Factors of Occurrence of Amenorrhea and Climacteric Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients Underwent Chemotherapy / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the factors of occurrence of amenorrhea and the severity of climacteric symptoms in breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy. METHOD: Women diagnosed with breast cancer without metastasis or recurrence, had surgery followed by chemotherapy, and had menses at the time of surgery were recruited from S hospital located in Seoul. A total of 99 women aged 31 thru 55 years participated and filled out a structured questionnaire including the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast plus Endocrine Symptom when they visited the clinic for follow-up. RESULT: In 88 women amenorrhea occurred within an average of 2 months since beginning chemotherapy, and menstruation was resumed in only 11 women. About 98% of women aged over 40 experienced a cessation in menses thus age was an apparent factor of amenorrhea (Exp(B)=.76, p<.05). Presence of chronic disease (beta=.25, p<.05) and body weight change (beta=.30, p<.01) were significant factors influencing the severity of climacteric symptoms. CONCLUSION: Nurses need to have clinical evidences of menstrual changes due to breast cancer treatment. Information about premature menopause and climacteric symptoms should be provided according to women's health conditions so that they cope better during their survival.

Effect of Taegyo-focused Prenatal Education on Maternal-fetal Attachment and Self-efficacy Related to Childbirth / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of Taegyo-focused prenatal classes on maternal-fetal attachment and self-efficacy related to childbirth. METHODS: Over 4 weeks, 49 women, 20 to 36 weeks of gestation participated in a prenatal program led by the nurse who developed it. In addition to Lamaze content it included; understanding ability of fetus to respond, sharing motivation, purpose of pregnancy, and preconceptions of experiencing childbirth, training in maternal- fetal interaction, writing letters and making a declaration of love to unborn baby. Using a pre- experimental design, data were collected by self-report, before and after program, using Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (1981), and Shin's (1997) Labor Self-Efficacy Measurement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Paired t-test showed significant changes in scores of maternal-fetal attachment (t=6.91. p<.001) and self-efficacy related to childbirth (t=10.19, p<.001). Taegyo opens the possibility of integrating Western ideas with Korean traditional health behavior. Incorporation of Taegyo into existing prenatal classes is recommended.