Salt Preference and Sodium Intake among Pregnant Women

PURPOSE: This study was to estimate salt preference and sodium intake of pregnant women, and identify the relationship between salt preference and sodium intake. METHODS: Research design was a cross sectional correlational survey with 197 pregnant women who visited outpatient clinics for antenatal care. The sodium intake levels were estimated by the amounts of sodium intake using the 24-hour recall method and sodium concentration in spot urine. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Sodium intake using 24-hour recall method was 3,504±1,359 mg. Sodium intake levels had statistically significant differences depending on income. The average amount of sodium in spot urine was 2,882±878mg/day. Sodium excretion levels had statistically significant differences depending on whether participants had preexisting hypertension in their family history and Body Mass Index (BMI) pre-conception. Salt preference was 62.61±20.96 out of 180 points. Salt preference had significant differences depending on income, parity, gestational age, BMI pre-conception and showed negative correlation with sodium quantity in spot urine. CONCLUSION: Sodium intake in pregnant women recommended by World Health Organization recommended is 175%. Salt preference was not significantly different between sodium intake levels, however it was negatively correlated with sodium quantity in spot urine among pregnant women.

Gender Difference in Osteoporosis Prevalence, Awareness and Treatment: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008~2011

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess and identify gender differences in factors associated with prevalence, awareness, and treatment of osteoporosis. METHODS: Data for 3,071 men and 3,635 women (age> or = 50) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008~2011 were included. Osteoporosis was defined by World Health Organization T-score criteria. Impact factors and odds ratios were analysed by gender using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Osteoporosis prevalence rates were 7.0% in men and 40.1% in women. Osteopenia rates were 45.5% and 46.0% respectively. Among respondents with osteoporosis, 7.6% men and 37.8% women were aware of their diagnosis. Also 5.7% men with osteoporosis and 22.8% women were treated. Higher prevalence was found among respondents who were older, at lower socioeconomic levels, with lower body mass index and shorter height in both genders, and among women with fracture history, and non-hormonal replacement therapy. Awareness and treatment rates for the risk groups were similar compared to the low risk controls for both genders. Fracture history increased awareness and treatment rates independently for both genders. Women with perceived poor health status and health screening had increased awareness and treatment rates, but not men. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that postmenopausal women have a higher prevalence of osteoporosis than men and awareness and treatment rates were higher than for men. Despite gender difference in prevalence, osteoporosis was underdiagnosed and undertreated for both genders. Specialized public education and routine health screenings according to gender could be effective strategies to increase osteoporosis awareness and treatment.

A Study on Learning Experiences and Self-Confidence of Core Nursing Skills in Nursing Practicum among Final Year Nursing Students / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify learning experiences and self-confidence and to analyze nursing students' self-confidence according to learning experiences for core nursing skills (CNS). METHOD: Participants were 502 final year nursing students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test. RESULTS: Over 60% of participants had practiced 15 items of the 24 CNS in the basic nursing lab (BNL). In clinical practice (CP), they had practiced five items but experienced only one item in a simulation lab (SL). Items with the highest confidence level were vital signs (4.69) followed by blood sugar test (4.60), pulse oximeter (4.38), and oral medication (4.12). Items with the lowest confidence level were blood transfusion (2.17) followed by enema (2.64) and indwelling catheterization (2.67). The group with CNS experience in the practice curriculum was generally more confident than the group with no experience. Self-confidences in some skills was significantly different depending on availability of SL, credits for BNL and CP, and presence of preceptors. CONCLUSION: Results indicate a need to develop practice education strategies such as changing the CP to practice-centered learning with preceptors and including well-designed SL to increase confidence of nursing students.

Gender Differences in Awareness of Preconception Care and Pregnancy

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify awareness levels in regard to preconception care and gender differences targeting single undergraduate students in their 20s. METHODS: The study participants were 867 single undergraduate students aged 20~29 (523 women, 344 men). This was a descriptive research, in which awareness levels of preconception care and pregnancy were identified the through questionnaire surveys. RESULTS: Gender differences in the awareness of reproductive care before conception were found. Generally, women's awareness of issues related to preconception care and pregnancy was higher than that of men. Women recognized risk factors in pregnancy (chi2=22.85, p<.001) and positive behaviors (chi2=10.91, p = .012) better than men. Women's awareness of preconception care was significantly higher than that of men (t=8.37, p<.001). The awareness levels of the students who completed a reproduction related class (t=3.16, p = .002) and the students who knew about folic acid (t=-10.78, p<.001) in preconception care were statistically significantly higher. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the ways to educate and alert students to major risk factors before pregnancy and other reproductive care content before conception is to provide education both single women and single men.

