Exercise Performance and Exercise-related Factors of Korean and Korean-Chinese Nursing Students: A comparative Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare exercise performance with related factors between Korean and Korean-Chinese nursing students. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional comparative survey method. One hundred sixty five Korean nursing students in Seoul, South Korea and 161 Korean-Chinese nursing students in Yanbian, China were recruited through convenience sampling. They were at the age of 19-26. Exercise performance and exercise-related factors were measured using the exercise performance degree scale and the scales of self-efficacy, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and affection related to exercise. RESULTS: No significant difference in exercise performance was seen between the two groups. Self-efficacy and perceived benefits related to exercise performance were significantly higher in the Korean nursing students than in the Korean-Chinese nursing students. However, there were no significant differences in affection and perceived barriers related to exercise. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the reasons for the differences in self-efficacy and in perceived benefits between these two groups need to be explored though future studies. We suggest more studies comparing different groups having the same ethnicity as Korean but who were born into different societies to give answers regarding the influence of immigrated transition on health.

Self-care, Family Support and Depression in Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the degree of self-care, family support and depression, and relationship among these variables for elder with diabetes mellitus. METHOD: Participants were 202 diabetic patients, 65 years or over, living in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected using the self-care tool for diabetic patients by Kim (1996), the family support tool for diabetic patients by Park (1984), and Korea\' s BDI scale by Lee (1995). RESULTS: Of the patients, 43.1% showed HbA1c levels than higher 7%. The highest mean score was for self-care for medication compliance, and the lowest for blood glucose testing compliance. Factors affecting self-care were employment, education, HbA1c level, diabetic self-care education and complications. Factors affecting family support were living with family, diabetic self-care education, hospitalization and complications. Factors affecting depression were gender, living with family and complications. All of these factors were significant. Patients experiencing depression were 16.8% of patients. There was a significant positive correlation between self-care and family support, and significant negative correlations between self-care and depression, and family support and depression. CONCLUSION: For more effective management of diabetes mellitus in elders, improvement in self-care compliance, and family support are needed

Effect of a Tooth-brushing Education Program on Oral Health of Preschool Children

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of tooth-brushing education on the oral health of preschoolers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group was used. Two kindergartens were selected and 39 preschoolers from one kindergarten were assigned to the experimental group with tooth-brushing education and 39 from the other kindergarten to the control group. The tooth-brushing education program included 1 session on oral health education, individual tooth-brushing instruction for 1 week and supervised tooth-brushing after lunch for 4 weeks. Oral health behavior including use of tooth paste, tooth-brushing time and method of tooth-brushing, plague, streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus and dental caries were measured before and after the education. Fisher's exact test, t-test and paired t-test with the Window SAS 9.1 program were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A significant increase in the use of tooth paste, tooth-brushing time and the practice of correct tooth-brushing and a decrease in plague and development of dental caries were observed in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: This tooth-brushing education was partially effective in improving oral health of preschoolers.

The Development and Effects of a Self-management Program for Patients with Parkinson's Disease / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to develop and examine the effects of a self-management program (SMP) on physical, psychological functions, and symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD). METHODS: In a two-group pre-and post-test design, a total of 40 patients were assigned to the experimental group(21) or the control group (19). The experimental group received eight weekly 2-hour sessions for 10-15 literate adults of all ages, while the control group did not receive any intervention. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvements in muscle strength, balance, self-efficacy, depression, quality of life(QL), quality of sleep, and discomfort of constipation. It also reduced the number of participants using assistive walking devices. There were no significant changes in fear of falling and duration of sleep. CONCLUSION: The eight week SMP in patients with PD was found to be significantly effective in enhancing muscle strength, balance, self-efficacy, QL, and quality of sleep. It also decreased depression, discomfort of constipation, and assistive walking devices. These results suggest that a SMP can have effects on physical, psychological functions and symptoms in patients with PD. Further research with a larger sample and for a longer follow up period is needed to expand our understanding of the effects of a SMP for patients with PD.

