A Q-methodology Study on Subjective Attitudes toward Dementia in Nursing Students

Purpose@#Nursing students are key personnel to take care of people with dementia in the nursing field in future. The purpose of this study was to identify subjective attitudes toward dementia in nursing students. @*Methods@#Q methodology, which is a research method to study people's subjective points of views, was used. Thirty seven Q-statements (Q-sample) were derived from the Q population (Concourse) and were arranged in rank order by each of 42 participants into a normal distribution grid (from −4 to +4). A QUANL program was used to analyze the collected data. @*Results@#Three types of attitudes toward dementia were identified: ‘self-guided dementia management’, ‘national-guided dementia management’ and ‘facility-guided dementia management.’ @*Conclusion@#The results of this study suggest that nursing strategies to improve understanding of dementia and actively cope with dementia should be considered.

A Q-methodology Study on Subjective Attitudes toward Dementia in Nursing Students

Purpose@#Nursing students are key personnel to take care of people with dementia in the nursing field in future. The purpose of this study was to identify subjective attitudes toward dementia in nursing students. @*Methods@#Q methodology, which is a research method to study people's subjective points of views, was used. Thirty seven Q-statements (Q-sample) were derived from the Q population (Concourse) and were arranged in rank order by each of 42 participants into a normal distribution grid (from −4 to +4). A QUANL program was used to analyze the collected data. @*Results@#Three types of attitudes toward dementia were identified: ‘self-guided dementia management’, ‘national-guided dementia management’ and ‘facility-guided dementia management.’ @*Conclusion@#The results of this study suggest that nursing strategies to improve understanding of dementia and actively cope with dementia should be considered.

Asian Ethnic Group Classification Model Using Data Mining / 대한법의학회지

In addition to identifying genetic differences between target populations, it is also important to determine the impact of genetic differences with regard to the respective target populations. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases where this approach is needed, and thus various statistical methods must be considered. In this study, genetic data from populations of Southeast and Southwest Asia were collected, and several statistical approaches were evaluated on the Y-chromosome short tandem repeat data. In order to develop a more accurate and practical classification model, we applied gradient boosting and ensemble techniques. To infer between the Southeast and Southwest Asian populations, the overall performance of the classification models was better than that of the decision trees and regression models used in the past. In conclusion, this study suggests that additional statistical approaches, such as data mining techniques, could provide more useful interpretations for forensic analyses. These trials are expected to be the basis for further studies extending from target regions to the entire continent of Asia as well as the use of additional genes such as mitochondrial genes.

Awareness of Hospital Safety Culture and Safety Activities of Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify awareness of hospital safety culture (AHSC) and safety activities (SA) of workers in a tertiary care hospital, and the factors influencing safety activities. METHODS: 303 Participants from the tertiary care hospital in Seoul were invited. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: The level of AHSC and SA was 3.61 and 4.17, respectively. There were differences between AHSC and SA according to gender, religion, employment status, job class, working period, safety education, need for safety education, and number of safety accident reports. There was a positive relationship between AHSC and SA. The factors influencing SA were communication and process, employment status, and safety accident reports. CONCLUSION: AHSC and SA are important factors to improve hospital safety, as well as increasing chances to receive hospital accreditation.

The Effects of Structured Self-Debriefing Using on the Clinical Competency, Self-Efficacy, and Educational Satisfaction in Nursing Students after Simulation / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of structured self-debriefing using 3S models on the clinical competency, self-efficacy, and educational satisfaction in nursing students after simulation. METHODS: For this study, 76 third-year undergraduate nursing students from S university were invited. They were divided into two groups, which consisted of a self-debriefing (SDG=41) group and an instructor-led debriefing group (ILDG=35). Collected data was analyzed using Chi-square, t-test, and an independent t-test with the PASW statistics 18.0 for Windows Program. RESULTS: Clinical competency was generally high in the SDG, and statistically significant differences between the SDG and the ILDG occurred after simulations 3, 4, and 5. There were no statistically significant differences in self-efficacy and educational satisfaction between the SDG and the ILDG. However, educational satisfaction in the SDG was slightly higher, while self-efficacy was low compared to the ILDG. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the method of structured self-debriefing using a 3S model can be effective in improving clinical competency. Further studies need to be investigated.

