PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.17 No.31, August 08, 2024 Article TypeOriginal ArticlesPolicy NotesQuickStats

• Original Articles 2024-08-08

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  A Study on Public Perception of Government Health Authorities’ Infodemic Management and Communication

  Minsun Shim, Yujin Kim, Jihwan Shin, Jaeyoung Ko, Cheolho Lee, Chul-joo Lee

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(31): 1297-1313 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.31.1

  Abstract

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  We examined public perceptions of health authorities’ infodemic response communication and the perceived necessity of infodemic management for future infectious disease crises. The survey was conducted online with a nationwide sample of 1,000 adults in the Republic of Korea through quota sampling based on age, gender, and region. Findings revealed that while participants perceived health authorities adequately provided information about coronavirus disease 2019 information, they perceived inadequate responses to major societal issues of infodemics such as misinformation, anxiety, fear, social conflict, and distrust. Moreover, there was a high demand for infodemic management and communication strategies for future infectious disease crises. This study suggests the consistent need for systematic and effective infodemic management for future infectious disease responses.

• Original Articles 2024-08-08

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  Tuberculosis Risk and Efficacy of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment among Participants of National Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening Program

  Hyung Woo Kim, Jinsoo Min, Ju Sang Kim, Young-Joon Park, Yujin Kim, Gahee Kim, Gyuri Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(31): 1314-1334 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.31.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  The study aim was to investigate the natural history of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and the efficacy of LTBI treatment among participants in the national LTBI screening program. Individuals who underwent an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) between 2017 and 2020 were included, and tuberculosis ( TB) development was investigated until April 2021. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the risk factors affecting TB incidence among IGRA-negative and IGRA-positive individuals who did not undergo treatment. Additionally, the numbers needed to treat (NNT), stratified by age and interferon levels, were calculated among IGRA-positive individuals who did not undergo treatment and those who completed treatment. A comparison with contacts enrolled within the same period was performed. A total of 1,120,948 participants were included and 798 TB cases were identified. After adjusting for age, sex, history of TB exposure, and high-risk TB conditions, higher interferon levels were associated with a higher risk of TB incidence. This trend was particularly prominent in younger age groups; it was not observed in older age groups. The tendency toward a lower NNT among younger IGRA-positive individuals with higher interferon levels was observed among participants of the national screening program and contacts. Overall, a higher NNT was observed among participants of the national screening program than among contacts. However, among study participants with higher interferon levels who were under the age of 35 years, an NNT comparable to that of contacts was observed. Stratifying TB risk according to age and interferon levels could lead to more efficient LTBI screening and treatment on a national scale. Further research is warranted to validate this strategy.

• Policy Notes 2024-08-08

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  Quality Management for Biomonitoring of Smoking Harmful Effects

  Ye-Ji Kang, Ryeo-Eun Go, Kyoungin Na*, Seonyeo Min

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(31): 1335-1347 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.31.3

  Abstract

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  The “biomonitoring for exposure to tobacco smoke” program is designed to monitor the levels of direct or indirect exposure to tobacco smoke among Koreans and evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation policies. This program measures 11 biomarkers, including nicotine metabolites, alkaloids, and heavy metals, in urine samples collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Quality management is crucial for ensuring the high reliability of measurement results within the overall analysis system. Key components of quality management include internal and external quality controls, inter-laboratory comparisons, assessments of measurement fundamentals, reproducibility evaluations, and on-site assessments. Quality management also involves assessing the relevance of analysis system controls, adherence to guidelines, routine quality control, and participation in international proficiency testing, all overseen by a Quality Management evaluation committee. Thus, institutions involved in the biomonitoring for exposure to tobacco smoke must ensure the appropriateness of their analytical performance by understanding and adhering to quality control guidelines.

• QuickStats 2024-08-08

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  Trends in the Perceived Health Status among Adults, 2013–2022

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(31): 1348-1349 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.31.4

  

  

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