Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy / 종양간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental research using non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected from outpatients in a university hospital from April to August, 2009. There were 74 participants, 39 in the experimental group and 35 in the control group. The experimental group was given daily the progressive muscle relaxation for 20 min during three weeks. The structured questionnaire was used to measure nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program, chi-square-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and ANCOVA were conducted to examine the homogeneity and the research hypotheses. RESULTS: There were statistically significant decreases in anxiety and depression in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in nausea, vomiting, and fatigue between the groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, progressive muscle relaxation was effective in alleviating anxiety and depression of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, progressive muscle relaxation can be usefully utilized as a nursing intervention that enhances psychological function of cancer patients.

Effects of the Meridian Massage on the Hand Edema, Activities of Daily Living, and Depression in Stroke Patients / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the meridian massage on the hand edema, activities of daily living (ADL), and depression in hemiplegic stroke patients. METHODS: The research was a quasi-experimental design using a non-equivalent control group pre-post test. The subjects were 40 stroke patients who admitted to rehabilitation department in a hospital. The data was collected from January to March, 2009 used the millimeter measurement for checking hand edema and the structured questionnaires. The meridian massage on affected hand was carried out for 10 minutes per day during 2 weeks to the experimental group. Descriptive statistics, -test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test with SPSS/WIN 12.0 program were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After the intervention, there were statistically significant differences in the changes of hand edema, ADL, and depression in the experimental group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The meridian massage was effective in improving hand edema, the level of ADL, and depression for the hemiplegic stroke patients. Therefore the meridian massage can be utilized as an effective adjuvant therapy for stroke patients suffering from hand edema in clinical practice.

A Study on the Health Status, ADL, Depression and Life Satisfaction by Gender and Stage of Exercise Change among the Rural Elderly

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to find perceived health status, ADL, depression, and life satisfaction among the rural elderly and to explore differences according to gender and the stage of exercise change. METHODS: This is an exploratory survey study. The subjects were 365 elders consisting of 140 men (38.4%) and 225 women (61.6%) in a rural area in Korea. Data were collected from December, 2006 to January, 2007 using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and Scheffe's test using the SPSS/WIN 10.0. RESULTS: The mean scores of perceived health status and ADL were lower and depression was higher in women than in men. There were statistically significant differences in perceived health status according to the stage of exercise change. Also there were significant differences in the scores of ADL, depression, and life satisfaction according to the stage of exercise change. CONCLUSION: The tailored exercise seems to decrease depression while promoting physical health status and life satisfaction among the rural elderly. We suggest considering the client's intention and motivation when developing exercise programs.

The Effects of a Group Smoking Cessation Program among Adult Smokers in a Rural Community / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a community-based group smoking cessation program among adult smokers in a rural community. METHOD: The study design was quasi-experimental with a pre and posttest. A total of 55 adult smokers participated in the study. They were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after the program to identify the long-term effectiveness of the program. The program consisted of a total of 5 sessions provided twice a week. To test the effectiveness of the program, urine creatinine, expired air carbon monoxide, nicotine dependence, and smoking-related knowledge were used as dependent variables. Data was analyzed with the SPSS 10.0 program with a t-test, paired t-test, and Scheffe test. RESULT: Urine creatinine, expired air carbon monoxide, and nicotine dependence were significantly decreased after the program. Also, the rates of continuous abstinence were 81.8% at posttest, 65.5% at 1 month, 54.5% at 3 months, and 54.5% at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: This community-based group smoking cessation program implemented by a nurse and smoking cessation counselors was effective for quitting smoking and decreasing urine creatinine and nicotine dependence. Therefore, this smoking cessation program could be recommended to induce smoking cessation as health promotion management in the rural community.

Nicotine Dependence, Smoking-related Attitude, and Subjective Norms across the Stages of Change for Smoking Cessation among Adults Smokers in a Rural Area / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify nicotine dependence, smoking-related attitude, and subjective norms across the stages of change for smoking cessation among adult smokers in a rural area. METHOD: The subjects were 276 current smokers (male=243, female=33). There were 3 stages of change for smoking cessation: pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stage. Data was collected by an interview or self-reporting from February 12th to March 5th 2004, and analyzed with frequency, percentage, chi-square-test, Fisher's exact probability test, ANOVA, and Scheffe test using the SPSS-PC program. RESULT: According to the stages of change, 114(41.3%) current smokers were in pre-contemplation, 110(39.9%) in contemplation, and 52(18.8%) in the preparation stage. There was a higher percentage of males than females (chi-square=8.99, p=.011) in the preparation stage. The mean score of the smoking-related attitude (F=7.43, p=.001) and subjective norm(F=27.41, p=.001) were both lowest in the pre-contemplation stage and increased positively during the stages of change for smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, the authors recommend that community-based smoking cessation programs should be developed by considering the intention or motives of current smokers and should be initiated in the preparation stage and primarily for male groups.

Effects of a Tilting Training Program on Lower Extremities Function, Depression, and Self-efficacy among Stroke Inpatients / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a tilting training program on lower extremities function, depression, and self-efficacy among stroke inpatients. METHOD: The subjects were 60 stroke patients hospitalized in an oriental medical hospital; 31 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The tilting training program consisted of 3 sessions and was implemented for 30 minutes daily during 3 weeks. Data was collected from Feb to July 2003, and analyzed by percentage, Fisher's exact probability, x2-test, and t-test using the SPSS/Win 10.0 computerized program. RESULT: After treatment with the tilting training program, the experimental group was significantly increased in the mean score for function of lower extremities (t=2.72, p=.009) compared to the control group, especially for keeping standing balance (t=2.78, p=.007) and standing by oneself (t=3.32, p=.002). However, in the mean scores of depression and self-efficacy, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The tilting training program was effective for increasing the function of lower extremities and to improve walking ability earlier among stroke inpatients. Therefore, the tilting training program is applicable to increase the balance level in standing and walking ability at the early rehabilitation stage for stroke patients.

