Development and Evaluation of Health Empowerment Scale for North Korean Women Defectors

Purpose@#This study developed an instrument to evaluate the health empowerment of North Korean women refugees and examined its validity and reliability. @*Methods@#Through literature review and focused group interviews, 66 preliminary items with three constructs, including perceived control, perceived competence, and goal internalization were selected based on Menon’s psychological health empowerment model. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 239 North Korean women refugees in the community from August 31 to September 4, 2020. Content, construct, convergent, and discriminative validity were evaluated. Cronbach’s α was used to evaluate the reli-ability of scale. @*Results@#The final instrument consisted of 31 items with three factors that were identified through confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent validity showed that the correlation coefficient was .52 (p < .001), which confirmed the validity of the developed measurement tool. Cronbach’s α for all the items was .94, and Cronbach's α for the factors was .76~.91. @*Conclusion@#This health empowerment scale has been developed to include aspects of health empowerment, provide a conceptual framework, and offer objective indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of a health education program.

Psychometric Testing of the Korean Version of the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 in Clinical Nurses / 기본간호학회지

Purpose@#To determine psychometric properties of the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (CBI-24) among Korean clinical nurses. @*Methods@#A methodological design was used. Data were collected from 408 clinical nurses. Construct validity analysis was performed, including factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity. Internal consistency was tested by Cronbach’s ⍺ coefficients, inter-item correlation, and corrected item-total correlation. @*Results@#Exploratory factor analysis produced three factors: ‘empathy and supporting’, ‘knowledge and skills’, and ‘providing comfort’. In confirmatory factor analysis results, model fit indices were acceptable (x2/df=3.50, RMR=.05, RMSEA=.08, CFI=.90). The values obtained for the AVE ranged from .53 to .68, and for the CR ranged from .53 to .68. Convergent validity coefficients were noticeably greater in magnitude than discriminant validity coefficients: .53 (AVE1 value) and .68 (AVE2 value)≥.45 (r122 value) and .68 (AVE2 value) and .63 (AVE3 value)≥.61 (r232 value). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s ⍺) of CBI-K was .95. @*Conclusion@#The CBI-K was shown to have acceptable construct validity and good internal consistency. Study findings imply that CBI-K could be a useful instrument for clinical administrators and nursing researchers to assess caring behaviors among Korean clinical nurses. Utilization of CBI-K might contribute to the building of empirical knowledge and the understanding of caring behaviors from nurses’ perspectives.

A Survey Study of Compliance with Mask-Wearing to Prevent Coronavirus Infections among Korean Adults / 기본간호학회지

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to determine the actual situation of mask wearing by adults in the early stages of the coronavirus epidemic and to identify factors that influence the transition to mask wearing and establish a management plan for more effective infectious disease prevention. @*Methods@#This study was a multinational study conducted in ten countries. Data collected in Korea were analyzed. Adults over the age of 18 in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas were targeted, and data for 657 adults were analyzed. @*Results@#The average score for mask-wearing compliance was 16.25, ranging from 0 to 24. There was a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression, as well as anxiety and mask-wearing compliance. There was a significant negative correlation between depression and mask-wearing compliance. Multiple linear regression revealed that mask-wearing compliance was predicted by levels of the anxiety, depression, and education. These explanatory variables explaining the dependent variable mask-wearing compliance was 12%. @*Conclusion@#To identify and improve factors influencing mask-wearing compliance, general characteristics including educational background of participants were identified. Psychosocial factors such as anxiety and depression should also be considered. In addition, as the level of anxiety and depression will differ for each person, differentiated interventions according to psychological state should be provided.

An Evaluation of the Validity and Reliability of the Face Mask Use Scale’s Korean Version among Community-Dwelling Adults