Subjective Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Women Workers

PURPOSE: To investigate subjective symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in women workers. METHOD: From February to April, 2006, 292 women workers working in 16 companies were surveyed using KOSHA CODE (H-30-2003). RESULT: Of the workers, 84.0% had at least one musculoskeletal disorder. The mean score of the severity of musculoskeletal disorder symptoms was 7.41 out of 25. As for the prevalence rate by body part, shoulder was the most common and severe body part of musculoskeletal disorders, and significant differences were shown in neck, shoulder, and lower limb according to the type of working. The severity of married workers was significantly higher than that of unmarried ones. Significant difference was shown in the severity of disorders by the type of working and in body parts according to the type of working. CONCLUSION: The self-reported symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders were very frequent in women workers, but the severity of the symptoms was relatively low, suggesting the early symptoms of disorders. Specifically, given the highly frequent self-reported symptoms in the shoulder part found in married women workers, intensive prevention is recommended. Furthermore, an ergonomic aspect should be concerned to consider physical characteristics of women workers.

The Development and Effect of a Tailored Exercise Program on Physical Fitness in Patients with Parkinson's Disease / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To develop & to examine the effect of a Tailored Exercise Program (TEP) on physical fitness in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHOD: In a two-group pre-and post-test design, from a total 41 participants. 21 were assigned th the experimental group and the remainder to the control group. The experimental group participated in a 4-day a week, 8 week program in which one session a week was by direct instruction with the self-help group and two sessions a week were by videotaped instruction at home by themselves. The control group did not receive any intervention. RESULTS: The eight week TEP in patients with PD was found to be significantly effective in enhancing muscle strength, ankle flexibility, and balance. However instrumental activities of daily living was not changed by the intervention. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TEP can have an effect on physical fitness in patients with PD. Further research with a larger sample and for a longer follow up period is needed to expand our understanding of the effects of TEP for patients with PD.

Incidence of Cutaneous Injury in Clinical Nurses / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To identify the incidence of cutaneous injury in clinical nurses. METHOD: From Feb.1 to 28, 2005, 276 clinical nurses were surveyed by questionnaire. RESULTS: 1. Of the nurses, 53.6% had at least one incidence of cutaneous injury, and the mean number of injuries was 1.34. A higher incidence rate for cutaneous injury was found in nurses who were under the age of 25, unmarried and who had less than 3 years career experience. 2. The major causes of injury were syringe needles at 65.0%, and medical instrument were next followed by sharp objects or blades. The injuries occurred when the nurses were rearranging equipment after care (25.2%), taking blood samples (22.8%), separating syringes and needles (17.1%), during surgical operations (14.2%), and distribution of medications, treatments and recapping of needles (5.7% each). The hands were the most common body parts injured, and the most prevalent pathogens contaminating the instruments causing the injury were HBV, syphilis, HCV and HIV in that order. 3. Of the injured nurses, 77.9% did not report the accident and 25.8% did not receive any treatment because there were no pathogens, it was a bother or there was difficulty reporting the incident. CONCLUSION: To reduce cutaneous injuries, intensive training and supervision may be needed for those of nurses under the age of 25, unmarried and with less than 3 years career experience.

Depression and Self Care Behavior in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the level of depression and self management behavior in patients with diabetes. METHOD: From May to August 2004, 124 diabetic patients 18 years or older were surveyed using the Korean version of the BDI, the self-management scale by Toobert(2000) and hospital lab data for HbAl, FBS and Blood Sugar-2hr. RESULTS: 1. Mean score on the BDI for the patients was 10.85 points. The score on the BDI was significantly higher in hyperglycemic patients than in normoglycemic patients. 2. The level of self management for the past week showed care on an average of 4.2 days. According to level of depression, patients in the normal group and patients in the mild group had significantly higher levels of self management than those in the moderate group. 3. According to level of depression, patients in the normal group had significantly lower levels of blood glucose than those in the moderate group, and for HbAlc and FBS those in the mild group had lower levels compared to those in the moderate group. 4. The factors significantly associated with level of self management were depression (25.66%) and duration of illness. CONCLUSION: Programs should be developed to combat depression in patients with diabetes in order to increase compliance through self care management and thus increase of blood glucose levels.

