A Concept Mapping Study on Clinical Stress for Nursing Students during Clinical Practice / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the conceptual structure of stressors experienced by nursing students during clinical practice. METHODS: Ten men and 10 women nursing college students were interviewed. The results were 208 ideas. By synthesizing and editing these ideas, the final statement was trimmed down to 39 questions. The next step was to have the participants classify these 39 final questions. They were asked to rate stress scores using a five-point scale. Through multidimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis yielded dimensions and clusters. RESULTS: Results of the study showed 2 dimensions which were classified as 'interpersonal relationship-practice system' and 'identity-practice environment'. It also yielded 8 clusters which were classified as 'role confusion', 'gender discrimination', 'attitudes of medical personnel and patients', 'comparison between fellow students', 'difference between theory and practice', 'disestablishing the role of practice guide', 'interference with training', and 'problems of the practice environment'. Further, stress factors and stress levels were differentiated depending on the gender of the student. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that educators who are developing clinical practice programs and clinical practitioners should consider stressors during clinical practice and the educational implications to nursing students.

The Comparison of Health Status and Health Behavior among Hypertension Group, DM Group, and Hypertension DM Group for the Aged Provided with Customized Home Care Service by Visiting Nurses

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare health status and health behavior among the hypertension group, the DM group, and the hypertension-DM group for aged clients of customized home visiting health care services. METHODS: This study was conducted as cross-sectional research. The subjects of this study were 2,235 aged people over 65 living in J City. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and measurements. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program, and descriptive statistics, chi2 test, t-test and ANOVA were used for the analyses. RESULTS: BP and glucose control showed a significant difference among the groups. BMI and waist circumference were significantly higher in the hypertension-DM group than in the other groups. Stroke, arthritis, and perceived health status were significantly different among the three groups. Depression was high, but not significantly different among the groups. Smoking and drinking were not significantly different among the groups. Physical activity was very low, especially in the hypertension group. Medication was high, especially in the hypertension-DM group. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to consider care plans for the hypertension-DM group, and educate the group for care management. Also, depression and physical activity programs are needed for the aged.

Analysis of Problem Based Learning Based on the Self-reflection Journals and Class Evaluation of Nursing Students / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To examine the results of PBL classes for sophomore nursing students during one semester. METHOD: Self-reflection journals and class evaluation questionnaires were collected from 121 nursing students and analyzed. Results of class evaluation questionnaires were analyzed using mean scores, SD, frequencies and percentages. Significant statements were derived by repeated review of the self-reflection journals by the researchers. RESULTS: The statements, 'Understanding of PBL', 'Improvement of human relationships', 'Expansion of nursing knowledge', 'Excellency in nursing class and application of nursing skills in nursing practices' and 'Improvement of learning ability and attitude during classes' were derived from the self-reflection journals. Analysis of class evaluation questionnaires showed the following scores: prerequisite of PBL (3.0/4), role of facilitator (3.48/4) and satisfaction with PBL learning (3.31/4). Also some complaints such as lack of adequate references in the library, and confusion in at the beginning of PBL were noted. CONCLUSION: PBL was effective. Using the results of the study for planning a more effective PBL class syllabus is recommended.

Comparison of Health-related Characteristics and Self-care Behavior between a Hypertension Controlled Group and a Non-Controlled Group of Hypertension Patients in a Customized Home Visiting Health Service

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare health-related characteristics and self-care behavior between a controlled group and a non-controlled group of hypertension patients in a customized home visiting health service. METHODS: This study was conducted as cross-sectional research. The subjects were 1,317 hypertension-controlled patients and 555 non-controlled ones. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi2-test, and t-test using the SPSS WIN 15.0 program. RESULTS: Socio-demographic characteristics and self-care behavior were not significantly correlated between the groups. According to health-related characteristics, the health status was significantly higher in the hypertension-controlled group than in the non-controlled group. The cholesterol level was significantly lower in the hypertension-controlled group than in the non-controlled group. CONCLUSION: Attention should be paid to patients who are not in good health status in order to control their hypertension. Also, it is necessary to educate the patients in order for them to manage their hypertension and cholesterol.

Effects of a Strengthening Program for Lower Back in Older Women with Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a strengthening program for the lower back in older women with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest experiment. The experimental group consisted of 16 older women and the control group, 14, all of whom had experienced low back pain for at least 3 months. The strengthening program for the lower back included lumbar stabilization exercises and education on pain management in daily living. For an 8 week period, exercises were done 3 days a week and on one day education was also given. RESULTS: Pain and disability scores decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Flexibility, life satisfaction and lumbar muscle strength scores increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Low back pain and disability can be relieved, and flexibility, muscle strength, and life satisfaction increased through a program to strengthen the lower back. It is suggested that a program to strengthen the lower back would be an effective nursing intervention for older women with low back pain.

The Effect of an Exercise Program on Middle-aged and Aged Women in Rural Areas

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to test the effect of a 12-week exercise program on body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipid and bone mineral density for middle-aged and aged women in rural areas. METHODS: The subjects were 33 women at the age of 40-75. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and paired t-test were used with SPSSWIN 16.0. RESULTS: The results were summarized as follows. First, body weight, BMI, % body fat, abdominal adipose, and waist circumference of the women decreased significantly after implementing the 12-week exercise program. Second, diastolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL decreased significantly, and the HDL level increased significantly after the 12-week exercise program. Third, bone mineral density did not increase significantly after the program. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the exercise program has an effect in decreasing body composition, and improving blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid in middle-aged and aged women.

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Related to Obesity in Elementary School Children

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to investigate the knowledge of obesity and exercise, attitude to dietary habits and exercise, and physical activities and exercise in elementary school children to provide basic data for obese programs. METHODS: The subjects were 850 elementary school children of grade 3-6 in C City and data were collected with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Higher grade, female and overweight children recorded a higher knowledge score than lower grade, male and normal weight children. As for attitude to dietary habit, lower grade and female children had more positive attitude than higher grade and male children. Overweight children were more aware of the seriousness of exercise than normal weight children. In physical activity, lower grade and male children were higher than higher grade and female children. The more interested the children's family were in exercise, the higher score of physical activity they showed. CONCLUSION: In planning education for preventing obesity, it should give consideration to lower grade and male children. In addition, education for changing dietary habit attitude must be extended to higher grade and male children as well. It is effective to develop and apply physical activity improvement programs in the cooperation and involvement of their families.