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

TLDR

Health screening is a key component of health promotion, and Korea’s General Health Screening Program, which began in the 1950s and now covers the adult population, has expanded over time and is widely used in clinical and public‑health research through the National Health Information Database. The study aims to systematically evaluate screening items, reduce participation disparities, and link the GHSP to real health promotion. The program targets cerebro‑ and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and related health behaviors, as well as anemia, liver disease, visual/auditory impairment, depression, osteoporosis, dementia, and fall risk. Participation rates currently range from 70% to 80%, varying by age, disability, and socioeconomic status.

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.