Daegu Citizens Reduced Smoking and Drinking but Obesity Rate Exceeds 30% ... Regional Health Survey

Namgu Health Center, Diabetes Treatment Rate Rises 14.5 Percentage Points Compared to 10 Years Ago, Awarded 'Minister of Health Award'

On May 13, when Daegu City mandated mask-wearing in public facilities and on public transportation, all passengers on Daegu Subway Line 2 were wearing masks.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Amid the overall well-being culture in society, Daegu citizens have shown a high interest in health by reducing smoking and alcohol consumption. However, significant disparities exist between districts and counties across various indicators, indicating the need for health policies tailored to the characteristics of each region.

According to the '2019 Community Health Survey' released by Daegu City on the 21st, the smoking rate in Daegu was 19.8% last year, down 1.9 percentage points from the previous year (21.7%). The quit attempt rate among smokers increased significantly by 23.1 percentage points compared to the previous year.

The monthly drinking rate was 58.6% (national average 60.7%), decreasing by 2.9 percentage points from the previous year. Along with the high-risk drinking rate among annual drinkers, this was found to be lower than the national median.

The practice rate of moderate or higher physical activity increased by 3.4 percentage points compared to 2017, but the walking practice rate was 44.6% (national average 39.9%), showing no significant difference compared to other years.

In the obesity rate (measured) category, which is increasing nationwide, Daegu citizens showed a slight increase to 32.5% from 31.3% the previous year. The annual weight control attempt rate was 64.4%, up 9 percentage points from the previous year. This indicates that more citizens are making efforts to lose or maintain their weight.

In nutrition and dietary habits, the low-salt preference rate (TYPE1) was 45%, increasing by 5.2 percentage points over the past 12 years. The utilization rate of nutrition labeling, which involves checking nutrition labels when purchasing or selecting food, was 82.1%, higher than the previous year's 80.3%.

The stress recognition rate was 25.1%, which decreased compared to 30.1% eleven years ago (2008). The experience rate of depression, which had been decreasing annually, slightly rose to 5.4% from 3.4% the previous year. Oral health indicators showed a continuous decrease in the rate of chewing discomfort complaints among those aged 65 and older, remaining below the national median. The practice rate of brushing teeth after lunch was 59%, showing a fluctuating trend.

The diagnosis and treatment rates for hypertension and diabetes showed fluctuating trends. The hypertension treatment rate in Daegu (93.2% in 2018) was similar to that of ten years ago, but the diabetes treatment rate (92.3% in 2018) increased by 8 percentage points compared to ten years ago.

Recognized for its significant contribution to chronic disease prevention and management, the Nam-gu Public Health Center is scheduled to receive the Minister of Health and Welfare Award at the Community Health Survey Evaluation Conference held on the 22nd. The diabetes treatment rate in Nam-gu (97.5% in 2018) showed a remarkable increase of 14.5 percentage points compared to ten years ago.

Kim Jae-dong, Director of the Daegu City Health and Welfare Bureau, stated, "The Community Health Survey is used as a basis for promoting health improvement and public health projects to ensure residents' healthy lives by understanding the current status and trends in regional health." He emphasized, "We will actively support the establishment of customized health policies suited to local conditions and help overcome problems in vulnerable areas."

Meanwhile, Daegu City's 2019 Community Health Survey was conducted over three months by trained surveyors visiting sample households. The survey targeted 7,292 adults aged 19 and over in eight districts and counties, with technical support from the responsible university, Kyungpook National University. The results were finalized after expert consultation on citizens' health behaviors, health levels, quality of life, and safety awareness.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.