PURPOSE:Violence victimization is a known risk factor for adolescent suicidal ideation, yet moderating factors remain poorly understood. This study examined whether aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity (PA) differentially moderated the violence victimization-suicidal ideation association. METHODS:Four waves of the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (KYRBS 2021-2024; n = 214,218) were analyzed using complex sample logistic regression. Aerobic PA (0-7 days/week) and muscle-strengthening PA (0-5+ days/week) were modeled continuously, with linear and quadratic terms to test interactions with violence victimization, adjusting for psychosocial and sociodemographic covariates. Sex- and SES-stratified analyses and formal three-way interaction tests were conducted. RESULTS:Overall, 13.3% reported suicidal ideation, versus 38.9% among violence-victimized adolescents (OR = 3.43). Aerobic PA showed a non-monotonic interaction with violence: odds of suicidal ideation were elevated at 1-3 days/week (ORs 1.4-1.8) but attenuated at ≥ 4 days/week, a pattern nominally strongest among males. Muscle-strengthening PA showed elevated odds at higher frequencies (≥ 3 days/week; ORs 1.4-1.9) rather than low frequencies, though this association was not statistically significant in continuous models. DISCUSSION:Both PA types showed frequency-dependent, nonlinear associations inconsistent with single-threshold framing. Findings are associational and hypothesis-generating, requiring prospective confirmation.

PURPOSE:Circadian rhythms regulate key physiological and behavioral processes. Modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular schedules, artificial lighting, and late-night eating disrupt these rhythms, leading to metabolic and emotional health disturbances. Latenight eating misaligns the circadian clock, affecting neurotransmitter function, hormonal rhythms, and inflammatory pathways, thereby increasing the risk of mood disorders. METHODS:This review synthesizes findings from human and animal studies that examined the effects of late-night eating on circadian misalignment and emotional health. Studies were selected on the basis of the ir relevance to circadian disruption and mood regulation. This review categorizes the physiological mechanisms involved and evaluates dietary timing interventions, such as time-restricted eating (TRE), earlier meal timing, and meal regularity as potential strategies to mitigate these effects. RESULTS:Late-night eating delayed melatonin onset, elevated nocturnal cortisol levels, disrupted serotonin and dopamine rhythms, and increased systemic inflammation, contributing to emotional instability. Aligning mealtimes with the circadian rhythm improves sleep quality, neurotransmitter balance, and stress resilience. TRE and earlier meal timing show promise in mitigating these effects, although further research is needed to optimize the strategies for different chronotypes and metabolic profiles. CONCLUSION:Circadian-aligned meal timing is a practical and noninvasive approach to mitigate the adverse effects of late-night eating on metabolic and emotional health. Future research should refine personalized chrononutrition interventions and assess their long-term effects on mood disorders. Implementing meal-timing strategies based on circadian science could serve as a crucial tool for improving public health and preventing diet-related emotional dysregulation.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome poses a serious public health concern among working adults, especially in the context of increasing rates of obesity and hypertension. These lifestyle-related conditions are intricately linked to sleep patterns, dietary behaviors, and physical activity.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine how sleep duration, energy intake, and physical activity levels—key lifestyle factors—are associated with metabolic syndrome based on the presence or absence of obesity and hypertension among working Korean adults.MethodsWe analyzed 6,503 working Korean adults aged 20–59 years using cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey covering 2016–2018. This study divided the participants based on their obesity and hypertension status. We assessed the participants’ sleep duration on weekdays and weekends, their total dietary energy consumption and macronutrient intake using a 24-h dietary recall method conducted by trained interviewers, and occupational and recreational physical activities, and movement levels in MET min/week. We evaluated metabolic syndrome components using standard criteria and examined between-group differences using two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.ResultsIndividuals with hypertension had significantly shorter weekday sleep (p < 0.05) and weekend sleep durations (p < 0.001) than those without. The highest total energy intake was significantly higher in obese individuals with hypertension than in those without hypertension (p < 0.05) and non-obese individuals with hypertension (p < 0.001). Furthermore, obese individuals with hypertension showed higher levels of occupational vigorous and total physical activities than those without hypertension (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas no difference was observed between obese and non-obese individuals with hypertension.ConclusionThis study concludes that hypertension and obesity may reinforce each other through reduced sleep duration, lower physical activity levels, and increased energy intake, thereby exacerbating metabolic syndrome. To prevent metabolic syndrome in working adults, multiple aspects of sleep, nutrition, and physical activity that match their unique risk profiles must be considered.

