Morphologic Changes in Esophageal Body Movement During Bolus Transport After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Type III Achalasia

Background/Aims@#The effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on esophageal body movement in achalasia is poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate morphological changes in esophageal body movement after POEM in type III achalasia by analyzing intraluminal ultrasound (US) images in comparison to type I and II achalasia. @*Methods@#Intraluminal US images and impedance values of the distal esophagus from 47 achalasia patients who underwent POEM or pneumatic dilatation (PD) (30 patients in the POEM group and 17 patients in the PD group) with pre- and post-procedural high-resolution impedance manometry and intraluminal US examinations were analyzed. The muscle thickness (MT), muscle cross-sectional area, lumen cross-sectional area (LCSA), contractility and distensibility indices, swallow-to-distension interval, and distension duration during each bolus transport were analyzed. @*Results@#The MT increased and LCSA decreased significantly (P < 0.001), but the contractility index was not improved after POEM or PD in type I achalasia. Baseline MT increased and LCSA decreased significantly after POEM and PD in type II achalasia (P < 0.001). In contrast, MT and the swallow-to-distension interval decreased and the distension LCSA/duration and contractility index increased after POEM in type III achalasia (P < 0.001). In contrast to type I and II achalasia, in type III achalasia, these effects were unique to the POEM group. @*Conclusions@#POEM decreased the esophageal LCSA by decreasing intrabolus pressure without improving contractility in type I and II achalasia. In contrast, POEM increased esophageal body distension and contractility and improved the inhibitory process during bolus transport in type III achalasia.

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai ethyl acetate fraction protects the liver against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and fat accumulation in mice

Sasa (S.) quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae), which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, is a type of bamboo grass distributed widely in Jeju Island, Korea. S. quelpaertensis leaves are used for therapeutic purposes in traditional Korean medicine. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of the S. quelpaertensis ethyl acetate fraction (SQEA) in a mouse model to mimic alcoholic liver damage. The mice were administered orally with 30% alcohol (5 g/kg) once per day with or without SQEA treatments (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days consecutively. Alcohol consumption increased the serum alcohol content and histopathological changes but reduced the liver weight. Moreover, the livers of the alcohol group exhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and lipid droplet coating protein perilipin-2. On the other hand, SQEA dosedependently attenuated the alcohol-induced serum ethanol content and liver histopathological changes but increased the liver weight.Moreover, SQEA attenuated the level of CYP2E1 and inhibited alcohol-induced lipogenesis in the liver via decreased perilipin-2 expression. These results suggest that SQEA can provide a potent way to reduce the liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai ethyl acetate fraction protects the liver against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and fat accumulation in mice

Sasa (S.) quelpaertensis Nakai (Korean name, Jeju-Joritdae), which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, is a type of bamboo grass distributed widely in Jeju Island, Korea. S. quelpaertensis leaves are used for therapeutic purposes in traditional Korean medicine. This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of the S. quelpaertensis ethyl acetate fraction (SQEA) in a mouse model to mimic alcoholic liver damage. The mice were administered orally with 30% alcohol (5 g/kg) once per day with or without SQEA treatments (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days consecutively. Alcohol consumption increased the serum alcohol content and histopathological changes but reduced the liver weight. Moreover, the livers of the alcohol group exhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and lipid droplet coating protein perilipin-2. On the other hand, SQEA dosedependently attenuated the alcohol-induced serum ethanol content and liver histopathological changes but increased the liver weight.Moreover, SQEA attenuated the level of CYP2E1 and inhibited alcohol-induced lipogenesis in the liver via decreased perilipin-2 expression. These results suggest that SQEA can provide a potent way to reduce the liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