Current Status Related to Providing Health Education Courses in Elementary Schools / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the status of health education courses in elementary schools. METHOD: From September to December in 2003, 607 school nurses were surveyed by questionnaires. RESULTS: 1) Of the schools, 32.1% had health education programs as part of the school health service. A higher proportion was found in schools in suburban and rural areas. Mass media in health education was used by 75% of school nurses. Regular classes were more frequently utilized in schools in rural areas, while the classes in health-related subjects were utilized in urban areas. For 20.6% of school nurses, there was a substitute person to provide health care while the nurse was in health education classed, but 94.2% of school nurses found they had to give up health education due to pressure from other health services. 2) Of the nurses, 97.0% felt the need to provide health education courses, but 60.6% insisted that their work load needed to be modified and supplemental personnel were necessary if health education courses were to be provided. 3) More than 30% school nurses responded that educational materials and media, and concern by teachers and administrators were insufficient. 4) School nurses suggested that the content for health education courses should include healthy life and dental health care for students in lower grades, dental health care, sex education and safety for students in middle grades, and sex education and drug abuse prevention for students in higher grades. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to provide health education courses in elementary schools but conditions in the schools are not satisfactory. For successful school health services, personnel supplement, modified work loads and sufficient educational materials and media should be in place before health education courses are provided.

Compare the Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior about Smoking in the Elementary Students according to Anti-smoking Education / 아동간호학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the knowledge and attitude about smoking of the elementary students according to anti-smoking education. METHOD: A descriptive comparative study design was used. A total 2,000 of the 4th, 5th and 6th grade of elementary students classified into education and non-education groups according to their anti-smoking education. Knowledge and attitude about smoking were measured by the constructed questionnaire. RESULTS: 1) Students' knowledge about smoking were 11.50point on average with highest score being 20. The knowledge of the education group was significantly higher than those of non-education group. No significant differences were observed according to grade or sex. 2) Students' attitude toward smoking were negative with the mean score 31.70. No significant differences were observed according to anti-smoking education, while students in higher grades and male showed significant favorable attitude toward smoking. 3) Among the students of respondents, 5.3% answered they had the experience of smoking. The smoking experience of the education group was significantly higher than those of non-education group. 96.0% of the students would not smoking in the future. No significant differences were observed according to anti-smoking education. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that a systematic strategy required to lead desirable attitude and behavior about smoking of students.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Falls among People with Parkinson's Disease / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the risk factors associated with falls among patients with Parkinson's Disease(PD). METHOD: A retrospective study design was used through the collection of physiological and physical health, and psychosocial functions. RESULTS: Of the 100 participants, fifty-nine(59%) reported one or more falls and seventy-one(71%) reported one or more near-falls. Anaverage 34.7 falls and 150.3 near-falls were reported in the previous year per person. Stage of PD, foot problems, balance, fear of falling, and activities of daily living were significantly associated with an increased risk of falls. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm the high risk of falling in PD patients. Also these results have implications for developing fall prevention programs for PD patients.

Risk Factors for Falls among the Community-Dwelling Elderly in Korea / 간호학회지

Community-based centres were surveyed to determine the frequency of and risk factors for falls among elderly Koreans. We examined fall-related risk factors, including physiological and physical health, psychosocial functions, self-reported physical capacity and activity, vision, and the use of medication, among 351 elderly people aged 65 years or older, with ambulatory. Forty-two per cent of elderly Korean subjects reported at least one episode of falling in the previous 12 months, 38% of whom had consequences that required either the attention of a physician or hospitalization. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of falling were a restricted activity during the previous five years (adjusted OR 1.3), use of alternative therapy (adjusted OR 2.7), low knee flexor and extensor-muscle strength (adjusted OR 1.21 and 1.20), and poor balance with closed eyes (adjusted OR 8.32). We conclude that falls among older persons living in the community are common in Korea and that indicator of bad health and frailty or variables directly related to neuromuscular impairment are significant predictors of the risk of falling.

A Study on Substance Abuse, Knowledge and Attitude about Substances in the Elementary Students / 아동간호학회지

PURPOSE: To provide basic data for strategy of substance abuse through the investigation of the status of substance abuse and knowledge and attitude about drugs in the elementary students. METHOD: Subjects were 565 6th grade of elementary students. Data were collected from June to July 2001 by using structured questionnaire. RESULT: 1) Among the students of respondents, 10.2% of them had the experience in smoking, 26.7% and 08% of them in drinking and inhalants, respectively. 2) The degree of students' knowledge about substance was 20.9 points on average with the highest score being 30. Students' knowledge about substances, smoking came on top, next came drinking and inhalants followed them. There were no significant differences in the knowledge of substances by general and drug related characteristics of the students. 3) The students' attitude about substances was negative with 30 points on average with the highest score being 108. As for the attitude about substances, they revealed the most generous in drinking next in smoking and inhalants. Those of boys, bored in school life and experienced in substance abuse were significantly generous in the attitude about substances. 4) There was a significant weak inverse relationship between the student's knowledge and attitude about substances (r=-0.13). As for the relationship between the student's knowledge and attitude about substances, the strongest relationship was shown in inhalants (r=-0.18) next in drinking (r=-0.16) and smoking (r=-0.06). CONCLUSION: The results of the finding suggest that the developing of programs in substance abuse for the elementary students are needed not only for the prevention but also for the cessation.