IntroductionThis study assesses the impact of dietary modification, specifically sugary snack restriction, in conjunction with a brisk walking program on overweight management in young overweight women, with a focus on changes in body composition and glucose metabolism.MethodAn 8-week randomized controlled trial was conducted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a remote intervention approach to comply with health guidelines and ensure participant safety. The study’s remote nature highlights adaptability in health interventions during challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-one overweight Korean women aged 20–39, with an average BMI of 24.6, were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups: one engaging in brisk walking and the other combining this exercise with a sugary snack restriction, demonstrating the study’s focus on comparative intervention efficacy.ResultsThe exercise-only group showed notable reductions in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), and total cholesterol levels (p < 0.01). In contrast, the group that combined exercise with dietary modification displayed more pronounced improvements in body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). This differential outcome emphasizes the added benefit of integrating dietary control with physical activity.DiscussionThe findings suggest that adding a dietary component, particularly a sugary snack restriction, to an exercise regimen can significantly enhance the effectiveness of overweight management in young women. This study underscores the importance of holistic lifestyle interventions that combine dietary and physical activity modifications for improved health outcomes.

[Purpose] To determine the correlations of differences in the income level with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), energy intake, and physical activity across Korean elderly populations.[Methods] We obtained data from 2,139 elderly individuals (aged >65 years) based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2016‒2018). We analyzed the levels of physical activity (PA) and energy intake using the survey data. Moreover, we analyzed the differences in energy intake and PA levels according to the income level and MetS.[Results] Compared with the non-MetS group, the MetS group displayed significantly higher levels of waist circumference (p=0.000), triglycerides (p=0.000), systolic blood pressure (p=0.000), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.016), and fasting blood glucose (p=0.000) for both high and low income levels. However, the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in the MetS group than that in the non-MetS group (p=0.000). The level of smoking in non-MetS men was significantly higher than that in MetS men across all participants (p=0.047). Except carbohydrate intake, the total energy intake (p=0.022), fat intake (p=0.009), and protein intake (p=0.005) were significantly lower in the MetS group than those in the non-MetS group for high income levels. We obtained similar results for low income levels. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not identify an interaction between the income level and the presence of MetS; however, the total energy, i.e., the level of total energy intake, was significantly lower in participants with low income levels than in those with high income levels. For high income levels, transport PA (p=0.002), vigorous recreational PA (p=0.001), moderate recreational PA (p=0.001), and total PA (p=0.000) were significantly lower in the MetS group than those in the non-MetS group. For low income levels, moderate occupational PA (p=0.012), transport PA (p=0.018), and total PA ((p=0.000) were significantly lower in the MetS group than those in the non-MetS group. The total PA, i.e., the level of energy consumption, was significantly lower in the elderly with low income levels than in those with high income levels.[Conclusion] Regardless of the income level, the elderly with MetS exhibited low levels of energy intake and PA, compared with those without MetS. In addition, regardless of the presence of MetS, the elderly with low income levels exhibited lesser energy intake and PA. These findings implied the need for balanced nutrient intake and increased participation in PA as well as education and program development to prevent MetS in the elderly.