Value of Bone Scan in Addition to F-18 FDG PET/CT and Characteristics of Discordant Lesions between F-18 FDG PET/CT and Bone Scan in the Spinal Bony Metastasis / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to evaluate spinal bony metastasis which could be missed on an F-18 FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) alone, and to characterize discordant metastatic lesions between FDG PET/CT and bone scan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: FDG PET/CT and bone scans of 43 patients with spinal bony metastasis were analyzed retrospectively. A McNemar test was performed comparing the FDG PET/CT alone to the FDG PET/CT plus bone scan in the spinal bony metastases. A one-way chi-square test was performed to characterize the metastases that were missed on the FDG PET/CT alone. To evaluate discordant lesions between FDG PET/CT and bone scan, we performed logistic regression analyses. The independent variables were sites (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), size (large and small), and maximum SUVs, and the dependant variable was bone scan uptake (positive and negative MDP uptake). RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the FDG PET/CT alone and the FDG PET/CT combined with the bone scan (p<0.01). Using the FDG PET/CT only, diffuse osteoblastic metastasis was missed with a significantly higher frequency (p=0.04). In the univariate analysis, cervical vertebra and small size were related to negative MDP uptake, and thoracic vertebra and large size were related to positive MDP uptake. However, in the multivariate analysis, only the large size was related to positive MDP uptake. CONCLUSION: A bone scan in addition to the FDG PET/CT increased the ability to evaluate spinal bony metastases, especially for diffuse osteoblastic metastasis. Large metastasis was related to positive bone scan uptake in spinal bony metastasis.

Comparison of Whole versus Split-Dose PEG Solution for Colonoscopy Preparation on Patient Compliance, Quality of Bowel Cleansing, and Endoscopist's Satisfaction / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was a randomized single-blind trial of whole versus split-dose PEG solutions for colonoscopy preparation to compare the patient compliance, quality of bowel cleansing, and endoscopist's satisfaction. METHODS: The participants were recruited from outpatients who planned to receive colonoscopy of C hospital in Busan. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to receive either a spit-dose group(n=30) consuming 2 liter of PEG solution twice, or a whole-dose group(n=30), consuming 4 liter of PEG solution once. These participants completed the questionnaire to assess their compliance before colonoscopy. The quality of bowel cleansing was assessed using the Ottawa Scale with the endoscopist who was blinded to the type of preparation, and their satisfaction by using VAS. RESULTS: The participants who did not completely consume 4 liter of PEG solution were less in split-dose than in whole-dose group (0% vs 13.3%). The split-dose group complained less about abdominal pain(t=2.644, p=0.009) and abdominal bloating(t=2.802, p=0.013) with a statistical significance. For the quality of bowel preparation, there were no significant differences in the bowel cleansing scores and the endoscopist's satisfaction between two groups. CONCLUSION: Colonic preparation with split-dose of PEG solution could be a more useful method for better patient compliance, with no significant impact on bowel cleansing quality.

A Case of Latzko Partial Colpocleisis for Treating Huge Vesicovaginal Fistula

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a subtype of female urogenital fistula. VVF is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary leakage of urine into the vaginal canal. In addition to the medical sequelae from these fistulas, they often have a profound effect on the patient's emotional well-being. In the past it was mostly by obstetric causes. But now a days, posthysterectomy fistulas are most commonly seen. In 1914, Latzko published his partial colpocleisis technique for repair of posthysterectomy VVF, in which he employed the resection of scarred vaginal mucosa and a layered horizontal closure. Latzko's procedure has been cited, with his 95-100% success rates noted. Recently we experienced a case of huge vesicovaginal fistula. The patient is a 67-year-old woman with a history of constant urine leakage. The problem began after she had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy 30 years ago for uterine ruture. We repaired it by Latzko partial colpocleisis.