Fall Prevention Exercise Program for Fall Risk Factor Reduction of the Community-Dwelling Elderly in Korea

A randomized comparison of pre-and post-experimental design was used to examine the effects of a fall prevention exercise program (FPEP) on muscle strength, ankle flexibility, balance, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and depression for the community-dwelling elderly in Korea. Twenty-two subjects were assigned to an experimental group and twenty-three to a control group. The experimental group participated in a 4-day-per week FPEP of 8 weeks duration, twice a week by direct instruction and twice a week with videotaped instruction by the program instructor at each senior center. The eight-week FPEP turned out to be significantly effective in enhancing muscle strength, ankle flexibility and balance, and in reducing depression, after intervention among community-dwelling elderly in Korea. IADLs, however, was not changed by the intervention. Further research with a larger sample and longer follow up period is needed to expand our understanding about the effects of FPEP. Future study is also recommended to differentiate between the effects of FPEP by direct instruction and by videotaped.

Educational Needs of Drinking Prevention for Primary School Students / 아동간호학회지

PURPOSE: To provide basic data for developing problematic drinking prevention problem through the investigation of the educational needs on drinking of primary students. METHOD: Subjects were 630 fourth, fifth, and sixth grades in 5 primary schools in Seoul. Data were collected from November to December 2000 by using structured questionnaire. RESULT: 1) Among the students under inquiry, 41.2% answered the had educational need about drinking. Educational need about drinking was significantly higher in the students with higher mothers educational level than those of with lower ones. 2) With regard to the appropriate class in providing education, 37.3% selected normal class education. 47.3% of the respondents said experiments would be the most effective education method. 61.8% of the students picked school nurses as the most appropriate person in carrying out the education. As for the most effective media for education, 40.3% chose video/television. The most concerning topic was academic achievement with 51.9% of the surveyed. As for the rate of preference in methods of drinking prevention education, Significant differences were shown in the class, teaching method, instructor, media, memory of education and concerning topic according to the gender. CONCLUSION: The results of the finding suggest that the various programs of drinking prevention education for the primary students should be developed with consider the difference of preference by the grade and the gender.

Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation Teaching Program on Knowledge Level and Compliance of Health Behavior for Patients with Myocardial Infarction / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation teaching program on knowledge level and compliance of health behavior for the patients with myocardial infarction. METHOD: The subjects were 47 patients 23 were assigned to the experimental group and 24 were for the control. The cardiac rehabilitation teaching program is a individualized teaching program which was delivered to the experimental group during hospitalization period by present researcher. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys for knowledge level and compliance of health behavior from September 15, 1999 to December 31, 2000. The collected data was analyzed by using the SAS program. RESULTS: 1. With regard to the knowledge scores 1) The total knowledge level in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group. 2) As to the knowledge domains, nature of disease, risk factors, diet, medication, exercise, and daily activities were significantly higher in score in the experimental group than in the control group. 2. With regard to the compliance of health behavior 1) The average compliance with good health behavior was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. 2) As to the health behavior domains smoking cessation, diet, stress management, regular exercise, and other measures for lifestyle modification were significantly higher in score in the experimental group than in the control group. 3. The pre-treatment knowledge score was positively correlated to the post-treatment knowledge score and post-treatment knowledge score was positively correlated to the post-treatment compliance of health behaviors. CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate that the cardiac rehabilitation teaching program for the experimental group was effective in increasing level of knowledge and improvement f compliance with good health behavior of patients with myocardial infarction.

