Busan, South Korea – Busan Metropolitan City has released the findings of the 2023 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, revealing significant improvements in several key health indicators among its citizens.
The annual survey, initiated in 2008, involves face-to-face interviews to gather statistics on various health-related behaviors like smoking, drinking, and physical activity. These statistics play a crucial role in shaping health policies and healthcare initiatives.
Key Findings of the 2023 Survey
- Reduced High-Risk Drinking Rates: The survey showed a decrease in high-risk drinking rates among Busan citizens, with the rate dropping to 12.6% from 13.5% in 2022, marking a significant improvement compared to the national median.
- Increased Physical Activity: A notable increase in physical activity was observed, with the walking practice rate reaching 53.2% and the overall healthy living practice rate climbing to 39.3%. These figures surpass the national averages, indicating a more health-conscious community.
- Smoking Rates: While there was a slight increase in the current smoking rate to 18.8%, it remains below the national average, suggesting a smaller increase compared to the broader trend.
- Chronic Disease Management: Awareness about chronic disease management has significantly increased, with more citizens being aware of their blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Minor Deterioration in Mental Health: There’s a slight decline in subjective health perception and a small increase in depression rates, indicating areas that need more attention.
Busan City plans to utilize the survey results along with other nationally recognized health statistics for developing health policies and conducting health projects. Special focus will be on enhancing projects for preventing recurrent cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, and supporting artificial intelligence-based retinal examinations. The city also plans to expand the 1530 Healthy Walking Movement and utilize local health and wellness centers as health management platforms.
The 2023 Community Health Survey paints a promising picture of Busan’s health landscape, showing a community increasingly engaged in healthier lifestyles. Despite some challenges in mental health, the overall positive trends align with the city’s goals to enhance the wellbeing of its citizens through informed, data-driven health policies.