Study on the Effects and Safety of Propofol Anesthesia during Cystoscopy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Purpose: Cystoscopy, as with other endoscopic procedures, is a fearful and painful for the majority of patients. To this reduce fear, pain and discomfort, the routine administration of sedative drugs, such as midazolam and propofol, is widely accepted for a gastrointestinal endoscopy. There have also been some studies on midazolam anesthesia during cystoscopy. However, the effects and safety of propofol anesthesia during cystoscopy have not been established. Therefore, the effects and safety of propofol anesthesia during cystoscopy were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: 200 male patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A consisted of 80 patients sedated using 1mg/kg propofol IV, and group B consisted of 120 patients who received normal saline IV instead of propofol. All patients received 90mg diclofenac IM for pain control. There were no significant differences in the ages and weights between the two groups. The vital signs and oxygen saturation were monitored before, during and after the cystoscopy. The degree of pain and satisfaction of the patients and urologist were measured. Results: The pain scales were significantly reduced in group A compared to group B. Group A patients and the operator were also significantly more satisfied than those in group B. Although the blood pressure, pulse rate or respiratory rate changed during the cystoscopy, they were not clinically significant and there was no need for additional treatment. 12 patients in group A showed temporary hypoxia; however, they were treated with oxygen administration and recovered within several minutes. Conclusions: Propofol anesthesia during cystoscopy can be performed safely and effectively as an outpatient procedure, as long as there is adequate preparation and monitoring.

Predictors of Bone Mineral Density in Mothers and Their Daughters / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate physical characteristics, lifestyle related to bone-health, and bone mineral density (BMD) in mothers and their daughters and to determine the predictors of BMD. METHOD: BMDs at the forearm, lumbar spine, and femur were measured in 101 healthy, mother-daughter pairs by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Mother-daughter differences between general characteristics, means for BMDs were assessed by chi2-test, t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictors of BMD in each group. RESULTS: Mothers had significantly higher BMD than their daughters at forearm, lumbar spine, and femur. The predictors of mothers' BMDs were body weight, body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat, explaining 5.1~31.6% of the variation in BMDs. BMI, percentage body fat and their mother's BMD of the corresponding site bone were predictors in daughters, explaining 17.5~31.6% of the variations in BMDs. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the importance of weight on bone that the BMDs seems to be related to fat free mass both in young-adult daughters and in middle aged mothers. These also suggest the importance of intervention for the development of BMD in daughter of mother with low BMD.

Effects of Weight-Bearing Exercise on Bone Metabolism in College Women / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the effects of weight-bearing exercise(WBE) on bone metabolism. METHOD: WBE was performed for 12 weeks by healthy college women. Bone-related parameters were measured four times during this period by evaluating the immunoradiometric assay and enzyme immunoassay. Bone mineral densities(BMDs) were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry before and after the WBE program. Data was analyzed using t-test, paired t-test, x2-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULT: Osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, increased more in the experimental group than in the control group based on the interaction between time and group(F=3.29 p=.024). Little difference between the two groups was found for the other parameters: urinary deoxypyridinoline, insulin-like growth factorI, parathormone, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus without showing any time interaction between the groups. The femoral trochanter BMD rose in the experimental group while that of the control group fell, showing a significant difference for BMD(t=3.06 p=.005). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups for changes in BMD of the forearm, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and femoral ward's triangle. CONCLUSION: These findings supported the WBE is beneficial for increasing bone formation in college women and long-term application is needed to substantiate the effects of WBE as a intervention in promotion of bone-health.

A Study of the Burden of Preceptors / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study investigated the burden of preceptors in order to improve preceptorship in nursing practice. METHOD: The participants were 170 preceptors at three hospitals in Pusan. The data were collected using questionnaires completed between July and September 2002, which included items to measure burden and opinions to reflect the demands of preceptors. They were analyzed using mean score, frequencies, and content analysis. RESULT: 1) The preceptors had an average of 6.3 years of clinical experience, while the practical career of a preceptor averaged 1.9 years. The average period of new nurse education was 5.5 weeks. Each year, 1.9 new nurses were trained per preceptor. 2) Of the preceptors 54.7% had received compensation without formal rules. but 54.1% did not want to serve further as preceptors because of overwork, lack of educational preparation, and lack of compensation. They were looking for solutions for existing problems. 3) Preceptors indicated that the major burden was having to repeat explanations to each preceptee, they were too busy to serve as preceptors, and their colleagues' had excessive expectations. CONCLUSION: We recommend practical management, including supplementary manpower, an education program, and compensation provided by the hospital administration with cooperation from colleges.

