National General Health Screening Program in Korea: history, current status, and future direction

Abstract

Health screening is an important component of health promotion programs, and countries have promoted general health screening targeting the prevention and early management of common chronic diseases. In Korea, a General Health Screening Program (GHSP) began with workers in the 1950s and continuously expanded its target population, and currently includes the adult population. The main target diseases are cerebroand cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and related health behaviors. Other target conditions include other diseases (e.g., anemia, liver disease, visual/auditory impairment), mental health (e.g., depression), and geriatric disease and function (osteoporosis, dementia, risk of fall, etc.). The National Health Information Database, including GHSP information, is now extensively used in clinical and public health research. The participation rate is currently 70% to 80%, but varies according to age, disability, and the socioeconomic status. There is a need for a more systematic evaluation of the screening items, reducing disparity gaps in participation, and linking GHSP to actual health promotion.