Background
Evidence on the association between obesity parameters, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and osteoarthritis is limited. This study aimed to investigate these associations in Korean adults.
Methods
This nationwide cross-sectional study used data from 24,101 adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2020. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for osteoarthritis according to BMI and WC were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results
The prevalence of osteoarthritis was higher in individuals with general (10.0%) and abdominal obesity (12.8%) compared with those without. Greater BMI and WC were associated with a higher prevalence (P<0.001) and risk of osteoarthritis (Model 3, P for trend <0.001). Individuals with general and abdominal obesity were associated with a 1.50-fold (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.35–1.67) and 1.64-fold (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.47–1.84) increased risk of osteoarthritis, compared with those without. Similar associations were observed in subgroups according to age, sex, smoking status, and presence of diabetes mellitus. The odds of osteoarthritis 1.73-fold increased (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.53–1.95) in individuals with both general and abdominal obesity compared with those without any of them.
Conclusion
Greater BMI, WC, and general and abdominal obesity were associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis in Korean adults. Appropriate management of abdominal and general obesity may be important to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

Citations

• Association between waist circumference or weight change after smoking cessation and incidence of cardiovascular disease or all-cause death in Korean adults with type 2 diabetes
  Heajung Lee, Jaeyong Shin, Jae Woo Choi
  Frontiers in Endocrinology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Background
While a great amount of practical attention has been paid to the location of medical specialists' office, little research has been published in Korean medical journals. This study examines the concentration level and the related factors of the location of medical specialists' offi ce. For the related factors of the location, this study considers 1) the relative infl uence of resident vs. daytime population, 2) the relative infl uence of resident vs. university-graduate population, and 3) the ratio of aged population. Methods: This study utilized the Korea Medical Association's "2006 Annual Report Membership Statistics" and the Korea National Statistical Offi ce's "2005 National Population and Housing Census" as data sources. Results: The location of plastic surgeons, dermatologists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, and urologists' offi ce was more concentrated than the average, while the reverse was true for obstetricians, gynecologists, orthopedic surgeons, internists, family physicians, and general surgeon's offi ce. Daytime population was more correlated with the location of doctors' office than resident population in most specialties, with the exception of pediatrics, orthopedic surgery and internal medicine. While university-graduates population was more associated with the location than resident population in most specialties, the reverse was true for orthopedic surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and pediatrics. The ratio of aged population was negatively associated with the location in all the specialties. Conclusion: The concentration level showed considerable differences across specialties. Daytime population and university-graduate population were more related with the location of doctors' offi ce than resident population in most specialties.

Citations

• Equitable City in an Aging Society: Public Transportation-Based Primary Care Accessibility in Seoul, Korea
  Yoonchae Yoon, Jina Park
  Sustainability.2022; 14(16): 9902.     CrossRef

Breaking bad news to patients with an advanced cancer is a difficult task for physicians. Some strategies can be used when breaking bad news to patients with advanced cancer. However, many doctors were not trained sufficiently. 43-year old male complaining of general weakness and melena was diagnosed as an advanced gastric cancer with hepatic metastasis. We could deliver this bad news to the patient and his family step by step. Honest discussion allowed patient to be reassured about many points of concern and helped them to be calmer and to plan and readjust hopes and aims. Bad news cannot be broken gently, but it can be given in a sensitive manner and at the individual's pace. Sometimes doctor's own anxiety can be barrier to tell the truth. When we give the information, we always keep in mind about the respect for truth, the patient's rights, the duty to inform, maintaining hope, and the sanctity of the individual contract between patient and doctor.