Relationship between the Discomfort of Tinnitus and the Quality of Life in Tinnitus Patients / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate audiometery and characteristics related to tinnitus in tinnitus patients. and to understand the relationship between the discomfort of tinnitus and the quality of life. Methods: The subjects were 110 patients with tinnitus. The data were collected using tinnitus handicap questionnaire. quality of life, and pure tone audiometry, which measured hearing level in dB and frequency in Hz matching of tinnitus. RESULTS: Majority of tinnitus patients (75.5%~81.8%) had normal auditory sensation. but 82.7% of patients indicated that they have heard tinnitus frequently. or always, and the major sounds of tinnitus were wing, wung, wang, The matching sounds of tinnitus had various range in hearing level(dB) and frequency(Hz). Tinnitus patients reported moderate levels of the discomfort of tinnitus and the quality of life, and there were negative correlation between the discomfort of tinnitus and the quality of life(r=-.314, p .00l). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that special attention is needed for tinnitus patients because the physical. psychological. and social impacts of tinnitus could be decrease their quality of life, Specialized nursing intervention considering specific conditions related to tinnitus is required to solve various health problems of tinnitus patients.

Relationship of Strength of Hand Grip, Low Back Muscles and Knee Joint Muscles, to Bone Mineral Densities of these Sites in Young Women / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The strength of hand grip, low back muscles and knee joint muscles were measured and then compared to the bone mineral density (BMD) of each forearm bones (including ulna and radius), lumbar spine, and femur in young women in order to identify the relationship between muscle strength and bone mineral density. METHOD: The BMD was measured with a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and muscle strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer and a Cybex Norm. Data were analyzed with frequencies, percentages, means, and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULT: 1) Higher grip strength correlated positively with higher BMD in the forearm (r=0.246, p=0.007), higher low back extensor strength with higher BMD in the femur (neck, trochanter and Ward's triangle)(r=0.323~0.226, p=0.003~0.043) and higher strength in the knee joint extensor with higher BMD in the lumbar spine (r=0.227, p=0.041), femur neck, and femur trochanter significantly (r=0.295~0.226, p=0.007~0.043). There was no significant correlation between the strength of low back extensors and BMD in the lumbar spine, now with strength of knee joint flexor and the BMD in the femur. 2) The muscle strength of each part of the body had significant positive correlations to each other part (r=0.255~0.728 p=0.021~0.000) CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that with the development of a muscle there was an increased BMD of the corresponding part, and the BMD of each part was influenced by adjacent muscles. To promote the health of bones, it is important to strengthen the muscles of related bones, based on balanced development of all muscles.

A Survey on Cancer Screening Among Nurses at General Hospital in Busan / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: Cancer is the most frequent cause of death in Korea. Cancer screening can save lives through early detection. This study was to investigate major cancer screening rates and the reasons for not having been screening. METHOD: 210 participants of registered nurses from 5 general hospitals in Busan, Korea were completed a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS WIN 10.0. Results: The cancer screening rates of the subjects were 53.8% in Pap smear test for cervical cancer, 41.0% in gastroendoscopy for stomach cancer, 15.7% in mammograpy for breast cancer, and 3.8% in colonoscopy. And the higher proportions of having regular screening were 9,5% in Pap smear test and 2.9% in gastroendoscopy. The primary reason related to not having a screening test was 'seems to be healthy'. CONCLUSION: The findings showed the necessity of recognizing and educating Korean nurses to have a regular cancer screening for their health management.

