PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.27, July 10, 2025 Article TypeOriginal ArticlePolicy NoteQuickStats

• Original Article 2025-07-10

  0 197 72

  A Comparative Study of Results Based on Changes in the Health Survey Method of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

  Jeong Mi Lee , Misung Kim , Kyungwon Oh , Yunjung Choi , Yukyeong Kang

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(27): 999-1020 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.27.1

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: To improve survey efficiency and reduce the burden on respondents, the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) transitioned selected Health Interview Survey items from face-to-face interviews to a self-administered format by 2022 for respondents aged 19 to 60 years. This study evaluates the impact of this methodological change by analyzing data from 2021 and 2022, focusing on seven health indicators among the 24 items affected by the transition.
  Methods: Survey participants were divided into two groups: those under 60 years of age, who completed self-administered online surveys, and those aged 60 years and older, who participated in face-to-face interviews. We performed comparative analyses using the Rao-Scott chi-square test and t-test to assess differences across survey years.
  Results: Findings showed that the monthly sickbed experience and annual hospitalization rates remained stable over the years, while activity limitation rates increased in both age groups. In the group under 60, outpatient utilization and influenza vaccination rates declined, whereas unmet medical needs and monthly absence rates increased. These changes were not observed in the group aged 60 and over. Notably, similar trends emerged in health screening rates, despite no changes in survey methodology, indicating that some differences may stem from external factors rather than the survey mode alone.
  Conclusions: Differences in the 2022 survey results for respondents under 60 years of age reflect both methodological changes and socio-environmental factors compared to 2021. The self-administered method resulted in lower non-response rates, indicating greater efficiency, but also posing potential risks of misinterpretation. Structural improvements to the questionnaire and ongoing monitoring are essential to maintaining the validity, reliability, and consistency of KNHANES data.

• Policy Note 2025-07-10

  0 178 61

  Development and Planning of Korea’s Comprehensive Inter-Ministerial Exercise System for Emerging Infectious Disease Response

  Young-Man Kim , Bryan Inho Kim , Hyojin Hur , Eun-Mi Park , Sang-Gu Yeo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(27): 1021-1035 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.27.2

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted the importance of a swift and coordinated whole-of-government response system in the face of emerging infectious disease (EID) crises. The purpose of this study was to present the background and rationale for the development of Republic of Korea’s comprehensive inter-ministerial training system to ensure future pandemic preparedness, as well as outline the structure of the planned training framework.
  Methods: The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency established a training system based on inter-ministerial tabletop exercises to clarify ministerial roles and assess the effectiveness of existing crisis response manuals. This study describes the development process of the training system, including the formulation of scenarios, manual revisions, and the selection of participating ministries, based on an analysis of inter-agency response capacities for EIDs.
  Results: Based on response capacity analysis, the training system was structured around five domains and 15 specific elements, emphasizing cross-ministerial participation and collaboration. The training outcomes were intended to inform policy improvements and serve as a basis for updating response manuals.
  Conclusions: The inter-ministerial training system is scheduled for initial implementation in 2025 and is expected to serve as a foundation for enhancing national-level preparedness and coordinated response capabilities during future EID outbreaks.

• QuickStats 2025-07-10

  0 106 57

  Trends in the Perceived Health Status among Adolescents, 2015–2024

  Doyeon Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(27): 1036-1037 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.27.3

  

  

  Full Text Cite Share