the AE reporting rate (per 100,000 doses) was lower after the bivalent booster (66.5) than after the monovalent booster (264.6). Among the AEs reported for both monovalent and bivalent vaccines 98.3% were non-serious and 1.7% were serious. According to the TMS, both local and systemic AEs were reported less frequently after the bivalent vaccination than after the monovalent vaccination in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (p<0.001). The incidence rates per 100,000 person-days for confirmed myocarditis/pericarditis following monovalent and bivalent booster doses were 0.03 and 0.05, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (OR, 1.797; 95% confidence interval, 0.210–15.386).
Conclusion
AEs in 12- to 17-year-olds following the bivalent booster were less frequent than those following the monovalent booster in the Republic of Korea, and no major safety issues were identified. However, the reporting rates for AEs were low.
Evaluation of the acute hepatitis B surveillance system in the Republic of Korea following the transition to mandatory surveillance
Jaehwa Chung, Jeonghee Yu, Myeongeun Cheon, Sangwoo Tak
Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2024;15(4):353-363.   Published online August 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0083
  • 615 View
  • 34 Download
Graphical AbstractGraphical Abstract AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
The prevalence of hepatitis B in the Republic of Korea has declined, yet the disease burden persists. After various changes in targets and methods, the national hepatitis B surveillance system now exclusively monitors acute cases. We aimed to assess the alignment of this system with its intended purpose and to recommend improvements supporting the national strategic plan for viral hepatitis management.
Methods
This study assessed acute hepatitis B cases reported to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s mandatory surveillance system over a 10-year period (2013–2022). It evaluated 5 factors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems: simplicity, positive predictive value, data quality, timeliness, and usefulness.
Results
The nonspecific nature of acute hepatitis B symptoms, along with the complexity of diagnostic criteria, indicated a high potential for misreporting. The surveillance system demonstrated a high positive predictive value (94.4%), with data quality and timeliness also rated high. However, data following the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic indicate the need for improvement. Moreover, given the relative importance of specific characteristics of chronic infectious diseases, only limited interventions are implementable through the current surveillance system.
Conclusion
The evaluation of the Republic of Korea’s acute hepatitis B surveillance system revealed high positive predictive value, data quality, and timeliness. However, improvements can be made in the misreporting of chronic cases and the system’s usefulness. More accurate reflection of the characteristics of acute hepatitis B cases is essential for better management of viral hepatitis.

PHRP : Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
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