Purpose@#This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Face Mask Use Scale (K-FMUS) among community-dwelling adults. @*Methods@#The participants of the study were community-dwelling adults in Korea using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The English FMUS was translated into Korean using forward and backward translation procedures. The construct validity and reliability of the K-FMUS were evaluated using the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the internal consistency reliability test. @*Results@#The K-FMUS comprised 6 items divided into 2 factors. The variance of the factors was approximately 79.1%, which suggested that the scale indicated the effectiveness of face mask usage. The two factors were labeled as face mask use in society (4 items) and face mask use at home (2 items). Cronbach’s α value for the overall scale was .88. @*Conclusion@#The K-FMUS is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to measure face mask usage among community-dwelling adults in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Effects of Oral Cryotherapy on Oral Mucositis, Reactive Oxygen Series, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Oral Comfort in Gynecologic Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of oral cryotherapy on oral mucositis, reactive oxygen series, inflammatory cytokines, and oral comfort in patients undergoing chemotherapy for gynecologic cancers.@*METHODS@#Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=25, receiving oral cryotherapy during chemotherapy) and the control group (n=25, receiving the usual care consisting of 0.9% normal saline gargles three times before meals). Oral mucositis was assessed using the oral assessment guide, while oral comfort was assessed using the oral perception guide. Reactive oxygen series was measured as total oxidant stress, and the level of two inflammatory markers, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were examined. The data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance.@*RESULTS@#There was a significant difference in the oral mucositis score, reactive oxygen series score, TNF-α level, and oral comfort score between the two groups, and there were significant changes over time and in the group-by-time interactions. There was a significant difference in the IL-6 score between the two groups, but there were no significant changes over time or in the group-by-time interactions.@*CONCLUSION@#The study results revealed that oral cryotherapy was more effective than the usual care regime of normal saline gargles for reducing oral mucositis, reactive oxygen series, and inflammatory cytokines and for improving oral comfort in gynecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Factors Influencing Distress in Premenopausal Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Endocrine Therapy / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among menopausal symptoms, functional status, and distress and to identify factors influencing distress in premenopausal breast cancer patients who had been on endocrine therapy. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted. Data were collected using questionnaires from 140 patients with breast cancer undergoing endocrine therapy at a general hospital. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Tukey HSD test, Pearson's correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean scores for menopausal symptom, functional status, and distress were 19.65±7.86, 2.67±0.33 and 3.69±2.19, respectively. The menopausal symptoms and distress were positively correlated (r=.76, p<.001). The menopausal symptoms and functional status (r=−.43, p<.001) and functional status and distress (r=−.31, p<.001) were negatively correlated. The most influential factor for distress was menopausal symptoms (β=.79, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, developing nursing intervention programs focusing on decreasing menopausal symptoms and distress are recommended.

The Effects of Oral Cryotherapy on Oral Mucositis, Reactive Oxygen Series, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Oral Comfort in Gynecologic Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of oral cryotherapy on oral mucositis, reactive oxygen series, inflammatory cytokines, and oral comfort in patients undergoing chemotherapy for gynecologic cancers. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=25, receiving oral cryotherapy during chemotherapy) and the control group (n=25, receiving the usual care consisting of 0.9% normal saline gargles three times before meals). Oral mucositis was assessed using the oral assessment guide, while oral comfort was assessed using the oral perception guide. Reactive oxygen series was measured as total oxidant stress, and the level of two inflammatory markers, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were examined. The data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the oral mucositis score, reactive oxygen series score, TNF-α level, and oral comfort score between the two groups, and there were significant changes over time and in the group-by-time interactions. There was a significant difference in the IL-6 score between the two groups, but there were no significant changes over time or in the group-by-time interactions. CONCLUSION: The study results revealed that oral cryotherapy was more effective than the usual care regime of normal saline gargles for reducing oral mucositis, reactive oxygen series, and inflammatory cytokines and for improving oral comfort in gynecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The Relationships among Perceived Parental Bonding, Illness Perception, and Anxiety in Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Diseases

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to identify the relationships among perceived parental bonding, illness perception, and anxiety and to determine the influences of perceived parental bonding and illness perception on anxiety in adult patients with congenital heart diseases. METHODS: In this study a descriptive correlational design with survey method was utilized. The participants were 143 adult patients with congenital heart disease being cared for in the cardiology out-patient clinic of A medical center. Data were collected using the Parental Bonding Instrument, Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised Scale, and Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchial regression analyses. RESULTS: There showed significant positive relationships of anxiety with maternal overprotection, consequences, and personal control respectively. Among predictors, maternal overprotection (β=.45), consequence (β=.26), and personal control (β=-.03) had statistically significant influence on anxiety. CONCLUSION: Nursing interventions to decrease maternal overprotection and negative consequence, and to enhance personal control are essential to decrease the anxiety of adult patients with congenital heart diseases.

