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Purpose@#Nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment of nurses is a significant contributing factor to nursing care performance and patient care outcomes. We need to investigate the factors associated with nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment in hospital settings. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the relationship of role perception of life-sustaining treatment and good death perception with nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment among nurses in hospital settings. @*Methods@#Using a cross-sectional study design, we recruited nurses at a hospital located in a metropolitan city in Korea. The nurses completed structured questionnaire questions which were composed of well-validated questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression model were utilized for data analysis. @*Results@#A total of 205 nurses participated in the study (female 93.2%; aged 20~29 years 63.0%; single status 78.5%). In the hierarchical multiple regression model, there was a significant positive relationship between role perception of life-sustaining treatment and nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment (β=.27, p<.001). Higher education level and working at a ward setting were also significantly related to nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment (β=.13, p<.046 for education level; β=.22, p=.001 for work setting). However, there was no relationship between good death perception and nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment. @*Conclusion@#Education programs to reduce nursing stress on life-sustaining treatment are needed to develop for nurses who have higher role perception of life-sustaining treatment with higher education level working at ward settings in hospitals.
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Purpose@#This study aimed to examine the effects of the Tai Chi exercise program on cognitive function among older adults at risk of dementia living in rural areas. @*Methods@#A non-equivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design was used. Forty-four subjects at risk of dementia aged over 75 were recruited from the dementia care center in O county. The experimental group participated in the Tai Chi exercise program twice a week for one-hour session for 12 weeks, while the control group received the routine management from the dementia care center. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24.0 program with descriptive statistics, x2 test, and Mann-Whitney test, t-test and ANCOVA. @*Results@#The significant improvement was found in cognitive function (F=4.72, p=.036) and attention (F=4.44, p=.041) for the Tai Chi exercise group compared to the control group. No adverse events have been notified during the intervention. @*Conclusion@#The study findings suggest that Tai Chi exercise program is safely and effectively applied to older adults at risk of dementia, revealing the potential benefits to improve cognitive function in this population. Further studies are warranted to explore the relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function in older adults with various types of cognitive impairment.
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Background@#and Purpose The Boston Autonomic Symptom Questionnaire (BASQ) is a quantitative tool using a numeric rating scale to assess the symptoms of systemic dysautonomia, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, sudomotor, vasomotor, and sexual functions. The aim of this study was to validate the Korean version of the BASQ (KBASQ). @*Methods@#Prospectively enrolled subjects who submitted to autonomic function tests, including tests for cardiovagal, adrenergic, and sudomotor functions, also completed the KBASQ and the Korean version of the Orthostatic Grading Scale (KOGS), a validated questionnaire for assessing orthostatic symptoms.Twenty-eight subjects completed the KBASQ twice to assess test-retest reliability. We classified the subjects to dysautonomia or normal control group according to dysautonomic symptoms and the results of autonomic function tests. @*Results@#This study enrolled 225 subjects aged 54.0±18.1 years (mean±standard deviation), with a male/female ratio of 1/1.03. The internal validity of the KBASQ was excellent (Cronbach’s α=0.922), and that of each of its subscales ranged from excellent to acceptable (Cronbach’s α=0.709–0.952). The test-retest reliability was good, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.354 to 0.917. The subcategory scores for the KBASQ were significantly higher in the dysautonomia group than in the normal control group. There were significant correlations among the items in the KBASQ and KOGS. There was also a significant correlation between KBASQ scores and the results of the autonomic function tests. @*Conclusions@#The internal validity and reliability of the KBASQ were good, indicating that it may be a useful screening tool for the systematic evaluation of autonomic symptoms in patients with dysautonomia.