The effect of salt usage behavior on sodium intake and excretion among Korean women

This study was done to explore the effect of Korean women's salt usage behavior on their sodium intake and excretion according to aging. Dietary sodium intake and salt usage behavior were analyzed to compare the difference between young and middle-aged women. One hundred fifty six young women and 77 middle-aged women without hypertension or any current medication were recruited. Body mass index, waist hip ratio, blood pressure were measured from each subject. Salt usage behaviors were surveyed with questionnaire, sodium intake with 24-hr recall method, and sodium excretion with spot urine. Middle-aged women were more obese than young women according to body mass index and waist hip ratio. Blood pressure was significantly higher for the middle-aged. Young women consumed more fats and middle-aged women more carbohydrates. Middle-aged women consumed more sodium and potassium, and excreted more sodium. Among questionnaire items, kimchi, soup or pot stew, or salted vegetables were found to be related with high sodium diet. Salted vegetables and salted nuts and potato chips were significantly correlated with young women's high sodium diet, while soy sauce on fried food, kimchi, salted vegetables accounted for middle-aged women's high sodium diet. With these results, we concluded that middle-aged women consumed more carbohydrates, less fat, and more sodium and potassium than young women. Middle-aged women frequently choose kimchi, soup or pot stew, or salted vegetables, and they contribute to high sodium intake. We recommend to choose low-salt kimchi, less soup or pot stew, and more fresh vegetables for lower sodium diet.

Attitude and Awareness of Nurses About Rooming-in System / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the attitude and awareness of nurses about rooming-in for new mothers and their infants. METHODS: Data were collected from 462 nurses from 40 hospitals from August 10 to September 20, 2008 using a questionnaire, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: The mean score for attitude and awareness of nurses about rooming-in was 3.02 (range=2.13~3.80), which indicates that the nurses had positive opinions of the system. The factors with the highest and lowest scores were awareness of a successful implementation method (mean=3.35) and awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of the system (mean=2.73), respectively. The attitude and awareness of nurses about rooming-in differed significantly with age, religion, education level, parity, type of hospital, hospital nurse staffing grade (bed-to-nurse ratio), and presence of a rooming-in system. CONCLUSION: This results of the study show that attitudes and awareness of nurses to rooming-in differed significantly according to personal factors (age, parity, religion, educational level) and work characteristics (hospital type, hospital nurse staffing grade, presence of rooming-in system). These findings can be used as basic data in determining optimal strategies for a system of rooming-in in the future.

Mother's Prenatal Care and Delivery Services Satisfaction according to Mode of Delivery / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide fundamental information about childbirth and antenatal care for pregnancy women and to find differences in mother's antenatal care and delivery service satisfaction between vaginal delivery and cesarean section. METHODS: This study was conducted in 4 residential areas and a study sample of 184 postpartum mothers who agreed to collect data. Data was collected from September 1 to October 20 2007 and a structured questionnaire were recruited by the survey. The data was analyzed by t-test and chi-squire test using SPSS/WIN 12.0. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in delivery place between vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. Only 10.7% of vaginal delivery group delivered in general hospitals, however 24.5% of the cesarean section group delivered in general hospitals. Early antenatal care also showed statistical difference in mode of delivery. 43.5% of vaginal delivery mothers visited hospitals for the detection of pregnancy but 28.3% of cesarean section mothers did that. Vaginal delivery mothers more satisfied with her own delivery method and suggested a vaginal delivery to others. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cesarean section mother's sensitivity of early antenatal care was less than vaginal delivery mother. Satisfaction related to delivery care services were higher in the vaginal delivery group.

Analysis on Reports of Statistical Testings for Correlation and Regression / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the accuracy and adequacy of research papers reporting statistical testings for correlation and regression. METHOD: Original research articles utilized correlation and regression analysis were reviewed from the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing published from the year 2004 to 2006. Thirty-six papers were evaluated in accordance with formatted criteria in respect to an inclusiveness of research title, accuracy of statistical methods and presentation styles, and errors in reporting statistical outcomes. RESULT: Thirty articles (83.3%) utilized Pearson's correlational analysis, and ten articles did regression analysis. Lack of accurate understanding and interpretation of the statistical method was a main fault. Basic assumptions and diagnostic testings for each statistical method were not performed or described in most of the studies. Some points like consistency of research questions with statistical methods and criteria for sample size were still left out in part. Details of the presentation in the reporting of outcomes were not complied with the guidelines, which need careful concerns of the writers. Errors in English of result tables were found in more than one third of the tables. CONCLUSION: The outcome would be reflected in the submission guidelines for future writers. To reach the level comparable with internationally recognized nursing journals, concrete knowledge to apply statistical methods should be ensured in the processes of submission, reviews, and editing.

