Dong-A University Medical Students Achieve Success with Consecutive Publications in Renowned International Journals

Dong-A University (President Lee Haewoo) announced on September 8 that the research team led by Professor Min-guk Son from the College of Medicine, together with medical students, has recently achieved the accomplishment of having their research published in several renowned domestic and international academic journals.

This achievement is significant in that students participated directly in every stage of the process, from medical data analysis to conducting research and writing papers, and produced tangible results. The College of Medicine at Dong-A University aims to nurture "physician-scientists" who are skilled in both patient care and research, and provides students with real research experience to that end.

In one study, Jiwoo Kim and Inho Kim (second-year pre-medical students) participated as co-first authors, analyzing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between the intake of seven minerals and depression. The results showed that in Korea, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake were associated with a reduced risk of depression, while in the United States, potassium, iron, and zinc intake were linked to a lower risk. Potassium was found to have a positive effect on mental health in both countries.

This paper was published in the international journal Nutrients (Impact Factor 5.0) and was also featured by the British media outlet Medical News Today.

Another study, with Juseong Kang (second-year medical student) as co-first author, analyzed changes in antibiotic use before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on National Health Insurance prescription data from 2018 to 2023, it was found that the number of patients prescribed antibiotics decreased by about 36% at the onset of the pandemic, but then increased again by 52% following the easing of quarantine measures after the spread of the Omicron variant in 2022.

This research was published in the American Journal of Infection Control (Impact Factor 2.4) and is expected to serve as a reference for future antibiotic resistance management and health policy development.

Another paper, with Jihye Shin (third-year medical student) as first author, examined the factors leading to decreased medication adherence among patients with dyslipidemia. Analysis based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Korea Medical Panel data revealed that depression is closely related to decreased medication adherence, with different factors affecting each gender. This paper was published in the Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis.

Professor Min-guk Son stated, "It is deeply meaningful that research led by students has gained international recognition," and added, "We will continue to support medical students so that they can gain academic confidence and grow as physician-scientists through research experience."