Master of Public Health (MPH) alumna Yunah Cho (2024) recently published “Trends in Korean Medical Device Development for ADHD and ASD: A Narrative Review,” in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Biomedical Engineering. The article was part of her capstone project, which she completed during her studies at the University of Utah Asia Campus.
The narrative literature review details the use and development of medical devices in Korea for the diagnosis and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and highlights research gaps. It encourages the adoption of emerging digital medical devices integrated with traditional therapies in addressing the impact these disorders have on education in South Korea.
Public Health Associate Professor Sharon Talboys, PhD, MPH, Cho’s mentor and co-author on the review, noted that their work provides a vital overview of both new and traditional technologies used for screening and detecting ADHD and ASD. “This is especially beneficial for supporting school-aged children and teachers in the Korean educational system,” Talboys said.
Talboys emphasized the timeliness of the research, as ADHD and ASD are among the most prevalent mental health disorders affecting school-aged youth in Korea, contributing to the increasing pressures on teachers and school-based special education programs.
For her part, Cho recognizes the productive power of faculty mentorship in achieving success, in current and future research. “This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the insights and feedback from Dr. Talboys and Dr. Hye-Joo Kwon. I truly appreciate their support and guidance throughout my time in the MPH program and beyond graduation,” Cho stated. “As I advance in my career, I will carry the lessons and experiences from this program, and I look forward to staying connected with the incredible community that has shaped my journey.”
