Community-Based Oncology Nursing: Status and Prospects

Purpose@#It is difficult to determine whether a comprehensive and systematic community-based cancer care project is properly carried out. The purpose of this article is to present the current status and prospects of community-based oncology nursing by reviewing related literature. @*Methods@#A new cancer care model is established through the analysis of existing cancer care models and literature review of community-based cancer prevention, cancer screening, cancer survivor care, cancer patient hospice care. @*Results@#The Comprehensive Cancer Care Model (CCCM) was presented. The CCCM arranges the periods of cancer treatment and the cancer journey on the horizontal axis, and public health centers, oncology hospitals, cancer convalescent hospitals, primary care physicians, and prayer centers on the vertical axis, and describes levels of care participation of human resources in institutions and the degree of interconnection. @*Conclusion@#It is expected that CCCM will be used for holistic, sustainable, and cost-effective cancer management. In community-based oncology nursing, health promotion team nurses of public health centers are in charge of population-based cancer prevention and early detection programs, and visiting health management team nurses of public health centers are in charge of individual-based cancer survivor and hospice programs.

The Effect of Self-Acupressure on Peripheral Neuropathy, Disturbance in Daily Activity, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients undergoing Chemotherapy

Purpose@#This study was done to investigate the effects of self-acupressure on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), the degree of disturbance in daily activity, and the quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy @*Methods@#A randomized controlled pre-post experimental design was employed. The mean difference of study variables between pre- and post-test was evaluated to test the effects of self-acupressure on LI11, LI10, LI4, ST36, Ex-UE9, and Ex-LE10. The study participants were breast cancer patients treated with taxane-based chemotherapy (experimental group 28 and control group 30). Participants were instructed on the method of self-acupressure and performed self-acupressure three times a day for three weeks. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms, the degree of disturbance in daily activity caused by peripheral neuropathy, and the quality of life were measured before and after self-acupressure. Data were collected from July 2020 to January 2021. @*Results@#The experimental group that performed self-acupressure showed a significant decrease in the degree of peripheral neuropathy symptoms and the degree of disturbance in daily activity caused by peripheral neuropathy compared with the control group. The experimental group also showed a significant improvement in the quality of life compared with the control group. @*Conclusion@#The self-acupressure program adopted in this study was found to be an effective method to reduce peripheral neuropathy and the degree of disturbance in daily activity, and to improve the quality of life. Therefore, self-acupressure is recommended to reduce CIPN among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Effect of Nurse’s Character for Care and Sense of Coherence on Professional Quality of Life Among Oncology Nurses

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of the nurse’s character on care and the sense of coherence (SOC) on the professional quality of life among oncology nurses. @*Methods@#Data were collected from June 2 to July 1, 2020. The participants were 185 oncology nurses caring for cancer patients. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Nurse’s Character Scale for Care in Clinical Settings (NCS_C) and SOC, Professional Quality Of Life (ProQOL), which is conceptualized with three sub-dimensions (compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress), along with demographic and work-related variables were measured. @*Results@#The compassion satisfaction and burnout results had a significant correlation with the nurse’ s character for care and SOC. In multiple regression analysis, the meaningfulness of sub-dimension SOC (β=.58) accounted for 67.8% of compassion satisfaction and the meaningfulness of sub-dimension SOC (β=-.37) accounted for 55.4% of burnout. @*Conclusion@#Meaningfulness of sub-dimension SOC was an important factor that could be used to improve the professional quality of life among oncology nurses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and make available programs for oncology nurses to improve compassion satisfaction, and methods to decrease burnout needs to be developed.

Performance and Needs of Person-Centered Care of Intensive Care Unit Nurses / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#This study was attempted to identify the importance and performance of person-centered care in nurses in intensive care units (ICU) at general hospitals and to derive the priority of practical person-centered care needs and intervention by analysing their needs. @*Methods@#A total of 156 ICU nurses who wrote a written consent participated in a survey questionnaire on person-centered critical care nursing (PCCN). The collected data were analyzed using paired t-test, Borich’s needs assessment, and the Locus for Focus Model. @*Results@#All 15 items of person-centered care in ICU nurses were found to be significantly higher in perception of importance than performance level (t=17.98, p<.001). According to the analysis of Borich's needs and the Locus of Focus Model, person-centered care items with highest priority in ICU were therapeutic contact, comfort words and actions, and efforts to empathize with patients in the compassion category. @*Conclusion@#As a strategy to improve the person-centered nursing performance of ICU nurses in the ‘individuality’, it is necessary for ICU nurses to recognize the ICU patients as an individualized person, not as a disease or machine-dependent entity. Also, it is necessary to develop programs to improve the ICU nurses' compassion competence because ‘compassion’ was a top priority according to Borich's needs assessment model and the Locus for Focus Model.

