IGEE Proceedings

Review Article

Health inequalities in children: A comprehensive review: Soojin Ahn, Hae Young Kim, Jae Il Shin, Lee Smith; Received June 12, 2025 Accepted October 10, 2025 Published online October 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.007 [Epub ahead of print]

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Health inequalities, defined as systematic, avoidable, and unfair differences in health outcomes between populations, pose a major challenge to public health. This review examined how socioeconomic status, geographical location, and educational attainment affect children’s physical and mental health. It also highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience less access to healthcare and a higher rate of chronic diseases compared to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Differences in geographical location also increase these gaps, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas where resources are limited. Limitations in Educational attainment also have a further impact on health by limiting opportunities for health literacy and access to services. The present review explores interventions implemented by governments, hospitals, and schools to address these disparities. While nutritional programs and hospital-based initiatives have achieved some positive progress, challenges remain due to inconsistencies in implementation and funding allocation. In particular, differences in oral health and access to cancer care highlight gaps in existing measures. To overcome these disparities, a coordinated strategy that tackles the socioeconomic determinants of health is required. Politicians, healthcare providers, and educators must work together to guarantee fair allocation of resources and services. Thus, sustained commitment to these activities is required to ensure a healthier and more equitable future for all children.; Summary

Articles

Analysis of the Correlation Between Health Status and Social Factors Among Korean Care Workers†: YeJin Yun, Yuna Kim, Miyeon Yoon, Sejin Park; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):114-132. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.018

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Amid South Korea’s demographic crisis of a declining birth rate and a rapidly aging population, care work has become an essential yet undervalued sector. This study investigates the physical and mental health conditions of domestic care workers and explores how social and structural factors shape their labor experiences.Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates survey data from care workers (n=345) with in-depth interviews of nine individuals working in various care roles, including certified caregivers, disability support workers, childcare teachers, and domestic workers. Quantitative findings reveal strong correlations between job satisfaction and health outcomes. Higher job satisfaction was associated with lower scores on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), indicating better physical and mental health. Significant disparities were found between care worker subcategories. Qualitative analysis further uncovered recurring themes such as emotional burden, social invisibility, dissatisfaction with compensation, and the absence of grievance mechanisms. Despite these challenges, many workers found meaning in their roles and relied on informal coping strategies such as peer support. This study underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues in the care sector. The results call for policies that improve working conditions, recognize the social value of care work, and promote health equity. The findings contribute to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3(Good Health), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).; Summary

Empowering Single Parent Households: A Web Platform to Address Systematic Gaps in Welfare and Care Support†: Mingyu Park, Juhyeong Song, Jiwon Park; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):94-102. Published online June 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.016

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Single parent households in South Korea face significant barriers in accessing welfare support due to fragmented information systems, persistent social stigma, and limited policy utilization. Despite the existence of various support programs, gaps in practical accessibility and reliability remain. This study aimed to develop a web-based platform that improves access to parenting, welfare, and emotional support information for single parent households, thereby promoting self-reliance and social inclusion. A full-stack web platform was developed using React.js, Next.js, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS S3, and the OpenAI GPT-4 API. The platform includes key functions such as an AI-powered chatbot, parenting diaries, health management tools, and structured access to verified welfare information. Domain-specific prompt engi-neering was applied to improve chatbot accuracy and empathy. The study did not involve human participants but relied on literature-based needs analysis and system design methodologies. The developed platform successfully integrated reliable information delivery, real-time AI-based guidance, and tools for tracking child health and caregiving. It addressed challenges such as low information reliability, limited support networks, and emotional isolation. Preliminary implementation confirmed the platform’s usability and relevance, although features like automated policy updates and geolocation services remain in development. The platform demonstrates the potential of digital solutions to mitigate systemic gaps in welfare information and caregiving support for single parent households. By aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the platform not only alleviates parenting burdens in the short term but also contributes to long-term goals of gender equity, health access, and social inclusion. Further iterations will focus on improving mobile accessi-bility, scaling user engagement, and enhancing AI accuracy.; Summary

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