This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its associated factors among pharmacy students at Prince of Songkla University in 2024. It was hypothesized that the prevalence of ADHD would be associated with various demographic, socioeconomic, historical, and behavioral factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved pharmacy students from years 1–5 at Prince of Songkla University in Thailand. Data were gathered from 761 students using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS Screener V1.1). Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, the Fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression were employed for data analysis.

Results: In total, 526 students participated in the study (participation rate: 69%), with an average age of 21±1.57 years. The risk of ADHD was prevalent in 14.4% of the respondents (76 students; 95% CI: 11.4%–17.5%). Significant factors associated with an increased risk of ADHD included identifying as not disclosed or preferring not to report gender (adjusted OR [OR_adj], 3.32; 95% CI, 1.04–10.57), having insufficient monthly income (OR_adj, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.13–3.61), and recent traffic violations (OR_adj, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.09–3.76). It was also found that difficulties with executive functioning, such as organization and procrastination, were highly prevalent among pharmacy students.

Conclusion: The study identified a substantial prevalence of ADHD risk among pharmacy students, with factors including gender, financial challenges, and behavioral patterns such as traffic violations significantly associated with this risk. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted mental health interventions in university settings.