| The current child and adolescent health screening system:
an assessment and proposal for an early and periodic check-up program |
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Baik-Lin Eun1, Jin Soo Moon2, So-Hee Eun1, Hea Kyoung Lee3, Son Moon Shin4, In Kyung Sung5, Hee Jung Chung6 |
1Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine
2Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital
3Department of Pediatrics, Seoul Veterans Hospital
4Department of Pediatrics, Kwandong University College of Medicine
5Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University College of Medicine
6Department of Pediatrics, National Health Insurance Corporation, Ilsan Hospital |
| 현행 영유아 및 소아청소년 건강검진제도의 평가 및 대안 |
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은백린1, 문진수2, 은소희1, 이혜경3, 신손문4, 성인경5, 정희정6 |
1고려대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실
2인제대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실
3서울보훈병원 소아청소년과
4관동대학교 의과대학 소아과학교실
5가톨릭 의과대학 소아과학교실
6국민건강보험공단 일산병원 소아청소년과 |
Correspondence:
Hee Jung Chung, Email: agathac@nhimc.or.kr
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Received: 18 February 2010 • Revised: 25 February 2010 • Accepted: 2 March 2010 |
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| Abstract |
Purpose
: Recent changes in the population structure of Korea, such as rapid decline in birth rate and exponential increase in old-aged people, prompted us to prepare a new health improvement program in children and adolescents.
Methods
: We reviewed current health screenings applied for children and adolescents in Korea and other developed countries. We collected and reviewed population-based data focused on mortality and morbidity, and other health-related statistical data. We generated problem lists in current systems and developed new principles.
Results
: Current health screening programs for children and adolescents were usually based on laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and radiologic tests. Almost all of these programs lacked evidence based on population data or controlled studies. In most developed countries, laboratory tests are used only very selectively, and they usually focus on primary prevention of diseases and health improvement using anticipatory guidance. In Korea, statistics on mortality and morbidity reveal that diseases related to lifestyle, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, are increasing in all generations.
Conclusion
: We recommend a periodic health screening program with anticipatory guidance, which is focused on growth and developmental surveillance in infants and children. We no longer recommend old programs that are based on laboratory and radiologic examinations. School health screening programs should also be changed to meet current health issues, such as developing a healthier lifestyle to minimize risk behaviors—for example, good mental health, balanced nutrition, and more exercise. |
| Key Words:
Health screening system, Developmental surveillance, Infant, Child, Adolescent, Korea |
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