Bone Mineral Density and Factors Affecting in Female College Students / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the relationships among bone mineral density, dietary habits, life styles and anthropometric measurements in young women. Subjects included 229 female college students in Seoul and Kyunggi province. METHOD: The subjects were asked about dietary habits and life styles using questionnaire. A sampel of 229 young women was assessed anthropometric measurements and bone mineral density on calcaneous using quantitative ultrasound. RESULT: The percentages of the osteoporosis (T-score or =-1.0) groups were 1.75%, 13.53% and 84.71%, respectively. Weight, soft lean mass, and BMI were positively related with T-score and Z-score. But height was negative related with SOS (Speed of sounds). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that one of the most effective ways to minimize bone mineral density less in young women is to maintain an adequate body weight, soft lean mass, and BMI. And the young women were recommended do not one-side eating, daily intakes of milk products, perform daily physical exercise, and do not drink coke or soft drinks for the bone health.

A Survey of Food and Nutrient Intakes in Female College Students / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The study was done to investigate Food and Nutrient Intakes of female college students and define differences between teen-age groups and women in their twenties. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 821 female college students. They were eighteen to twenty nine years old. Nutrient intakes were measured by the Moon, S. J. Scale (1980). Data was collected from June 13 to June, 27. Data was analyzed with the SPSS program by Chi-test, t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULT: Female college students' mean intake of calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates were 1560.7+/-367.71kcal, 62.0+/-19.03g, 33.1+/-9.85g, and 253.7+/-57.52g respectively. Their mean intake of calcium, phosphorus and iron were 592.9+/-221.82mg, 918.2+/-284.24mg and 13.7+/-4.50mg respectively. Intake of calories, calcium, iron and vitamine B1 were below their Percent of Recommended Intake. Nutrient intakes showed a significant difference between age groups. Teen-age female college students had more nutrient intakes than the women in their twenties. In addition, there was a difference in food consumption behaviors between the teen-age group and the twenty-something group. CONCLUSION: The nutrient intake of female college students changed by age. Many teen-age female college students ate breakfast well, thus their intake of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals such as calcium, phosporus and vitamins was significantly higher than the over twenty years old students. Teen-age female college students like fruits and sugars but over twenty years college students preferred coffee. This study can be useful in directing a dietary consumption status of women to improve nutritional health.

Educational Issues and Strategies to Improve APN Education / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at exploring the current status of graduate programs for an advanced practice nurse(APN) to recommend future directions of APN education. METHODS: A total of 142 students enrolled in seven APN specialty programs, 67 professors who were involved in APN education, and nine nurse administrators participated in the study. Data was collected by questionnaires and focus group interviews. RESULTS: The current definition of APN was found not to be specific enough to represent expected roles of APN in regards to knowledge, attitudes, roles, and skills. Standard curricula employed regardless of the area of APN specialty, lack of qualified clinical practice settings, as well as prepared instructors were found to be problematic. CONCLUSION: The following needs to be addressed: 1. redefining of APN roles, 2. tailoring specialty areas of APN, 3. consolidating educational programs, and 4. ensuring APN role models and faculty. Suggesting a CNS role in Korean APN, areas of APN should be rearranged toclarify their roles and educational programs need to be further developed to meet the expectations and quality of APNs. It is necessary to ensure APN's employment in the health care system by laws and policies to perform advanced nursing roles.

Analysis on Reports of Statistical Testings for Mean Differences / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of research papers reporting statistical testings for mean differences. METHODS: Original research articles utilized t-test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA were reviewed from Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing published from the year 2004 to 2006. Seventy-six papers were evaluated in accordance with formatted criteria in respect to an inclusiveness of research title, accuracy of statistical methods and presentation styles, and errors in reporting statistical outcomes. RESULTS: Research titles were quite comprehensive, however overall accuracy of statistical values and basic formats reached only 60 to 80% by items. Details of the presentation in the reporting of outcomes were not complied with the guidelines, which need careful concerns of the writers. Errors of English in table presentation were found in more than 30% of the papers. CONCLUSION: The outcome would be reflected in the submission guidelines for future writers. To reach the level comparable with internationally recognized nursing journals, concrete knowledge to apply statistical methods should be ensured in the processes of submission, reviews, and editing.

