PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Objectives: In 2022, Ongjin-gun, Incheon City, recorded the highest rate of high-risk drinking among metropolitan areas. In light of the region’s unique characteristics, this study aimed to develop an intervention program to reduce high-risk drinking.
Methods: We conducted a literature review, consulted with adults, and performed on-site monitoring to develop an intervention model aimed at reducing high-risk drinking. To ensure practical feedback and validity, the program was implemented over six visits to the island. This study specifically focused on designing an intervention program to address high-risk drinking in the Ongjin-gun.
Results: Considering the region’s unique characteristics, including policy gaps arising from its island setting, support under the Special Act for the Five West Sea Islands, limited healthcare and service infrastructure, the nation’s only off-site public health center, and a high proportion of older adults, an intervention program was developed to reduce high-risk drinking in Ongjin-gun. Consequently, the program comprised the following components: “door-to-door alcohol reduction education,” “physical activity as an alternative to drinking,” “community-based moderation education,” “alcohol-awareness education for middle and high school students,” and “public campaigns on reducing alcohol use.”
Conclusions: Pilot implementation indicated that Ongin-gun has substantial potential to reduce high-risk drinking with sustained support. As an underserved region within the core programs of the Ongjin-gun government, Ongjin-gun requires ongoing policy support for healthcare and recreational services. Given the limited availability and effectiveness of alternative activities and sociocultural infrastructure, comprehensive and multifaceted support for the prevention of high-risk drinking is essential.

Objectives: This study analyzed the current operation of the National Health Information Portal, which provides trustworthy evidence-based health information to the public, to propose directions for improvement in response to the evolving artificial intelligence (AI)-based search environment and increasing demand for personalized health information.
Methods: To examine Portal operation, we reviewed project reports, internal planning documents, content management system data, Google Analytics 4 statistics, and triennial quality assessment results produced by the Seoul National University R&DB Foundation, which has managed the project since 2018. Relevant policy documents and domestic and international best practices were also analyzed to identify directions for improvement.
Results: The Portal operates to achieve its core values of “verified, easy-to-understand, and integrated information” through a standardized authoring and review system. It enhances reliability and accessibility by developing life cycle-based customized content, providing plain language explanations and summaries, and establishing an ontology- and metadata-based management framework. User engagement has been strengthened by improvements in user interfaces, newsletters, and interactive events.
Conclusions: In response to expanding AI-based search availability, the Portal has implemented a Generative Engine Optimization strategy and is exploring strategies to more effectively provide personalized health information in the future, including connectivity with national personal health record systems. The Portal will continue to strengthen its role as a leading public platform that improves health literacy and promotes healthy lifestyle practices in the population.