Unmet Needs and Sexual Distress of Gynecological Cancer Patients according to the Period after Initial Treatment

Purpose@#This study was conducted to investigate unmet needs and sexual distress of gynecological cancer patients according to the period following immediately, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after initial treatment. @*Methods@#The study design was a cross-sectional comparative study, and the data collection was done from April to December 2020. The study subjects comprised a total of 212 gynecological cancer patients. The 212 subjects were grouped and evaluated as follows: 41 in immediately, 38 in 6 months, 46 in 12 months, 43 in 18 months, and 44 in 24 months after initial treatment. @*Results@#There was a significant difference between the groups of five periods after initial treatment in the unmet needs of the subjects. As a result of post-hoc test, the unmet needs were significantly higher after 6 months than after 12, 18, and 24 months. There was a significant difference between the groups of five periods after initial treatment in sexual distress, and sexual distress after 6 months was the highest. @*Conclusion@#In this study, it was found that the unmet needs and sexual distress at the time of 6 months after initial treatment in gynecological cancer patients were high. In particular, nursing interventions, such as patient teaching and counseling are necessary for gynecological cancer patients who have reached 6 months after initial treatment.

Docetaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles to increase pharmacological sensitivity in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells

This study aimed to develop docetaxel (DTX) loaded poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (DTX-NPs) and to evaluate the different pharmacological sensitivity of NPs to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. NPs containing DTX or coumarin-6 were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using PLGA as a polymer and d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as a surfactant. The physicochemical properties of NPs were characterized. In vitro anticancer effect and cellular uptake were evaluated in breast cancer cells. The particle size and zeta potential of the DTX-NPs were 160.5 ± 3.0 nm and –26.7 ± 0.46 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were 81.3 ± 1.85% and 10.6 ± 0.24%, respectively. The In vitro release of DTX from the DTX-NPs was sustained at pH 7.4 containing 0.5% Tween 80. The viability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with DTX-NPs was 37.5 ± 0.5% and 30.3 ± 1.13%, respectively. The IC 50 values of DTX-NPs were 3.92- and 6.75-fold lower than that of DTX for MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells, respectively. The cellular uptake of coumarin-6-loaded PLGA-NPs in MCF-7 cells was significantly higher than that in MDA-MB-231 cells. The pharmacological sensitivity in breast cancer cells was higher on MCF-7 cells than on MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, we successfully developed DTX-NPs that showed a great potential for the controlled release of DTX. DTX-NPs are an effective formulation for improving anticancer effect in breast cancer cells.

Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Depression during Pregnancy / 정신간호학회지

Purpose@#Depression during pregnancy is a public health problem because of it's negative effects on the health of mother, infant, and their family. The purpose of this study was to explore women's experiences during pregnancy. @*Methods@#Data were collected from December 2, 2019, to February 10, 2020, through individual in-depth interviews with 8 pregnant women visiting at 2 women's hospital. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis. @*Results@#The experiences of pregnant women with depression were clustered into the following six themes form 33 meaning units; 1) Maladaptation to pregnancy; 2) A future full of anxiety; 3) Loneliness without replying on someone; 4) I disappeared due to pregnancy; 5) Loss of mind control; 6) Struggle to overcome. In particular, depressed women during pregnancy experienced abnormal and negative emotions such as feeling of inferiority, self-deprecation, self-reproach, and suicidal thoughts. @*Conclusion@#This study show that pregnant women have significant symptoms of depression, and most of them were never given adequate treatment for their symptoms during pregnancy. To improve access to mental healthcare for depressed women during pregnancy, various aspects of strategies are needed which address individual, organizational, and sociocultural level. In addition, spouses and families must understand and empathize distress of pregnant women, and share the required role in the process of pregnancy and childbirth.