Subjective View of and Attitude toward Multiculturalism in First-year Undergraduate Nursing Students after Completing a Multicultural Subject

PURPOSE: Individuals' view of multiculturalism can be varied. The purpose of this study was to survey subjective view of and attitude toward multiculturalism in first-year undergraduate nursing students who had completed a multicultural subject. METHODS: The Q methodology, which integrates quantitative andqualitative methods, was used. Forty one Q-statements selected from each of the 40 participants were classified into theshape of normal distribution using a nine-point scale. The collected data were analyzed using the QUANL program. RESULTS: Two types of view of multiculturalism were identified: 'domestic type-constructive view' and 'global type-advanced view.' CONCLUSION: The findings show how nursing students think about multiculturalism and provide a basis for further research and education.

Analysis of Knowledge About, Attitude Toward, and Educational Needs for Dementia in Certified Caregivers / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was first to identify knowledge about, attitude toward, and educational needs for dementia in certified caregivers; secondly, to understand the relationships among those variables; and thirdly, to provide base-line data for education program development. METHODS: The participants in this study were 670 certified caregivers who were working in nursing homes or care hospitals throughout the whole of the country and engaged in education programs for improvement of their professional abilities. Collected data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Duncan, and Pearson's correlation coefficients with the SPSS 18.0 for Windows Program. RESULTS: The scores for knowledge about, attitude toward, and educational needs for dementia were 14.12+/-2.83 out of 20, 42.27+/-5.54 out of 50 (item mean 4.22), and 121.51+/-22.13 out of 160 (item mean 3.79) respectively. There were statistically significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=.238, p<.001), educational needs (r=.083, p=.032), and attitude and educational needs (r=.244, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Tailored and continuous educational programs for certified caregivers that can improve knowledge about the causes and symptoms of dementia should be developed. Nurses and professors who are experts in dementia should be on the front lines of education for caregivers.

Comparison of Learning Effects using High-fidelity and Multi-mode Simulation: An Application of Emergency Care for a Patient with Cardiac Arrest

PURPOSE: Simulation-based learning has become a powerful method to improve the quality of care and help students meet the challenges of increasingly complex clinical practice settings. The purpose of this study was to identify the learning effects using high-fidelity SimMan and multi-mode simulation. METHODS: Participants in this study were 38 students who were enrolled in an intensive course for a major in nursing at R college. Collected data were analyzed using Chi-square, t-test, and independent t-test with the SPSS 18.0 for Windows Program. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in learning effects between high-fidelity SimMan and multi-mode simulation group. However, skills in clinical performance in the high-fidelity SimMan group were higher than in the multi-mode group (p=.014), communication in clinical performance in multi-mode simulation group was higher than in the high-fidelity SimMan group (p<.001). CONCLUSION: Multi-mode simulation with a standardized patient is an effective learning method in many ways compared to a high-fidelity simulator. These results suggest that multi-mode simulation be offered to students in nursing colleges which cannot afford to purchase a high-fidelity simulator, or offered as an alternative.

Subjectivity of Parents in Refusal of Childhood Vaccination: A Q-methodology Approach

PURPOSE: Despite the well-known public health benefits of vaccination, increasing public concern about the safety of childhood vaccinations has led some parents to refuse or hesitate having their children immunized. The purpose of this study was to identify the subjectivity of parents toward refusal of childhood vaccination. METHODS: Q-methodology, in which subjective viewpoints are explored and analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques, was used. Thirty-five participants were asked to rank 42 statements on diverse issues of childhood vaccination according to a continuous 9-point scale ranging from -4 for strongly disagree to +4 for strongly agree. Collected data was analyzed using the PC-QUANAL program. RESULTS: The results revealed three discrete groups of parents in the refusal of children's immunization: type I, distrust; type II, concern about side effects, and type III, belief that vaccinations are unnecessary. CONCLUSION: Special nurse counselors who can provide correct information about vaccination based on the three types should be part of the government policy. Customized education programs to shift viewpoints should be also redeveloped according to the results in this study.