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Background@#and Purpose The Boston Autonomic Symptom Questionnaire (BASQ) is a quantitative tool using a numeric rating scale to assess the symptoms of systemic dysautonomia, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, sudomotor, vasomotor, and sexual functions. The aim of this study was to validate the Korean version of the BASQ (KBASQ). @*Methods@#Prospectively enrolled subjects who submitted to autonomic function tests, including tests for cardiovagal, adrenergic, and sudomotor functions, also completed the KBASQ and the Korean version of the Orthostatic Grading Scale (KOGS), a validated questionnaire for assessing orthostatic symptoms.Twenty-eight subjects completed the KBASQ twice to assess test-retest reliability. We classified the subjects to dysautonomia or normal control group according to dysautonomic symptoms and the results of autonomic function tests. @*Results@#This study enrolled 225 subjects aged 54.0±18.1 years (mean±standard deviation), with a male/female ratio of 1/1.03. The internal validity of the KBASQ was excellent (Cronbach’s α=0.922), and that of each of its subscales ranged from excellent to acceptable (Cronbach’s α=0.709–0.952). The test-retest reliability was good, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.354 to 0.917. The subcategory scores for the KBASQ were significantly higher in the dysautonomia group than in the normal control group. There were significant correlations among the items in the KBASQ and KOGS. There was also a significant correlation between KBASQ scores and the results of the autonomic function tests. @*Conclusions@#The internal validity and reliability of the KBASQ were good, indicating that it may be a useful screening tool for the systematic evaluation of autonomic symptoms in patients with dysautonomia.
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ObjectivesMenopause is a well-known risk factor for accelerating cognitive aging in women. This study aimed to assess differences in cognitive function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to menopausal status to determine whether the menopause significantly affects the relationship between cognitive function and HRQOL.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional comparative study with a convenience sample of 178 Korean women including 89 naturally menopausal women (65 ± 10 years) and 89 non-menopausal women (45 ± 8 years) who met the eligibility criteria and completed neuropsychological tests and self-report questionnaires about their HRQOL, cognitive function, depression, and sleep quality. Multiple regression analyses were performed within and between groups according to menopausal status.ResultsMenopausal women had significantly worse scores on neuropsychological performance and HRQOL than non-menopausal women. A better neuropsychological performance (β = 0.34) was solely associated with a better HRQOL in menopausal women, whilst socioeconomic variables were associated with HRQOL in non-menopausal women.ConclusionMenopause is an important risk factor for HRQOL, and the association between cognition and HRQOL may differ according to menopausal status. When developing programs for target groups to improve daily functioning and HRQOL, healthcare professionals need to pay more attention to this relationship.
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Purpose@#This study was done to analyze research articles and explore research trends in auriculotherapy between 2010 and 2019 in Korean academic journals. @*Methods@#Domestic databases including KMbase, RISS, KISS, and NDSL were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2019. Research trends were analyzed according to The STandards Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines including research design, control group type, and intervention details from a total of 78 domestic papers. Descriptive statistics were analyzed by frequency and percentage. @*Results@#Most studies were conducted in nursing. Regarding research design, a quasi-experimental design with a no-treatment control group was most common. There were 12 conditions with 4 participant categories. The most common intervention was four-point acupuncture-buried therapy. Interventions conducted weekly with cessation of 2 days for 6 weeks were popular. Regarding dropouts, few studies reported side-effects, with personal reasons being the most frequently reported. However, 50% of the studies failed to provide adequate information regarding intervention details according to the STRICTA guidelines, such as the practitioner background, ear point used for intervention, and a flow diagram. @*Conclusion@#Interventional studies on auriculotherapy have been steadily increasing and have included more diversified conditions. Future studies should investigate the effects of auriculotherapy with more rigorous design, and report more detailed information regarding interventions.
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OBJECTIVES: Self-rated health is a comprehensive measure of health. As gender difference in self-rated health is found, identifying gender-specific factors related to self-rated health is important. Poor executive functioning negatively affects an individual's independence and healthy lifestyle, but it is unknown relationships between executive function and self-rated health and gender differences in these relationships. Therefore, gender differences were examined in the relationship between executive function and self-rated health in the community. METHODS: Individuals completed questionnaires about their health status and subjective decline in executive function. Neuropsychological tests were also performed to assess objective executive functioning. Two separate multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted by gender. RESULTS: Better objective executive function was related to greater self-rated health scores (better self-rated health) in men alone (βs = 0.341), while better subjective executive function was significantly associated with greater self-rated health scores in both men and women (βs = 0.385 and 0.443, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gender differences are important when reporting perceived health status, in particular the different effects of subjective and objective executive function on self-rated health across genders. Clinicians need to be aware of the potential value of subjective executive function complaints when evaluating health status.