The Effect of Self-Acupressure on Peripheral Neuropathy, Disturbance in Daily Activity, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients undergoing Chemotherapy

Purpose@#This study was done to investigate the effects of self-acupressure on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), the degree of disturbance in daily activity, and the quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy @*Methods@#A randomized controlled pre-post experimental design was employed. The mean difference of study variables between pre- and post-test was evaluated to test the effects of self-acupressure on LI11, LI10, LI4, ST36, Ex-UE9, and Ex-LE10. The study participants were breast cancer patients treated with taxane-based chemotherapy (experimental group 28 and control group 30). Participants were instructed on the method of self-acupressure and performed self-acupressure three times a day for three weeks. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms, the degree of disturbance in daily activity caused by peripheral neuropathy, and the quality of life were measured before and after self-acupressure. Data were collected from July 2020 to January 2021. @*Results@#The experimental group that performed self-acupressure showed a significant decrease in the degree of peripheral neuropathy symptoms and the degree of disturbance in daily activity caused by peripheral neuropathy compared with the control group. The experimental group also showed a significant improvement in the quality of life compared with the control group. @*Conclusion@#The self-acupressure program adopted in this study was found to be an effective method to reduce peripheral neuropathy and the degree of disturbance in daily activity, and to improve the quality of life. Therefore, self-acupressure is recommended to reduce CIPN among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Effect of Nurse’s Character for Care and Sense of Coherence on Professional Quality of Life Among Oncology Nurses

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of the nurse’s character on care and the sense of coherence (SOC) on the professional quality of life among oncology nurses. @*Methods@#Data were collected from June 2 to July 1, 2020. The participants were 185 oncology nurses caring for cancer patients. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Nurse’s Character Scale for Care in Clinical Settings (NCS_C) and SOC, Professional Quality Of Life (ProQOL), which is conceptualized with three sub-dimensions (compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress), along with demographic and work-related variables were measured. @*Results@#The compassion satisfaction and burnout results had a significant correlation with the nurse’ s character for care and SOC. In multiple regression analysis, the meaningfulness of sub-dimension SOC (β=.58) accounted for 67.8% of compassion satisfaction and the meaningfulness of sub-dimension SOC (β=-.37) accounted for 55.4% of burnout. @*Conclusion@#Meaningfulness of sub-dimension SOC was an important factor that could be used to improve the professional quality of life among oncology nurses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and make available programs for oncology nurses to improve compassion satisfaction, and methods to decrease burnout needs to be developed.

Docetaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles to increase pharmacological sensitivity in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells

This study aimed to develop docetaxel (DTX) loaded poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (DTX-NPs) and to evaluate the different pharmacological sensitivity of NPs to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. NPs containing DTX or coumarin-6 were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using PLGA as a polymer and d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as a surfactant. The physicochemical properties of NPs were characterized. In vitro anticancer effect and cellular uptake were evaluated in breast cancer cells. The particle size and zeta potential of the DTX-NPs were 160.5 ± 3.0 nm and –26.7 ± 0.46 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were 81.3 ± 1.85% and 10.6 ± 0.24%, respectively. The In vitro release of DTX from the DTX-NPs was sustained at pH 7.4 containing 0.5% Tween 80. The viability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with DTX-NPs was 37.5 ± 0.5% and 30.3 ± 1.13%, respectively. The IC 50 values of DTX-NPs were 3.92- and 6.75-fold lower than that of DTX for MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells, respectively. The cellular uptake of coumarin-6-loaded PLGA-NPs in MCF-7 cells was significantly higher than that in MDA-MB-231 cells. The pharmacological sensitivity in breast cancer cells was higher on MCF-7 cells than on MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, we successfully developed DTX-NPs that showed a great potential for the controlled release of DTX. DTX-NPs are an effective formulation for improving anticancer effect in breast cancer cells.

Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Depression during Pregnancy / 정신간호학회지

Purpose@#Depression during pregnancy is a public health problem because of it's negative effects on the health of mother, infant, and their family. The purpose of this study was to explore women's experiences during pregnancy. @*Methods@#Data were collected from December 2, 2019, to February 10, 2020, through individual in-depth interviews with 8 pregnant women visiting at 2 women's hospital. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis. @*Results@#The experiences of pregnant women with depression were clustered into the following six themes form 33 meaning units; 1) Maladaptation to pregnancy; 2) A future full of anxiety; 3) Loneliness without replying on someone; 4) I disappeared due to pregnancy; 5) Loss of mind control; 6) Struggle to overcome. In particular, depressed women during pregnancy experienced abnormal and negative emotions such as feeling of inferiority, self-deprecation, self-reproach, and suicidal thoughts. @*Conclusion@#This study show that pregnant women have significant symptoms of depression, and most of them were never given adequate treatment for their symptoms during pregnancy. To improve access to mental healthcare for depressed women during pregnancy, various aspects of strategies are needed which address individual, organizational, and sociocultural level. In addition, spouses and families must understand and empathize distress of pregnant women, and share the required role in the process of pregnancy and childbirth.