Factors Influencing Health Status in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the correlation of illness perception, coping strategy and health status in patients with acute coronary syndrome who had undergone a coronary angioplasty. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used in this study. A total of 102 patients with acute coronary syndrome was recruited. Data were collected using structured questionnaires including scales for the illness perception, the coping strategy, and health status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Health status showed significant correlations with illness perception (r=-.44, p < .001) and avoidance coping (r=-.33, p=.001); illness perception, avoidance coping explained 21% of variance in health status (F=8.58, p < .001). The factors that influenced health status were illness perception (β=-.37, p < .001), and avoidance coping (β=-.21, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that illness perception and avoidance coping were significant variables for health status in patients with acute coronary syndrome who had undergone a coronary angioplasty.

Symptom Experience, Self-Efficacy, Depression, and Medication Adherence in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the correlation among symptom experience, self-efficacy, depression, and medication adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Participants were 100 patients with COPD recruited in one general hospital in Seoul. A structured questionnaire was used to measure the study variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Symptom experience and depression were positively correlated (r=.41, p < .001), symptom experience and self-efficacy were negatively correlated (r=-.21, p=.035). Depression was negatively correlated with self-efficacy (r=-.60, p < .001) and medication adherence (r=-.48, p < .001). Self-efficacy and medication adherence were positively correlated(r=.76 p < .001). CONCLUSION: Findings from this study indicate that depression and self-efficacy are important variables related to medication adherence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, depression and self-efficacy should be assessed, and customized nursing interventions should be provided in order to increase medication adherence.

Comparison of dietary behavior, changes of diet, and food intake between 40~59 years old subjects living in urban and rural areas in Lao PDR / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The current study was conducted for evaluation and comparison of dietary behavior and food intake in different regions of Lao PDR. METHODS: The survey was conducted on 979 people aged 40~59 years old living in 25 urban provinces and 25 rural provinces in four districts (VTE Capital-Chanthabuly, Xaysetha, VTE Province-Phonhong, and Thoulakhom) of Laos. General demographic information, health status, and dietary behavior were surveyed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The literacy ratio (p = 0.000), education level (p = 0.000), asset ownership level (p = 0.000), and government and private employee ratio (p = 0.000) were higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. The mean value of weight (p = 0.000), waist circumference (p = 0.000), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.009) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.000), self-rated health status (p = 0.001), and the rate of obesity (p = 0.000) were significantly higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. However, the rate of current smoker was significantly higher in the rural group (p = 0.023). Meals are becoming more westernized by higher frequency of eating out, consumption of fatty meat and fried or stir-fried food in urban areas compared to rural areas. Urban subjects had relatively better balanced meals compared to rural subjects whereas they consumed insufficient meals per day and consumed meals irregularly compared to rural subjects. Intake of fruit and milk was significantly higher in urban subjects compared with rural subjects. However, the intake of vegetables was significantly higher in rural areas than urban areas. CONCLUSION: The result of this study showed that the traditional Lao diet is being replaced by an unhealthy western dietary pattern, which may be a risk factor for increasing development of non-communicable disease (NCD) in Lao PDR. Planning of proper personalized nutritional intervention and education in each area is needed to decrease the health risks of NCD.

Clinical Nurses' Perception on Barriers to Research Utilization / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: Although previous studies reported that actual application of research findings into the clinical setting was still poor, research utilization is a major component for implementation of Evidence-based Nursing Practice (EBNP). This study was conducted to identify the barriers to research utilization in clinical nurses. METHODS: A descriptive survey design was used. Participants were 392 clinical nurses who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Priority factors of barriers were setting, communication, research, and nurses. Five of the top 10 barriers were related to 'setting.' The first barrier was difficulty in the comprehension of statistical analyses. Nurses who worked in secondary hospitals and regularly read research articles perceived significantly lower barriers to research utilization compared with other nurses. There were statistically differences in research utilization among the groups by level of searching skills related to research documents and degree of understanding of EBNP. CONCLUSION: The study findings identified the top barriers to research utilization and key factors for nursing administrators and educators to consider in developing strategies to facilitate the utilization of research findings in clinical settings.

