Stigma in Parents of a Child with Mental Illness / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the meaning of stigma in parents of a child with mental illness. METHODS: The participants were 6 mothers who had children with mental illness. Data were gathered using in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi method. RESULTS: The significant results from analysis of the interviews can be grouped into 10 concept descriptions, 5 theme clusters. The essential theme clusters for the experiences of parents were 'Guilt as a parent towards an disabled child', 'Humiliation from loss of self-esteem', 'Loneliness from prejudice and discrimination', 'Frustration due to endless treatment', and 'Desire of normal happiness'. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study offer profound information on stigma experience of parents of children with mental illness and provide basic raw material for developing nursing intervention strategies for these parents.

Comparative Study on the Sleep Patterns, Satisfaction of Sleep, and Sleep Enhancement Behaviors between Hospitalized and Non-hospitalized Elderly

PURPOSE: This study was to compare and analyze sleep patterns, satisfaction of sleep, and sleep enhancement behaviors between hospitalized and non-hospitalized elderly. METHODS: Subjects were 201 older adults, who were hospitalized patients or living in U-city, Gyung-gi province. Data was collected from June 10 to August 25, 2007, and was analyzed by the SAS program. RESULTS: 1) Non-hospitalized elderly had better sleep patterns than hospitalized elderly patients. 2) There was a strong positive correlation between sleep patterns and satisfaction of sleep in both groups. 3) In hospitalized elderly, there were significant differences in sleep patterns and satisfaction of sleep by month. 4) In non-hospitalized elderly, there was a significant difference in sleep patterns by presence or absence of spouses. There was a significant difference in satisfaction of sleep by those living with others. There were significant differences in sleep enhancement behaviors by age, religion, length of time, and sponsors. CONCLUSION: To relieve sleep disturbances of elderly, comprehension of sleep of the aged by nursing care givers should be obtained. Also, improving environments and elder's selfesteem with religious consideration and preparation of financial conditions are needed to promote the sleep of hospitalized and non-hospitalized elderly.