The Effect of Saline Gargling on Dry Mouth and Sore Throat in Patients with Thyroidectomy

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of saline gargling on mouth dryness and sore throat for patients with thyroidectomy. @*Methods@#A randomized controlled trial design was used with 53 participants assigned to either an intervention (n=27, saline gargling) or a control group (n=26, wet gauze). Pre-test dry mouth and sore throat were measured immediately after exiting the ward from OR. Post-test dry mouth and sore throat were measured at 1.50, 3.50, and 5.50 hours after exiting the ward from OR. Comprehensive sore throat was measured 24 hours after surgery. To analyze the data, χ2 test and independent t-test were used. @*Results@#Subjective dry mouth was lower in the experimental group than the control group (t=-2.19, p=.033). There were no significant differences in the objective dry mouth and sore throat scores between the two groups. The comprehensive sore throat score was lower in the experimental group than the control group (t=-2.65, p=.011). @*Conclusion@#Saline gargling is expected to be used as a nursing intervention method in patients undergoing thyroidectomy to alleviate the subjective dry mouth after 3.50 hours and sore throat after 5.50 hours and lasting 24 hours.

A Structural Equation Model of General High School Students’ Happiness:Mediation Effect of Self-esteem and Resilience

Purpose@#This study was conducted to develop a predictive model for happiness of students in general high schools.The study was based on the theory of happiness integration and the literature review. Methods: Data were collected using a convenience sample of 231 first and second grade students in five general high schools in D city and K Province. The exogenous variables were optimism as personality factors, parenting attitude, academic stress and friend’s support as happiness. The endogenous variables were self-esteem and resilience as mediating variables, and happiness of students in general high schools. Data collection was done from March 14 to March 28, 2019. The AMOS 22.0 and SPSS programs were used to verify the validity of confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis models. @*Results@#The factors that have the greatest influence on happiness of high school students are self-esteem and resilience. The explanatory power of happiness by these variables was 98.1%. The individual mediating effect and double mediation effect of these variables were found to be significant. @*Conclusion@#As student's optimistic personality, parent's positive parenting attitude, and friend’s support improve student's self-esteem and resilience, ultimately positively affecting high school students' happiness, so it is necessary to consider these factors and try to develop a happiness improvement program.

The Effect of Saline Gargling on Dry Mouth and Sore Throat in Patients with Thyroidectomy

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of saline gargling on mouth dryness and sore throat for patients with thyroidectomy. @*Methods@#A randomized controlled trial design was used with 53 participants assigned to either an intervention (n=27, saline gargling) or a control group (n=26, wet gauze). Pre-test dry mouth and sore throat were measured immediately after exiting the ward from OR. Post-test dry mouth and sore throat were measured at 1.50, 3.50, and 5.50 hours after exiting the ward from OR. Comprehensive sore throat was measured 24 hours after surgery. To analyze the data, χ2 test and independent t-test were used. @*Results@#Subjective dry mouth was lower in the experimental group than the control group (t=-2.19, p=.033). There were no significant differences in the objective dry mouth and sore throat scores between the two groups. The comprehensive sore throat score was lower in the experimental group than the control group (t=-2.65, p=.011). @*Conclusion@#Saline gargling is expected to be used as a nursing intervention method in patients undergoing thyroidectomy to alleviate the subjective dry mouth after 3.50 hours and sore throat after 5.50 hours and lasting 24 hours.

A Structural Equation Model of General High School Students’ Happiness:Mediation Effect of Self-esteem and Resilience

Purpose@#This study was conducted to develop a predictive model for happiness of students in general high schools.The study was based on the theory of happiness integration and the literature review. Methods: Data were collected using a convenience sample of 231 first and second grade students in five general high schools in D city and K Province. The exogenous variables were optimism as personality factors, parenting attitude, academic stress and friend’s support as happiness. The endogenous variables were self-esteem and resilience as mediating variables, and happiness of students in general high schools. Data collection was done from March 14 to March 28, 2019. The AMOS 22.0 and SPSS programs were used to verify the validity of confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis models. @*Results@#The factors that have the greatest influence on happiness of high school students are self-esteem and resilience. The explanatory power of happiness by these variables was 98.1%. The individual mediating effect and double mediation effect of these variables were found to be significant. @*Conclusion@#As student's optimistic personality, parent's positive parenting attitude, and friend’s support improve student's self-esteem and resilience, ultimately positively affecting high school students' happiness, so it is necessary to consider these factors and try to develop a happiness improvement program.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean version of the Pain in Older Adults Knowledge Survey (K-POAKS) among Nurses Who Have Worked in Long-term Care Hospitals

