Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Original Article

Type of Work and Subjective Health Components: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Among Workers in Korea: Min Kyung Hyun; Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(1):36-42. Published online February 11, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.02.006

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
This study examined how type of work and working conditions (such as shift work and long working hours) are associated with subjective health components including health-maintenance behaviors, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and self-management strategies for maintaining health among Korean workers.
Methods
A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in November 2021 among adults aged 20-64 years from 17 regions of the Republic of Korea (N = 3,900). Participants were categorized into unpaid family workers, irregular workers, self-employed workers, and permanent employee workers (n = 3,275). Paid workers were subcategorized into shift work (n = 574) and weekly working hours over 41 hours (n = 932). Among the subjective health components, HRQOL and self-management strategies for maintaining health were assessed using tools with proven validity and reliability. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results
Adequate rest, as a health maintenance behavior, was determined to have a statistically significant association with type of work, shift work, and working hours. Shift work and working over 41 hours per week were positively associated with the use of preparation strategies, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.052 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.015-1.090] and 1.035 (95% CI: 1.005-1.067), respectively. Furthermore, shift work negatively correlated with HRQOL (aOR = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.009-0.070).
Conclusion
Subjective health components were influenced by differences in type of work, and working conditions. Utilizing this information to develop indicators for worker health management within Korean medicine and integrative medicine may contribute to efficient health management of workers.

Short Communication

Benefits of Qigong: a 3-Months Online Course: Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa, Maria Imaculada Lima Montebello, Érika Johnson; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(1):57-61. Published online February 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.02.007

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Background
Qigong is an ancient Chinese health practice integrating slow, mindful movements, regulated breathing, and meditative awareness to promote the circulation of vital energy, and enhance overall well-being.
Methods
A prospective, longitudinal, exploratory study was carried out to investigate the effects of Qigong on the overall quality of life following a three-month online Qigong course (n = 21). Data were collected using The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version questionnaire, and supplemented with self-reported measures of pain, anxiety, and sleep quality.
Results
A 10.86% improvement in the overall quality of life (from 68.44 to 75.87; p < 0.001) was observed. Physical (p = 0.003), psychological (p = 0.004), social (p = 0.046), and environmental (p = 0.001) domains also demonstrated meaningful gains, with notable increases in energy levels, daily functioning, self-esteem, and sleep quality. Over half of the participants reported marked reductions in pain severity, and anxiety, and 54.7% experienced improvements in sleep quality (ranging from 70% to 100% of baseline values). Course adherence was high, with most participants expressing satisfaction, willingness to recommend the program, and interest in continuing Qigong practice.
Conclusion
Qigong may boost physical and mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. To corroborate these findings, large-scale, multicenter, randomized, controlled trials are necessary.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Acupuncture for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Andrew Jang, Maren Wenninger, Hyangsook Lee, Shuai Zheng
Journal of Clinical Psychology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Article

An Overview of Clinical Features, and Medical Access Among Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndromes: Analysis of a Nationwide Survey in Korea: Doori Kim, Ui Min Jerng, Jee Young Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2022;1(1):21-33. Published online September 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2022.09.005

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The objective of this study was to identify the clinical features of patients who recovered from COVID-19, and to determine their unmet medical needs and quality of life.
Methods
A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in Korea in June 2022, targeting patients with at least four weeks of symptoms of COVID-19. The questionnaire survey had 37 items across: basic characteristics, acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID) symptoms, access to medical facilities for long COVID, unmet medical needs, long COVID support system, and quality of life.
Results
Among 1,430 responses, 745 (52.1%) respondents had experienced long COVID. The most common symptoms were ear, nose, and throat complications (n = 461, 61.9%), followed by weakness and fatigue (n = 393, 52.8%). Amongst the 745 respondents who experienced long COVID, 337 (45.2%) had visited a medical institution, of which, 84.9% had visited a clinic or hospital for treatment. Korean medicine clinics and hospitals had the highest satisfaction rates (43.4%). There were 242 respondents (32.5%) who reported unmet medical needs for their long COVID. Symptom severity and duration of COVID-19 were risk factors for unmet medical needs. Quality of life was low in those patients with long COVID and unmet medical needs, and decreased further with increased severity and longer duration of symptoms.
Conclusion
Studies on the effects of Korean medicine treatment of long COVID, and establishing a system providing sufficient treatment for patients with long COVID are needed. These findings could be used by clinicians, researchers, and COVID-19-related policymakers.

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