Background Participation in exercise, and dietary and nutritional intakes have an impact on the risk and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but these effects may differ according to whether a person lives alone or in a multi-person household. We analyzed differences in physical activity (PA) levels and energy intake according to household-type and MetS presence among young adults, to investigate the relationships among these factors. Methods Data of 3974 young adults (aged > 19 years and < 40 years) were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). We analyzed PA levels (occupational and recreational PA, and transport) and energy intake (total, carbohydrate, protein, and fat). Results Logistic regression data showed that low PA levels and higher energy intake were associated with MetS incidence and its components in young adults, after adjusting for body mass index, smoking, household-type, and sex. Overall, there was no significant difference in PA level between the MetS and non-MetS group. The total energy intake was higher in the MetS than in the non-MetS group ( p < 0.05). These results were similar to those found in multi-person households. In single-person households, the MetS group had significantly lower PA levels ( p < 0.01) and total energy intake ( p < 0.05) than the non-MetS group. Conclusions We found significant association among low PA levels, high energy intake, and MetS components in young Korean adults, but with patterns differing according to household type. Energy intake was higher in young adults with than those without MetS, who lived in multi-person households, while young adults with MetS who lived alone had lower PA levels and lower energy intake than those without MetS. These findings highlight the need for different approaches of implementing PA and nutrition strategies according to the type of household in order to prevent MetS.

현대 한국사회에서 영웅은 국가를 위해 희생한 전통적인 호국영웅, 재난현장에서 생명을 구조한 시민영웅, 심지어 인간의 생명을 구조하는 데 일조한 개나 고양이에게도 영웅 칭호가 부여될 정도로 사회 일반에 폭넓게 퍼져있다. 그것은 아마도 영웅의 사회적 가치에 대한 (재)발견에서 그 원인의 하나를 추론할 수 있을 것이다. 시시각각으로 일어나는 각종 사고, 코로나 팬더믹과 같은 유래를 찾아보기 힘든 재난 상황, 날로 험악해지는 범죄 등 악화하는 사회적, 자연적 환경 속에서 영웅은 존재 가치가 더욱 선명해지기 때문이다. 하지만 우리나라의 영웅 연구는 양적인 측면에서 제한적일 뿐만 아니라 영웅을 고전적 또는 사전적 개념으로 접근함으로써 변화하고 있는 영웅형상에 대한 심도 있는 고찰이 거의 이루어지지 않고 있다. 본 연구는 영웅의 긍정적 기능에 기초하여 그들을 우리 사회로 (재)소환하기 위해서는 기초 연구가 필수적이라는 인식하에 최근(2011년~2020년) 우리나라 언론 속에 드러나는 영웅형상을 분석하였다. 그 결과, 크게 세 가지 유형, 즉 국가나 민족을 수호하거나 발전시키는 데 기여한 사람, 타인의 행복과 이익에 도덕적 의의를 부여하고 행동한 사람, 단순히 사회적으로 성공을 거둔 사람을 영웅으로 부르고 있으며 이에 덧붙여 영웅적 행동과는 무관하게 자긍심 고취와 격려를 목적으로 특정 집단의 구성원들에게도 영웅 칭호를 부여하고 있음이 드러났다. 이것은 한국사회가 영웅 칭호를 과도하게 사용하고 있음을 나타나며 비록 친사회적 행동의 확산을 자극케 하는 긍정적 기능이 있을지라도 영웅의 질적 하락을 막기 위해서라도 영웅 개념에 대한 학문적 검토가 필요함을 함의한다.

PURPOSE:This study analyzed data from the 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016‒2018) to compare the differences in energy intake and physical activity (PA) levels in middle-aged Korean men aged 40-59 years according to household type and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).METHODS:Data from 2,266 young adults (aged >39 years and <60 years) were obtained from the KNHANES. We analyzed the differences in energy intake and PA levels according to household type and MetS. The presence or absence of MetS was determined by measuring waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and HDL-C levels.RESULTS:Regarding total nutritional intake, no relationship with MetS was observed regardless of household type (interaction between MetS and household type: p = 0.875). No differences in total PA were observed between multiple- and single-person households (interaction between MetS and household type: p = 0.122). The relationship between MetS and MetS components according to nutritional intake showed that participants with a higher energy intake had a 27% lower prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05) and a 36% higher prevalence of high blood pressure (p < 0.01). The relationship between MetS and MetS components according to the PA level showed significantly reduced prevalence of MetS by approximately 39%, 35%, and 43% (p < 0.01, 0.01, and 0.001) in subjects who were somewhat active, active, and very active, respectively, compared to inactivity.CONCLUSION:Middle-aged men showed no difference in nutritional intake and PA between multiple- and single-person households. However, the risk of MetS was significantly higher in participants with approximately 1.5 times the energy intake compared to the group with the lowest energy intake. Moreover, higher levels of PA had a marked positive effect on the risk factors and prevalence of MetS. Therefore, we suggest that reducing the total energy intake and increasing total PA are important for preventing MetS in middle-aged men regardless of household type.