An Individualized Teaching Program for Atherosclerotic Risk Factor Reduction in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a teaching program on patients with myocardial infarction. Forty-five patients were randomly selected 22 were assigned to a teaching group and 23 to a control group. An individualized teaching program was delivered to the teaching group during the hospitalization period. It covered aspects such as: the characteristics of heart disease, the anatomy and physiology of the heart, risk factors of atherosclerosis, medication and diet and exercise therapy. When these subjects were discharged to their homes, they received regular supportive care via telephone or mail for 12 weeks. Atherosclerotic risk factors, including, smoking, exercise, blood lipid profile and BMI were measured before and after the teaching program. Post-testing revealed that the numbers of those who exercised and the number of non-smokers were significantly higher in the teaching group than in the control group. Increased HDL cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol) was significantly greater in the teaching group than in the control group. The above findings suggest that this individualized teaching program might be helpful at reducing the risk factors of atherosclerosis in myocardial infarction patients.

Direction in Health Education of smoking Prevention for Elementary School Children / 아동간호학회지

In order to provide a desirable direction for the health education on preventing smoking of elementary school students, by understanding the views held by elementary school teachers on smoking prevention education, 529 teachers at elementary schools located in Seoul were responded by constructed questionnaires during the period of Nov. 15 to Dec. 18 1999. The results of the survey analysis were as follows: 1. 91.9% of the respondents said that schools should offer education programs on preventing smoking, and this view was more strongly shared by teachers with religions than non-religious ones. 2.37.6% of teachers responded that the education should start with 4th-5th graders, while 36.0% opted for 6th grades. With regard to the appropriate class in providing such education, 41.1% selected physical education (PE), followed by extracurricular activity class with 28.8%, 45.1% of the respondents said discussion would be the most effective education method, while 39.9% recommended using experiments. fall in diseases and growth and developmental defect were pointed out as the most interesting topic for students by 33.2% and 28.1% of the surveyed, respectively. As for the most effective media for education, 57.2% recommended video, followed by computer games(19.2%) and cartoons (20.0%). 64.1% of the teachers picked school nurses as the most appropriate person in carrying out the education. The results of the finding show that it would be most desirable to provide health education on preventing smoking to senior elementary schoolers during the PE or extracurricular activity class by school nurses. The program would be structured to first show video clips on growth and developmental defect or fall in diseases resulting from smoking and to have discussions or experiments on related matters.

Direction in Health Education of smoking Prevention for Elementary School Children / 아동간호학회지

In order to provide a desirable direction for the health education on preventing smoking of elementary school students, by understanding the views held by elementary school teachers on smoking prevention education, 529 teachers at elementary schools located in Seoul were responded by constructed questionnaires during the period of Nov. 15 to Dec. 18 1999. The results of the survey analysis were as follows: 1. 91.9% of the respondents said that schools should offer education programs on preventing smoking, and this view was more strongly shared by teachers with religions than non-religious ones. 2.37.6% of teachers responded that the education should start with 4th-5th graders, while 36.0% opted for 6th grades. With regard to the appropriate class in providing such education, 41.1% selected physical education (PE), followed by extracurricular activity class with 28.8%, 45.1% of the respondents said discussion would be the most effective education method, while 39.9% recommended using experiments. fall in diseases and growth and developmental defect were pointed out as the most interesting topic for students by 33.2% and 28.1% of the surveyed, respectively. As for the most effective media for education, 57.2% recommended video, followed by computer games(19.2%) and cartoons (20.0%). 64.1% of the teachers picked school nurses as the most appropriate person in carrying out the education. The results of the finding show that it would be most desirable to provide health education on preventing smoking to senior elementary schoolers during the PE or extracurricular activity class by school nurses. The program would be structured to first show video clips on growth and developmental defect or fall in diseases resulting from smoking and to have discussions or experiments on related matters.

Environmental controls in reducing house dust mites and nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis

A randomized comparison group pretest-posttest experimental design was used to quantitatively determine the effects of environmental control measures on patients with allergic rhinitis. Environmental controls included wrapping the mattress with a vinyl cover, washing the top bedding cover with 55 degrees C hot water every two weeks, removal of soft furniture, and wet cleaning of the bedroom floor every day. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The amount of house dust mites in dust samples collected from the bedroom floor, bedding and mattress, as well as the nasal symptoms of patients, were measured twice at one-month intervals. A significant decrease in house dust mites in dust samples and relief in patients' nasal symptoms were observed in the experimental group who had environmental controls.