Objectives: This study aimed to explore the causes of obesity among middle-ageed women in rural areas through a socio-ecological approach and propose strategies of obesity management. Methods: We selected two rural areas called the I and Y counties. For the quantitative aspect, secondary data and geospatial-analysis were used, whereas for the qualitative aspect, focus group interviews and official documents reviews were conducted. Results: Obesity was related more to low levels of physical activity (OR=1.811, p.01) than to high levels. Groups that utilized nutritioin labels less tended to be more obese (OR=1.564, p.05) than the other groups. The number of fast-food stores in the I county was twice as high as that in the Y county. The I county had poor conditions than the Y county in terms of public resources. The related factors could be divided in the following categories: (1) Body weight self-management; (2) Peers to exercise together; (3) Access to fresh food and exercise facility; (4) Health budget and lack of leisure programs. Conclusion: There were various obesity causes, and, thus, intervening one factor cannot be a proper solution. Therefore, a social-ecological approach should be utilized to address the obesity issues.

Objectives: This study evaluates the effects of the intervention program based on self-determination theory, which planned to raise capability in self-health management among middle-aged women living in rural areas. Methods: Each component of self-determination- Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence-was applied to the intervention program. A parametric/non-parametric test was conducted to analyze data as the sample size was less than 30. Results: The intervention of the study was effective in raising leisure deprivation(p.05), healthy lifestyle(p.01), dietary habits(p.01), and self-capability awareness(p.05). Additionally, the body mass index, body fat, muscle mass, and indicators of basic physical ability such as muscle endurance and cardiopulmonary-endurance were imporved. However, changes in attitudes regarding regular exercise, physical and psychological state, and self-efficacy were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The intervention based on self-determination theory can be considered effective in imbibing skills that are required to positively change health behavior among middle-aged women. In conclusion, given the effects of the program, the intervention supported the participants to acquire health-behavior skills. Thus, we believe the intervention program based on self-determination theory can be utilized as a standard model in a wide range of health promotion fields.

This study aimed to identify the time to diagnosis among COVID-19 patients and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (DD). Data from COVID-19 patients in Gangwon, South Korea, diagnosed between 22 February 2020 and 29 January 2022, were analyzed, excluding asymptomatic cases and those who underwent mandatory testing. DD was defined as a period exceeding 2 or more days from symptom recognition to COVID-19 diagnosis. Univariate analysis was performed to investigate the demographic characteristics, COVID-19 symptoms, and underlying medical conditions associated with DD, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis for significant variables. Among 2683 patients, 584 (21.8%) were diagnosed within a day of symptom onset. DD rates were lower in patients with febrile symptoms but higher among those with cough, myalgia, or anosmia/ageusia. High-risk underlying medical conditions were not significantly associated with DD. Older age groups, the Wonju medical service area, time of diagnosis between November 2020 and July 2021, symptom onset on nonworkdays, and individuals in nonwhite collar sectors were significantly associated with increased DD risks. These findings were consistent in the sensitivity analysis. This study underscores the need for enhanced promotion and system adjustments to ensure prompt testing upon symptom recognition.

Yeojin Kim, Naae Lee, Yangjun Park, Seungmin Jeong, Sugeun Ham, Won Sup Oh, Yukyung Park. Korean J healthc assoc Infect Control Prev 2025;30:188-95. https://doi.org/10.14192/kjicp.2025.30.2.188