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Female , Humans , Male , Executive Function , Life Style , Linear Models , Neuropsychological TestsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of subjective memory complaints, depression and cognitive function on performance of activities of daily living (ADL) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: A total sample consisted of 250 MCI patients diagnosed within one year. All participants were assessed with a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests, self-report measures of subjective memory complaints and depression, and performance of basic and instrumental ADL. Correlational and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with performance of basic and instrumental ADL, respectively. RESULTS: Executive function and depression explained 9.4% of the variance in basic ADL. Reduced executive function and greater depressed mood were associated with worse performance on basic ADL. Executive function, subjective memory complaints, and time since onset of cognitive symptoms accounted for 22.2% of the variance in instrumental ADL in individuals with MCI. Lower executive function (t=−2.02, p=.044), greater memory complaints (t=5.36, p<.001), and longer periods of experiencing cognitive symptoms (t=2.24, p=.026) were associated with worse instrumental ADL performance. CONCLUSION: These results may help healthcare professionals develop interventions to improve cognitive outcomes with better understanding of the relationship among cognition, mood, and behavioral performance in individuals with MCI.
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Humans , Activities of Daily Living , Cognition , Delivery of Health Care , Depression , Executive Function , Linear Models , Memory Disorders , Memory , Cognitive Dysfunction , Neurobehavioral Manifestations , Neuropsychological TestsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the effects of various leisure activities on cognitive impairment in young-old (aged 65–74 years) and old-old (aged ≥ 75 years) adults. METHODS: In total, 10,279 elderly Korean individuals from the 2014 Korean National Survey on Older Adults’ cohort were enrolled in our study. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the standardized score of the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening, whereas leisure activities were recorded via self-reporting of the extent and type of leisure activity the subjects involved in over the past year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of leisure activities on cognitive impairment, while controlling for potential covariates. RESULTS: The subjects were more likely to participate in cognitive activities than in non-exercise physical activities. After controlling for selected covariates, involvement in cognitive activities was found to be a significant predictor of cognitive impairment in both the groups, whereas involvement in non-exercise physical activities was not a predictor of cognitive impairment in individuals aged ≥ 75 years. Moreover, depressive symptoms, rural residence, and hearing difficulties were common predictors of cognitive impairment among elderly-Korean-individuals. CONCLUSION: Leisure activity involvement may help delay cognitive impairment, which is often concomitant with aging. Hence, an early intervention service may significantly benefit both young-old and old-old individuals.
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Adult , Aged , Humans , Aging , Cognition Disorders , Cognition , Cohort Studies , Dementia , Depression , Early Intervention, Educational , Hearing , Leisure Activities , Logistic Models , Mass Screening , Motor ActivityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore personal as well as occupational factors and health status associated with work-life balance in Korean registered nurses. METHODS: This study was a secondary data analysis using cross-sectional nationally representative data from the Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) in 2014. Study participants included 450 registered nurses in South Korea. Descriptive analysis, Independent t-test, χ² test, and Logistic regression analyses were performed using the SPSS 21.0 statistical program. RESULTS: Work-life balance was reported in 70.6% individuals with 85.7% being male and 70.0% being female nurses. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being male good health state, having less than 40-hour working week, lower number of night duty, policy on flexible work arrangement were significant predictors of work-life balance. CONCLUSION: This study provided evidence that identify predictors of work-life balance in registered nurses in South Korea. Therefore, we need the actively support health care service promotion and prevention for work-life balance predictors.
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Female , Humans , Male , Delivery of Health Care , Korea , Logistic Models , Nurses , Statistics as Topic , Work Schedule ToleranceABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a cognitive training program on neurocognitive task performance and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients who had a stroke. METHODS: The research design for this study was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. Patients were assigned to the experimental (n=21) or control group (n=21). The experimental group received a 4-week cognitive training program and usual care (i.e., rehabilitation service), while the control was received usual care only. Cognitive function was measured with a standardized neurocognitive test battery and ADL was assessed at baseline and one and two months after completion of the intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine changes in cognitive function and ADL over 2 months. RESULTS: The interaction of group and time was significant indicating that the experimental group showed improvement in attention, visuospatial function, verbal memory, and executive function compared to the control group which had a sustained or gradual decrease in test performance. A significant group by time interaction in instrumental ADL was also found between the experimental group with gradual improvement and the control group showing no noticeable change. CONCLUSION: Findings show that the cognitive training program developed in this study is beneficial in restoring cognitive function and improving ADL in patients following a stroke. Further study is needed to investigate the long-term relationship between cognitive training participation and cognitive improvement and effective functioning in daily living.
