Chonnam Med J.  2024 Sep;60(3):180-186. 10.4068/cmj.2024.60.3.180.

Resilience Gap in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

• Kim HY
• Yang JH
• Kweon SS

• KMID: 2559827
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4068/cmj.2024.60.3.180

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnostic activities, including gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE). It analyzed GIE volumes from 2020 to 2022 in comparison to 2018-2019, considering variations in resilience linked to socioeconomic status (SES). The analysis utilized data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Services database, covering the entire population and medical facilities. Diagnostic GIE rates (2018-2022) in Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeonnam province were examined, comparing age-standardized rates (ASRs) by area, gender, and SES. The results indicated a decline in ASRs for colonoscopy and endoscopic gastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in 2020 compared to 2018-2019, followed by an increase in 2021-2022, except for EGD in the medical aid population. SES based and rural-urban disparities were evident in the recovery of GIE rates. The findings suggest that equity-focused strategies are needed to ensure equitable healthcare access among different socioeconomic groups after pandemic.

Keyword

COVID-19; Pandemic; Early Detection of Cancer; Resilience