Despite the great socioeconomic burden of stroke, there have been few reports of stroke statistics in Korea. In this scenario, the Epidemiologic Research Council of the Korean Stroke Society launched the “Stroke Statistics in Korea” project, aimed at writing a contemporary, comprehensive, and representative report on stroke epidemiology in Korea. This report contains general statistics of stroke, prevalence of behavioral and vascular risk factors, stroke characteristics, pre-hospital system of care, hospital management, quality of stroke care, and outcomes. In this report, we analyzed the most up-to-date and nationally representative databases, rather than performing a systematic review of existing evidence. In summary, one in 40 adults are patients with stroke and 232 subjects per 100,000 experience a stroke event every year. Among the 100 patients with stroke in 2014, 76 had ischemic stroke, 15 had intracerebral hemorrhage, and nine had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke mortality is gradually declining, but it remains as high as 30 deaths per 100,000 individuals, with regional disparities. As for stroke risk factors, the prevalence of smoking is decreasing in men but not in women, and the prevalence of alcohol drinking is increasing in women but not in men. Population-attributable risk factors vary with age. Smoking plays a role in young-aged individuals, hypertension and diabetes in middle-aged individuals, and atrial fibrillation in the elderly. About four out of 10 hospitalized patients with stroke are visiting an emergency room within 3 hours of symptom onset, and only half use an ambulance. Regarding acute management, the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment was 10.7% and 3.6%, respectively. Decompressive surgery was performed in 1.4% of patients with ischemic stroke and in 28.1% of those with intracerebral hemorrhage. The cumulative incidence of bleeding and fracture at 1 year after stroke was 8.9% and 4.7%, respectively. The direct costs of stroke were about ₩1.68 trillion (KRW), of which ₩1.11 trillion were for ischemic stroke and ₩540 billion for hemorrhagic stroke. The great burden of stroke in Korea can be reduced through more concentrated efforts to control major attributable risk factors for age and sex, reorganize emergency medical service systems to give patients with stroke more opportunities for reperfusion therapy, disseminate stroke unit care, and reduce regional disparities. We hope that this report can contribute to achieving these tasks. Keywords: Stroke; Statistics; Epidemiology

Despite predictions that modernization would threaten the existence of religion, Korean religions have thrived throughout the process of modernization. Unlike many Western countries, where Christianity is the principal religion, multiple religions and beliefs have co-existed in Korea since antiquity. Thus, even if social change brings the downfall of one religion, another religion takes its place. Although Korea has never historically seen the decline of religion, a decrease in the religious population has been observed since 2010. We believe this is attributable to the secularization of institutional religions and could be interpreted as another choice or change in itself, rather than as evidence of the decline or deterioration of religiosity. We argue that Korean religions are going through the post-secularization process, wherein people seek out their own individual spirituality. Based on Western theories of secularization and post-secularization, we examine the changes in Korean religious diversity, and discuss the challenges they face. This will, finally, lead to helping reveal what Korean religious institutions have to do for Koreans to find their way into religion again.

Despite predictions that modernization would threaten the existence of religion, Korean religions have thrived throughout the process of modernization. Unlike many Western countries, where Christianity is the principal religion, multiple religions and beliefs have co-existed in Korea since antiquity. Thus, even if social change brings the downfall of one religion, another religion takes its place. Although Korea has never historically seen the decline of religion, a decrease in the religious population has been observed since 2010. We believe this is attributable to the secularization of institutional religions and could be interpreted as another choice or change in itself, rather than as evidence of the decline or deterioration of religiosity. We argue that Korean religions are going through the post-secularization process, wherein people seek out their own individual spirituality. Based on Western theories of secularization and post-secularization, we examine the changes in Korean religious diversity, and discuss the challenges they face. This will, finally, lead to helping reveal what Korean religious institutions have to do for Koreans to find their way into religion again.