Effects of an Obesity Control Program Based on Behavior Modification and Self-efficacy in Obese Elementary School Children / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a school-based obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy for obese elementary school children. The program was composed of strategies to modify diet and exercise habits and to increase self-efficacy. METHOD: The subjects were 57 obese children (experimental group = 28, control group = 29) whose Rohler index was 150 and over. The program was implemented once a week for 12 weeks from September 16 to December 12, 2003. The data was analyzed by Fisher's exact probability, chi2-test, t-test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. RESULT: The Rohler index, fat mass and lean body mass of the experimental group positively changed after the intervention more than those of the control group, but there was a significant difference in the Rohler index only (t=2.06, p=.045). In addition, obesity stress significantly decreased (z=-2.86, p=.047) and dietary self-efficacy significantly increased (t=2.35, p=.023) in the experimental group than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: This study supports that a school-based obesity control program based on behavior modification and self-efficacy can be effective in decreasing obesity stress and increasing dietary self-efficacy. Parents, school nurses and the other support groups should be encouraged to participate from the planning stage of the program to be effective in weight control of obese elementary school children. Also school-based program should be implemented as an essential course in the curriculum, not as an elective.

Factors Related to Quality of Life among Rural Elderly / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to explore the degree of depression, perceived health status, chronic disease and quality of life(QOL) among rural elderly and to determine the factors related to their QOL. METHOD: The design of this study was a correlational study. The subjects were 423 elderly consisted of 157(37.1%) men and 266(62.9%) women dwelling in a rural area of N City. Data were collected from May to December, 2003 using a structured questionnaire. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the factors related to the QOL. RESULT: It was found that the mean score of QOL was in total with 2.15 out of 5.00 and women elderly's score was significantly lower than men(t=2.20, p=.028). Perceived health status showed statistically significant positive relationship with QOL(r=.608, p<.05), while depression(r=-.751, p<.01) and chronic illness(r=-.336, p<.01) showed statistically significant negative relationship. Depression was found to have the highest correlation with QOL among the subjects. Depression score explained QOL at the most, accounting for 36.8% of the variability, followed by perceived health(8.2%) and the number of chronic illness(.7%). Other factors related to the QOL were economic status and absence of spouse. CONCLUSION: In order to increase the QOL of rural elderly, it is necessary to decrease the depression, to increase their perceived health status and to decrease the number of chronic illness. We suggest the implementation of a program not only to promote physical health status and self-care ability but to take care of mental health for the rural elderly.

Health Pattern of Elderly According to Age Group Who Living Alone in an Urban Area / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the differences of health patterns; health-related characteristics, health behaviors, health problems, and self-care levels of elderly, living alone in an urban area according to age group. METHOD: The study design was a descriptive survey and the subjects were 1,800 elderly consisting of 937 young old, 704 middle old, and 159 old old. Data was collected from May to July 2003 using the structured questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi2-test, Fisher's exact probability test, ANOVA and Scheffe test using SPSS/PC. RESULT: The health related characteristics which involved body mass index, mental status, use of assistant devices, perceived health, concern of health, and social support were different among the groups and more aggravated by aging. Health behaviors and health problems were also significantly aggravated in the old old group. The self-care levels measured by ADL, physical activity, and self-care ability scores were also significantly decreased in the old old group. CONCLUSION: For the level of health status, health behaviors and self-care ability were significantly decreased by aging, health care services for the elderly should be planned considering the difference in the health pattern by age group.

The Effects of Stage Based Exercise Program on the Physical and Psychological Variables in Stroke Survivors / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop the exercise program based on the Transtheoretical Model, and to identify it's effects on physical and psychological variables in stroke survivors. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 42 stroke survivors in the preparation and action stages. The stage based exercise program was conducted in the experimental group 8 times for 8 weeks. For data collection, physical conditioning and psychological state were measured and decisional balance and exercise specific self-efficacy were compared within groups. RESULT: For the physical conditioning, there were significant improvements in shoulder's range of motion and walking speed. For the psychological state, the mean score of self esteem for the experimental group significantly increased in both stages. The pros of decisional balance increased in the preparation stage and the cons of decisional balance increased in the action stage, but the exercise specific self-efficacy scores were not significantly changed in both stages. CONCLUSION: The stage based exercise program using the Transtheoretical Model influenced on the physical and psychological variables positively for the stroke survivors. It was demonstrated that subjects became more active during the intervention.

A Study on the Degree of Self-care Activities of Stroke Patients, the Family Burden, and the Educational Needs of Primary Caregivers / 재활간호학회지

The purpose of this study was to identify the degree of self-care activities of stroke patients, the family burden, and the educational needs of primary caregivers. A descriptive survey research was conducted in 97 stroke patients and their respective primary caregivers. Data were collected the using 26th to by interviews a structure questionnare from July August 5th, 1999. NIH stroke status was 12.15+/-8.40, the degree of self-care activities of stroke patients was 26.85+/-9.39. The score of objective burden of primary caregivers was 31.24+/-4.81 and subjective burden was 24.30+/-6.99. The score of the educational needs was 89.78+/-9.99. We present several imformations about clients from these scores as follows: The patients were convalescent and their depentant level of self-care was middle range: The objective burden was higher than the subjective burden: And the educational needs of family caregivers were very high. The Elain Mattis Educational Wants of Family Caregivers of Disabled Adults Questionnaire was used to assess the educational needs of primary caregivers of stroke patients. The results of this research are offered to help nurses understand the feelings of uncertainty about the new and unexpected role that family caregivers face and to help nurses meet the needs of families preparing to care stroke survivors at home.