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Humans , Activities of Daily Living , Cognition , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Education , Executive Function , Memory , Rehabilitation , Research Design , Stroke , Task Performance and AnalysisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of bullying and to examine the effect of bullying on psychological well-being including depression, self-esteem, and academic major satisfaction among nursing students during clinical training. METHODS: Three hundreds one nursing students who were recruited from three universities in D City were assessed with self-report questionnaires of bullying experience and psychological well-being. Data analyses were performed using the SPSS 21.0 program, which included one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: More than three quarters of the participants experienced bullying during their clinical training, and their experience of being bullied was a significant predictor of psychological well-being even after controlling for perceived academic performance, relationship between nurses and students, teachers' or nurses' help to deal with bullying, and religion. CONCLUSION: Bullying was an issue among nursing students during clinical placement. Bullying experience yielded negative psychological outcomes associated with high depression, low self-esteem, and low academic major satisfaction. Practical guidelines are required in nursing education to protect students from the possible harm of bullying in clinical settings during training.
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Humans , Bullying , Depression , Education, Nursing , Linear Models , Nursing , Personal Satisfaction , Prevalence , Self Concept , Statistics as Topic , Students, NursingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore professional autonomy, nursing work environment, and clinical decision making ability and to determine predictors of clinical decision making ability among clinical nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in this study and 263 clinical nurses were selected from advanced-level hospitals with over 500 beds located in D metropolitan city. Independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were done with the SPSS/WIN 20.0 program. RESULTS: Clinical nurses reported moderate levels of professional autonomy, nursing work environment and clinical decision making ability. Marital status, professional autonomy and nursing work environment accounted for 25% of variance in clinical decision making ability required in various clinical settings. Importantly, being married, higher level of professional autonomy, and greater satisfaction with work environment were significantly associated with better decision making ability. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that improving the quality of decision making in the healthcare settings requires awareness of the multiple effects of individual, occupational and environmental features. Nurses' ability to make effective clinical decisions may rely on personal characteristics, the degree of autonomy in their job, and nurses' satisfaction with their work environment.
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Humans , Decision Making , Delivery of Health Care , Marital Status , Nursing , Professional AutonomyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore professional autonomy, nursing work environment, and clinical decision making ability and to determine predictors of clinical decision making ability among clinical nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in this study and 263 clinical nurses were selected from advanced-level hospitals with over 500 beds located in D metropolitan city. Independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were done with the SPSS/WIN 20.0 program. RESULTS: Clinical nurses reported moderate levels of professional autonomy, nursing work environment and clinical decision making ability. Marital status, professional autonomy and nursing work environment accounted for 25% of variance in clinical decision making ability required in various clinical settings. Importantly, being married, higher level of professional autonomy, and greater satisfaction with work environment were significantly associated with better decision making ability. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that improving the quality of decision making in the healthcare settings requires awareness of the multiple effects of individual, occupational and environmental features. Nurses' ability to make effective clinical decisions may rely on personal characteristics, the degree of autonomy in their job, and nurses' satisfaction with their work environment.
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Humans , Decision Making , Delivery of Health Care , Marital Status , Nursing , Professional AutonomyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (tranexamic acid) has recently been reported to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and hinder the pigmentation caused after UV radiation. OBJECTIVE: we evaluated the influence of tranexamic acid on the viability, morphogenesis and melanization of cultured normal human melanocytes. METHOD: The cultured melanocytes from neonatal foreskin were exposed to UVB 20mJ/cm2, then treated with tranexamic acid [0.05microgram/ml, 0.05microgram/ml, and 0.5microgram/ml]. After 24 hours, the viability of melanocytes and the melanin concentration was measured. The number and length of the melanocytes' dendrites, and the expression level of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 were also evaluated. RESULTS: The viability of the melanocytes was decreased by tranexamic acid in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). The increased melanin synthesis by UVB irradiation was decreased by tranexamic acid in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). Also, the increased expressions of TRP-1, TRP-2 and tyrosinase after exposure to UV were statistically decreased by tranexamic acid in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: tranexamic acid may prevents UVB induced pigmentation.