Analysis of Trends and Contents of Nursing Doctoral Dissertations in Korea

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify contents and trends of Korean nursing doctoral dissertations in terms of research methodology and theoretical characteristics. METHODS: The design of the study was descriptive study and a total of 1,089 quantitative studies completed between 1982 and 2010 were reviewed using the analytical framework developed by the researchers. RESULTS: The majority of studies utilized the experimental design (51.5%) and the others were survey design (38.8%) and methodological design (5.0%). Study subjects were shown as patients (45%), care givers (11.2%), ordinary persons (40.6%) and others (3.2%). There were growing trends in experimental design and patients as subjects. The prevailing data collection settings were hospitals (45.8%) and community (27.8%). The theoretical frameworks that studies were based on were the existing theories (37%) and a newly developed theoretical framework by a researcher (25.2%). a framework derived from other studies by the researcher (25.2%). Majority of studies (78.5%) employed a single theory as a theoretical framework. However, 31.8% of studies had no theoretical framework based on. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study provided the opportunities to shed new light on the current status of Korean doctoral dissertation and to deliberate on the future direction of nursing studies in Korea.

A Comparative Study on Physical Function Test between Faller Group and Nonfaller Group among Community-Dwelling Elderly

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the physical function test differences between the faller group and the nonfaller group in a sample of the community-dwelling elderly METHODS: This study used a nonexperimental two-group-comparative study design. The participants were 356 people aged 65 years and over living in an urban area. From May to December 2010, data were collected through personal interviews using questionnaires and measurements of muscle strength, physical endurance, flexibility, motor agility and dynamic balance, and static balance. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi square analysis, and t test. RESULTS: Upper muscle strength was significantly weaker in the faller group (p < .05). Lower muscle strength was significantly weaker in the faller group; both hip flexion (p = .004), knee extension (Right: p = .004; Left: p = .031), left ankle plantar flexion (p = .045), and left ankle inversion (p = .036). Tandem standing with eyes opened and closed was significantly shorter, indicating decreased static balance in the faller group. CONCLUSION: Nurses should make efforts to implement exercise programs focused on physical fitness enhancement for community-dwelling elderly adults for fall prevention.

Correlates of Health Behaviors in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of cardiac knowledge and cardiac self-efficacy on health behaviors after controlling for influences from associating factors of health behaviors in patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs). METHODS: A descriptive correlational and cross-sectional design was used. Subjects with CADs were recruited from outpatient clinics of three academic medical centers. The cardiac knowledge, cardiac self-efficacy, and health behaviors were measured by Coronary Heart Disease Awareness and Knowledge Questionnaire, Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II respectively. The data collected were statistically analyzed by descriptive statistics, t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and the hierarchical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 157 subjects were recruited for this study. The mean age of subjects was 59.38 +/- 10.04 years, and three-fourths (75.2%) were male. Subjects showed relatively low cardiac knowledge, moderately high cardiac self-efficacy, and moderate level of health behaviors. The overall model significantly explained 48% of variance in health behaviors (F = 14.52, p < .001). Among predictors, age, education, smoking status, experience of receiving patient education, and cardiac self-efficacy significantly affected health behaviors, and cardiac self-efficacy had the greatest effect on health behaviors (beta = .39). However, cardiac knowledge had no statistically significant influence on health behaviors after controlling for the other factors. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that cardiac self-efficacy was shown to be the most influencing factor on health behaviors but cardiac knowledge had no influence on health behaviors. The nursing interventions tailored on the patient characteristics should be developed in order to improve the health behaviors of patients with CADs.

The Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Its Correlates in Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular risk factor modification is important for patients with coronary artery disease to prevent poor progression of the disease. Without an understanding and an awareness of risk factors, patients with coronary artery disease are not able to reduce their risk by the lifestyle modification. The aims of this study were to assess patient's awareness of risk factors and to identify predictors of awareness of risk factors. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study using a cross-sectional survey method was performed. The sites of the study were three hospitals in Seoul, Korea. The sample consisted of 214 subjects. The awareness of risk factors and other subjects' characteristics were measured by a questionnaire developed for this study. RESULTS: A range of subjects (gender: 72.0%; hyperlipidemia: 51.9%; hypertension: 40.7%; obese: 37.4%; age: 35.5%; smoking: 22.4%; diabetes: 19.2%; family history: 18.2%) were not able to accurately identify the risk factors. Among predictors, gender (beta=-.17) and diabetics (beta=-.25) had statistically significant influences on awareness of risk factors. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the lack of awareness of risk factors for coronary artery disease. The findings have important implications for nursing practice in terms of guiding educational strategies for the modification of risk factors for coronary heart disease.