Factors Influencing Glycemic Control Response of Sitagliptin / 임상당뇨병

BACKGROUND: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are proposed to reduce blood glucose in type 2 diabetes by prolonging the activity of circulating incretins. However, the factors that affect the efficacy of sitagliptin have not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, we studied them in a Korean population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis in patients taking sitagliptin in Wonju Christian Hospital. One hundred-fifty patients whose serum HbA1c ranged from 6.5% to 11% participated in this study. These patients were divided into two groups: responder and non-responder. The responder group consisted of subjects with glucose lowering greater than 5% of baseline HbA1c. The others were in non-responder group. We analyzed anthropometric data and biochemical markers in all groups, then compared responder group and non-responder group by logistic regression. RESULTS: The change in HbA1c level across all groups was 8.25 +/- 0.82% to 7.64 +/- 1.03% (P value = 0.000). There were 93 and 57 patients in responder and non-responder group, respectively. The responder group had lower BMI, body fat (kg), body fat (%) than the non-responder group (P value = 0.024, P value = 0.029, P value = 0.025), and the HbA1c lowering effect of sitagliptin was greater in male than female (P value = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In this study, HbA1c was effectively lowered in 62% of the patients. The factors that affect the efficacy of sitagliptin were BMI, body fat (kg) body fat (%), and sex. Based on these results, we conclude that sitagliptin lowers glucose more effectively in non-obese male patients.

Effects of Life Stress and Depression in Undergraduates on Suicidal Ideation

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the effects of life stress and depression in undergraduates on suicidal ideation. METHODS: The participants in this study were 306 nursing students from three different cities. Collected data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The mean score for life stress was 48.48, for depression, 28.59, and for suicidal ideation, 5.90. There were positive relationships between depression and life stress, suicidal ideation and life stress, and suicidal ideation and depression. The four factors of life stress, depression, school life, and gender were identified as factors influencing on suicidal ideation in undergraduates. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the establishment of mental health care centers in universities, and development and implementation of nursing intervention programs for suicide prevention would be helpful.

Factors Influencing Cognitive Impairment in Elders with Dementia Living at Home / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to contribute data toward prevention from advancing dementia and also prevention of deterioration in cognitive impairment by constructing an optimal prediction model and verifying factors influencing cognitive impairment in elders with dementia who reside at home. METHODS: The participants in this study were 351 elders who were registered at dementia day care centers in 11 regions of Metropolitan Incheon. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 17.0 and SAS 9.1. Bootstrap method using the Clementine program 12.0 was applied to build an optimum prediction model. RESULTS: Gender and education (general characteristics), alcohol, urinary/fecal incontinence, exercise, weight, and ADL (state of health), and depression (psychological state) were found to have an affect on cognitive impairment in these elders. CONCLUSION: Study results indicate nine key factors that affect cognitive impairment of elders with dementia who reside at home and that could be useful in prevention and management nursing plans. These factors could also be used to expand the role of nurses who are working in community day care centers, and can be applied in the development and provision of various programs to aid retention and improve cognitive function as well as preventing deterioration of cognition.

Leukotriene-related Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Aspirin-intolerant Urticaria and Aspirin-intolerant Asthma: Differing Contributions of ALOX5 Polymorphism in Korean Population

The pathogenesis of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA)-intolerant urticaria (AIU) is still poorly understood but it has recently been suggested that it is associated with the overproduction of leukotriene (LT). This is supported by evidence that cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor is given safely to patients with AIU. The present study was designed to investigate the role of genetic polymorphism of LT related genes in the pathogenesis of AIU via a case-control study. We screened single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding enzymes involved in leukotriene synthesis in the Korean population with AIU (n=101), ASA-intolerant asthma (AIA, n=95) and normal healthy controls (n=123). Genotype was determined by primer extension reactions using the SNapShot ddNTP primer extension kit. Among 8 SNPs of four LT related genes, the polymorphism of ALOX5 at positions of -1708 G>A showed significant difference in genotype frequency between AIU and AIA (p=0.01). Furthermore, there were significant differences observed in the frequencies of two ALOX5 haplotypes between the AIU group and AIA group (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies of ALOX5 between the AIU group and the normal control group. These results suggested that ALOX5 has a differing contribution in two major clinical pathogenesis related to ASA-sensitivity.