The Actual State of Handwashing in Nurses in Medical and Surgical Wards of a University Hospital

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the handwashing in clinical nurses for prevention and control of nosocomial infection. METHODS: The subjects were 192 nurses at a university hospital in Busan. The data were collected using questionnaires, which included items to measure the method, application time, and frequency of handwashing related to nursing intervention activities, and were analyzed using the mean score, frequency and percentage. RESULTS: Each day, the nurses had an average of 10.5 times of hand washing. 34.9% of nurses had evaluated "not enough" concerning their handwashing performance. Nurses indicated that the performance of handwashing had interrupted by overwork, lack of facilities, skin irritation with itching, etc. 19.4% of nurses had not received education program about handwashing. Some nurses did not strictly follow a handwashing protocol allowing potential chances of nosocomial infection to occur. The rate of handwashing performance increased after the activities of nursing intervention than before activities related to respiration, nutrition, elimination, hygiene, medication, etc. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hospital administrators must develop education programs and policies for the prevention of nosocomial infection. We recommend that nurses participate in education to search for practical methods to improve the management of nosocomial infection such as handwashing performance.

The Relationship Between Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in College Women / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate body compositons and bone mineral density(BMD) in college women and to find the relationship between them. METHOD: From January to March of 2001, BMD at four parts(forearm, lumbar, femur and whole body), body mass index(BMI), body fat mass(BFM), lean body mass(LBM) and body fat percentage(%Fat) were measured with the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Other physical characteristics were measured with a scale, a height measurer, and questionnaires. RESULT: Grouping by the BMI, 43.2% showed low weight, and 5% over weight. When applying the percent Fat, 43.8 % was diagnosed as obesity group. The fact indicate that a majority of college women have unbalanced body composition with high percent Fat, compared to their body weight. Assessing the BMD with the WHO standards, 91.4-95.7% of the BMD of forearm and whole body was normal. But, 40.3% and 33.1-43.9% showed osteopenia at lumbar and femur, and 1.4 %, 0.7-7.2% showed osteoporosis. The BMD at all parts showed significant correlation each other(r=.29-.89, p=.001-.000). Body weight and BMI showed correlations to with BMDs at all parts of the body(r=.19-.46, p=.025-.000; r=.18-.45, p=.039-.000). But the percent Fat had a correlation with only femur neck BMD(r=.19, p=.024). CONCLUSION: This study showed a majority of healthy college women were exposed to the risk for osteoporosis. Additional study is required to develop nursing interventions to remove the risk factors of osteoporosis. In particular, the acquisition of balanced body composition is necessary, increasing body weight and BMI through the increase of LBM, not through the quantitative increase of BFM.

A Study to the Coping Patterns of Cancer Patients / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This was to describe the emotions that patients face when diagnosed with cancer to know the problems and coping styles that cancer patients experience during the treatment. METHOD: The qualitative method was used for this study. The participants were 90 cancer patients at five general hospital in Pusan, Korea. Data were collected by interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire from November 2000 to June 2001, and were analyzed using the modified constant comparative method. RESULT: The most common emotions on the diagnosis of cancer were shock(36.7%), followed by despair(25.6%), acceptance(24.4%), denial(18.9%), complaint(16.7%), and fear(8.9%). The problems identified were the unpleasantness and physical discomfort related with the treatment(50.0%), the feelings of burden(41.1%), finance/occupation(38.8%), and fear of the future(26.6%). Coping styles to problems that the subjects have faced on the course of the treatment were compliance(36.6%), health care(31.1%), positive thinking(22.2%), despair/avoidance(15.5%), seeking social support(6.6%), information seeking(3.3%) and self-control(2.2%). CONCLUSION: It is very important to develop nursing interventions which can mitigate shock that patients experience, can help cancer patients to have hope for the future and to positively cope with cancer.