The Relationship of Late-Life Function and Disability(LLFDI) with Quality of Sleep in Older Men with Prostatic Hypertrophic Symptoms / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between LLFDI and quality of sleep in older men with prostatic hypertrophic symptoms. METHODS: The secondary analysis of data collected for the 2nd stage BK(Brain Korea)21 project was performed. The original data were collected using a cross-sectional, face-to-face, and private interview method. The questionnaires consisted of prostatic hypertrophic symptoms, late-life function and disability, quality of sleep, and demographic profiles. RESULTS: A total of 112 older men included in this study. The major findings of this study were as follow; 1) 29.5% of participants had more than moderate symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy. 2) There were a significant positive correlation of prostatic hypertrophic symptoms with subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction found, whereas there was a negative relationship with frequency dimension. 3) The LLFDI is significantly associated with urgency, weak stream, and intermittency. The quality of sleep is significantly associated with weak stream which explained 11.2% of variance. CONCLUSION: These results may contribute to a better understanding late-life function and disability, quality of sleep in older men with prostatic hypertrophic symptoms. Therefore, health programs for prompting older men's health should be planned based on results of the study.

Correlates of Depression and Perceived Health Status in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine correlates of depression and perceived health status in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: The study utilized a descriptive correlational survey design. A convenience sample of 115 subjects were recruited from 3 tertiary medical centers. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: 1) Study subjects perceived the low frequency of symptoms, relatively high social support, low depression, moderately low physical health, and mental health. 2) The 38% of variance in depression was significantly explained by symptom(beta= .49), social support(beta= -.21), and education(beta= -.17). 3) The 40% of variance in physical health was significantly explained by symptom(beta= -.55), social support(beta= .16), and education(beta= .20). 4) the 12% of variance in mental health was significantly explained by symptom(beta= -.26), and social support(beta= .24). CONCLUSION: Most health care providers assume atrial fibrillation patients have very few symptoms. However, symptom related to atrial fibrillation was found to be the most important factors in explaining depression and perceived health status. Additionally, higher social support had great influences on the lower depression and higher perceived health status. Based on the findings of this study, directions for nursing practice and further nursing research for patients with atrial fibrillation are suggested.

The Relationship of Quality of Sleep, Depression, Late-Life Function and Disability (LLFDI) in Community-Dwelling Older Women with Urinary Incontinence / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among quality of sleep, depression, late-life function and disability in community-dwelling older women with urinary incontinence. METHODS: A stratified random sampling method was conducted to recruit participants from May 10 to August 17, 2007. Data were collected by questionnaires, which were constructed to include lower urinary tract symptoms, quality of sleep, depression, and late-life function and disability in 128 community-dwelling older women. RESULTS: The major findings of this study were as follow: 1) 56.3% of participants belonged to urinary incontinence group. 2) There were significant relationships between depression and sleep latency, sleep duration, daytime dysfunction, quality of sleep, function component, frequency dimension, and limitation dimension. 3) Depression was significantly associated with frequency dimension, limitation dimension in capability which explained 44% of variance in depression. CONCLUSION: These results may contribute to a better understanding of sleep quality, depression, latelife function and disability in the community-dwelling older women with urinary incontinence. Therefore, health programs for prompting older women's health should be planned based on results of the study.

The Relationship of Perceived Health Status, Activities of Daily Living and Nutrition Status in the Community-Dwelling Korean Elderly / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the associated factors of the perceived health status of the elderly in Korea and to provide basic data for developing nursing interventions for the elderly's health management. METHODS: This study used a descriptive correlational research design. The subjects of this study were 335 elderly people over 60 yr living in an urban city. Data were collected through personal interviews using questionnaires from September 2006 to March 2007. Empirical indicators of perceived health status were measured by SF-36, nutritional screening initiative (NSI), activities of daily living (ADL) Index, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 72.8 and 57.0% of subjects were female. 41.5% of variance in physical health was explained by nutrition, ADL, IADL, and the number of years attending school. Among them the most important factor was ADL. 13.2% of variance in mental health was explained by the number of family, nutrition, and IADL. Among them the most important factor was nutrition. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop supportive interventions for improving the perceived health status of elderly people by considering the most important factors shown in this study.