Factors Influencing Fatigue in Mothers of Hospitalized Children

PURPOSE: Fatigue in mothers of hospitalized children is an important component for her child's health. This study was done to identify factors influencing fatigue in mothers of hospitalized children. METHODS: A descriptive correlation study design was used. Participants were 157 mothers of hospitalized children in a university hospital located in one city. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: Mean score for fatigue in mothers of hospitalized children was 2.11±0.53. There were significant differences in scores for fatigue in these mothers according to education, sleep satisfaction, and family support. Multiple regression analysis showed that the important factors related to fatigue in mothers of hospitalized children were parenting stress (β =.44), hours of sleep (β =-.25), and age (β =-.21). These factors explained 38% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: Research results suggest that nursing interventions for mothers of hospitalized children are needed in order to improve the comfort and health of the mothers and facilitate the recovery of their child.

A Predictive Model of Behavioral Problems in Elementary School Children

PURPOSE: The purposes of the study were to develop and test a model which explains the relationship among factors affecting behavioral problems in elementary school children. METHODS: The participants for the study were 368 elementary school children and their mothers at 3 elementary schools in one city. Data analysis was done using the SPSS 17.0 program for t-test, -test, and ANOVA and the AMOS 17.0 program for theoretical model testing. RESULTS: The theoretical model showed a significant goodness of fit to the empirical data (Goodness of Fit Index: .96, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index: .93 Comparative Fit Index: .95, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation: .06, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual: .02). Six paths were found to be statistically significant including from child rearing attitude to self-esteem, stress, stress coping and behavioral problems, and from self-esteem to stress and behavioral problems. Child rearing attitude showed a significant effect to behavioral problems by total effect. Self-esteem affected behavioral problems by total and direct effects. CONCLUSION: Child rearing attitude and self-esteem of children are important factors affecting behavioral problems in elementary school children.

Meconium Obstruction in Very Low Birth Weight Infants / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Mecnoium obstruction in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI), which delays enteral feeding and is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction, can be diagnosed and treated with hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast enema. The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical findings of meconium obstruction, the improvement of small bowel obstruction after contrast enema, and the complications related to the enema. METHODS: Hypersolmolar water-soluble contrast enemas were performed in 14 VLBWIs with meconium obstruction. Clinical findings, radiologic findings, feeding intolerance, effectiveness, and complications of enemas were observed. Also, clinical findings related to meconium obstruction were compared with 18 VLBWIs without meconium obstruction. RESULTS: 1) Fourteen VLBWIs with meconium obstruction had significantly lower 5 minutes Apgar scores than 18 VLBWIs without meconium obstruction (p<0.05). Moreover, the day of last meconium passing, and the day of the first trial and full enteral feeding were delayed significantly. 2) A total of 18 enemas were performed in the 14 infants. The contrast medium passed the ileocecal valve and reached the terminal ileus in 12 enemas. Of the 12 enemas, 11 were successful, but 1 infant underwent an ileotomy, even though the contrast medium reached the terminal ileum. 3) Intestinal obstruction was not relieved in three of five infants, in whom the contrast medium failed to pass the ileocecal valve. Obstruction was relieved after repeated enemas in which the contrast medium reached the terminal ileum. 4) No complications associated with water-soluble contrast enemas were observed. CONCLUSION: Hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast enema is considered to be safe and therapeutic for meconium obstruction in VLBWIs.

Effects of a Sensory Stimulation on Weight Gain, Behavioral State, and Physiological Responses in Premature Infants / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sensory stimulation on premature infants. METHOD: Thirty three premature infants admitted to NICU of D University Hospital in C city were randomly assigned in two groups (Experimental group: 16, Control group:17). For the experimental group, tactile and kinesthetic stimulation developed by Dr. Field was applied 2 times a day for 10 days. Behavioral state was measured using the Anderson Behavioral State Scale (ABSS). Heart rate, respiration, and oxygen saturation were obtained for each infant before and after sensory stimulation. Hypothesis testing was done using the X2- test, student t-test, and repeated measures of ANOVA. Result: Hypothesis 1: There was a significant difference in the daily body weight gain between experimental and control group (F= 40.77, p= .0001). Hypothesis 2: There was a significant difference in the frequency of 'inactive awake state' between two groups (X2= 39.778, p= .001). Hypothesis 3: There were significant differences in the mean of heart rate and O2 saturation between two groups (t= -2.174, p= .037; t= 3.080, p= .005). However, there was no significant difference in the mean of respiration rate between two groups (t= -1.966, p= .581). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of a sensory stimulation on weight gain and behavioral state in premature infants was supported. Further study is recommended to develop a sensory stimulation method as an independent nursing intervention for premature infant.