Predictors of Depression among Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to identify important predictors of depression among characteristics of caregiving situation and utilized resources in order to provide basic information for effective nursing interventions to reduce depression experienced by family caregivers of older adults with dementia. METHOD: Seventy one family caregivers were identified from community service centers and face-to-face interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression using SPSS WIN 10.0 program. RESULT: Family caregivers reported high levels of depression, moderate levels of social support, and moderate utilization of coping strategies. Female caregivers who (beta=.22) utilized 'negative' coping strategies more often (beta=.48) and 'cognitive reconstructuring' coping strategies less often (beta=-.23) were more likely to report higher depression (R2=0.63). CONCLUSION: Nursing interventions increasing family caregivers' utilization of positive coping strategies such as problem solving, existential growth, and help seeking and decreasing their utilization of negative coping strategies such as self-blaming are needed to decrease their depression levels.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Inpatients with Medical Health Problems / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate nutritional status of inpatients by using subjective. and objective evaluation methods and to find the relationship between them. METHOD: The subjects were 101 inpatients with medical health problems at a university hospital. Nutritional status was evaluated by the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and physical assessment including percentage of weight loss, serum albumin, hemogloin, and hematocrit. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, Kendall's tau. RESULTS: Grouping by the SGA, 61.4% were classified as severe malnutrition group. When applying the objective methods{physical assessment). 1.9~42.6% were diagnosed as malnutrition each item. The percentage of weight loss during previous 1-6month(r=.43~.54. P=.0001), serum albumin(r=-.26, P=.0003), hemoglobin of male(r=-.38, P=.0001), and hematocrit of male(r=-.34, P=.0001) were significantly correlated with SGA score. The coincidence rate of nutrition evaluation between the objective methods and SGA were 27.7 35.6%, 20.8%, 47.5%, 58.4% in percentage of weight loss, albumin, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. CONCLUSION: These findings showed a majority of inpatients were exposed to the risk of malnutrition. We recommend to evaluate inpatients' nutritional status periodically and to develop nursing intervention to solve their nutritional problems.

The Effects of Blanket Application on Reducing Cold Discomfort after Cesarean Section / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the changes in cold discomfort according to the type of blanket used after surgery. Methods: Women scheduled for Cesarean Section were divided into two groups. After the surgery, 30 patients were covered with a warming blanket which was set at 40degree C by the warmer and the other 30 patients were covered with an ordinary blanket. Both group's cold discomfort was measured at 5 time points using a mercury thermometer, shivering scale, and subjective thermal sensation scale. Data were analyzed by using mean scores with t-test, paired t-test using the SPSS/WIN program. RESULT: At 30 min after being covered with the blanket, the axillary temperature had returned to the pre-operation temperature in both groups. At 45 min after being covered with the blanket, the women in the warming blanket group had no further shivering but for those in the ordinary blanket group shivering continued. At 45 min after being covered with the blanket, the women in the warming blanket group had returned to the condition before surgery. but those in the ordinary blanket group continued to complain of cold sensation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that use of a warming blanket helps to relieve cold discomfort following surgery. This study is also expected to enhance understanding of the importance of subjective data by exploring the difference between subjective complaints and objective data about cold discomfort.

The Relationship between Bone Mineral Density and Physical, Obstetric Characteristics in Middle-aged Women / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study were to investigate BMD of middle-aged women and to examine the relationships between BMD and Physical, Obstetric characteristics METHOD: The data was collected from 119 healthy women who were 40-60 years old. they were examined for BMD at 4 regions(forearm, lumbar, femur, whole body), %fat by DEXA and investigated physical, obstetric characteristics using scale, questionnaire from January to March, 2001. RESULT: 1) According to bone diagnostic results by WHO classification, 95.8% of forearm and whole body BMD were normal but 21.8-48.7% of lumbar and femur BMD(neck, trochanter, ward's triangle) were diagnosed osteoporosis or osteopnea. 2) The bones were significantly positive correlations of each other (r=.19-.69, p=.04-.00) and there were significant correlations between BMD and physical, obstetric characteristics such as age (r=-.22, p=.02), weight(r=.36~.48, p=.00), height(r=.22, p=.02), %fat(r=.19, p=.04) and age of first delivery(r=-.28, p=.00). CONCLUSION: Based on this study, healthy middle-aged women were also exposed to risk of osteoporosis related to aging, change of physical conditions or hormonal release. Further research to develop nursing interventions for the purpose of preventing osteoporosis by modifying risk factors is suggested.