A Study on Health Status of Elderly Women in Urban Area / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The study was done to identify the perceived health status of elderly women and men, and define the difference between the two groups. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 209 elderly people over 60 years living in urban areas. The data was collected through personal interviews using questionnaires from September to October 2002. Data was categorized by content analysis and then data was analyzed with the SPSS program by frequency and Chi-square tests. RESULT: Elderly women complained of types of pain(leg pain, arthritis, lumbago, headache) more than elderly men. Elderly men complained about decreased levels of activities such as walking and general weakness. Elderly men and women have discomforts in daily living such as walking and doing household chores. First, elderly men and women want good health and improvement of health status. Second, women want happiness for their offspring, but men want to improve the government and the laws. CONCLUSION: Elderly women want relief from pain, but elderly men want an increased level of activity. The findings of this study give useful information to conduct health education and care for elderly women.

Analysis of Review Contents of the Submitted Papers in Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing: Focus: The Submitted Papers in 2003 / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of the study is to analyze the review contents of reviewers for the submitted papers in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing in 2003. METHOD: The review contents of the 165 papers were selected 217 papers that were submitted in 2003. Among those 165 papers, the 21 papers belonged to the 'Do not publish' list and 17 papers, 'Revise manuscript and resubmit', list and the 94 papers, 'Publish if revisions are made' list. There are more than two level differences among the four levels of decision in acceptance of publication in 33 papers. RESULTS: The analysis of the review contents for the papers were suggested according to review categories : introduction, method, results, discussion and conclusion. In addition, if papers had more than two levels of review they were rated poor accord or inconsistent. CONCLUSION: For the quality of the academic journal and development of the nursing science, it is important to disseminate and publish the research paper. Therefore, review of the submitted paper is also important. Implications for the profitable review were suggested in the study.

Coincidence Analysis of Keywords of the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing with MeSH / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: We try to disclose how much the keywords of the papers from the Journal of the Korean Academy of Nursing coincide with MeSH terminologies and to understand the major subjects of the recent nursing research in Korea from keywords. METHODS: Keywords of journals were extracted and compared with MeSH terms. The frequency of the appearance of each keyword was sorted by a descending order. RESULTS: Coincidence rate of 1,235 keywords with MeSH terms was 51.6%. Out of them, depression, elderly, stress, self efficacy, quality of life, exercise, middle-aged women, and women appeared most frequently in descending order. CONCLUSION: Coincidence rate of the keywords with MeSH terms was at an acceptable level, however to improve it, the education of submitters and editorial board members are required, as well as the copy editor, to take a role in checking keywords. To infer the subjects of the research from keywords might well represent the recent topics of research work.

The Relationship of Symptoms of Stress, Cancer Prevention Behavior and the Quality of Life in Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The study was done to identify the relationship of symptoms of stress, cancer prevention behavior, the quality of life in women, and the factors influencing the quality of life. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 210 married women. They were living in Gyeonggi Province and Busan Metropolitan City. Symptoms of stress were measured by the Park's Stress Scale. Cancer preventive behavior was measured by Suh's Korean scale, and Smith Kline Beecham Quality of life' Scale by Dunbar. Data was analyzed with the SPSS program by ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis. RESULT: The higher scores of physical stress correlated with lower practice scores of cancer prevention behavior. Psychological and physical stress revealed negative correlations among sub-items of the QOL such as competence, psychological well-being, stability, physical well-being and activity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the predictor of quality of life in the women was stress. A combination of symptoms of stress and cancer prevention behaviors accounted for 35.3% of the variance in the quality of life in the women. CONCLUSION: The most important factor influencing the quality of life of women was stress. Thus the study's findings can be useful in directing a comprehensive nursing care plan to improve the QOL of women.

A Study on Physiological Parameters, Health Perception, and Health Behavior of Adults in Kyungi Province Area / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the physiological parameters and health perception of adults in Kyungi province area, and the correlation between these variables. The subjects were 95 adults who participated voluntarily in the health examination program. Methods: The instruments for this study were physiological parameters, which were composed of blood pressure, blood sugar, and body fat. The health perception scale developed by Ware (1976), and the health practice performance scale developed by Chang et al. (1999). Results: The average blood pressure was 137/85mmHg, the average blood sugar was 108.56mg/dl, and the average body fat arm sunt was 27.08% in males, and 30.07% in females. There were significant negative correlation between health perception and blood sugar (r=-2.36, p=.01), and body fat (r= -2.77, p=.001). There were significant positive correlations between blood pressure and health behavior (r=2.76, p=.001). However a significant correlation between health perception and health behavior was not found. Of the sociodemographic characteristics, sex (F=5.42, p=.01), and marital status (F=3.29, p=.04) were related to blood pressure. Also sex (F=4.17, p=.04) was related to body fat, and sex (t=4.04, p=.03) was related to health perception and disease status (t=4.33, p=.040). Thus having a relationship with health behavior. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that health perception provide important information about health status. However, this study has not shown a correlation between health perception and health behavior. Therefore further research is needed to find the other variables related to health behavior.