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to verify the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Pain in Older Adults Knowledge Survey (K-POAKS) to assess knowledge of pain in older adults including people with dementia for use in long-term care hospital nurses. @*Methods@#Survey data were collected from a convenience sample of 179 nurses who have worked in long-term care hospitals in B, D and U cities. The Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 for internal consistency for test reliability was conducted. The content, criterion-related and construct validity were evaluated using SPSS/WIN 22.0. @*Results@#The KR 20 was .75 and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was a range of 0.84~1.00. The criterion-related validity was positively correlated with attitudes (r=.28, p＜.001) and performance (r=.21, p=.004). The construct validity of K-POAKS was analyzed by conducting the principal component method using the exploratory factor analysis varimax rotation, and seven factors were derived above the eigenvalue of 1.0. The seven factors explained 58.5% of the total variation. @*Conclusion@#The Korean version of the POAKS showed satisfactory internal reliability, content validity, criterion-related validity and construct validity. These results suggest that the K-POAKS could be used as a suitable tool to measure the knowledge of the aged people’s pain, including that of dementia patients for long-term care hospital nurses.

Factors Influencing Peripheral Neuropathy of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

PURPOSE: We conducted a descriptive study to identify the factors affecting peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Data were collected from 131 cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy at two university hospitals in D city from January to July in 2018. The instruments used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (EORTC-QLQ CIPN 20), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), nutrition and eating habits, and Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Factors influencing peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were gender (β=−0.34, p=.005), basal cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (β=0.29, p<.001), depression (β=0.27, p=.002), and diabetes (β=0.23, p<.001). The explanatory power of the model was 41.1%. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study, it is necessary to plan nursing interventions for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with peripheral neuropathy by considering gender, cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet, depression, and diabetes.

The Development and Application of a New Problem Based Learning Module for Students in an Advanced Practice Nurse Program for Oncology

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to develop a problem based learning (PBL) module for cancer symptom management and oncology emergencies, and to evaluate the module after applying it for students in an advanced practice nurse program for oncology. METHODS: This study was a methodological research project. We invited a total of 13 graduates from an advanced practice nurse program to evaluate topics for the PBL module development. Five experts developed a PBL module for a selected topic. Eight students from an advanced practice nurse program participated in the PBL learning experience and evaluated their learning experiences. RESULTS: Tumor lysis syndrome, pain, disseminated intravascular coagulation and hypercalcemia were evaluated to be the most relevant and needed topics for the module. Oncology emergency PBL module-tumor lysis syndrome was developed through expert validation. Evaluation of PBL learning was 3.76 (out of 4 points) in a pilot test. CONCLUSION: The new PBL module provided a positive learning experience to students. The new PBL module can be used as the standardized clinical practice education in the oncology advanced practice nurse program and developing further PBL modules for different topics is recommended.

Effects of a Health Promotion Empowerment Program Using a Resident Volunteer as a Lay Health Leader on Frail Elders' Health and Empowerment

PURPOSE: This study has been conducted to develop and examine a health promotion empowerment program using a lay health leader for frail elderly. METHODS: The research was organized in a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Data collection was performed from August 18 to October 8, 2015. The subjects included 76 frail elders aged over 65 registered in home visiting services (Experimental group=39, Control group=37). A health promotion empowerment program using a resident volunteer as a lay health leader was run for 8 weeks. Health factors (health promotion behavior, perceived health status and frailty) and empowerment factors (empowerment, social participation) were assessed. The data were analyzed by using the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: After the program, health promotion behavior, perceived health status and social participation increased in the experimental group more significantly than in the control group, but frailty decreased in the experimental group greater than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The health promotion empowerment program using a resident volunteer as a lay health leader was effective. Therefore, the health promotion empowerment program needs to be expanded to other frail elders. Also, a health leader should be recommended as a public health resource and systematically managed.

Alleviation of ascorbic acid-induced gastric high acidity by calcium ascorbate in vitro and in vivo

Ascorbic acid is one of the most well-known nutritional supplement and antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Calcium ascorbate has been developed to mitigate the gastric irritation caused by the acidity of ascorbic acid. The aim of this study was to compare calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid, focusing on their antioxidant activity and effects on gastric juice pH, total acid output, and pepsin secretion in an in vivo rat model, as well as pharmacokinetic parameters. Calcium ascorbate and ascorbic acid had similar antioxidant activity. However, the gastric fluid pH was increased by calcium ascorbate, whereas total acid output was increased by ascorbic acid. In the rat pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, calcium ascorbate increased the gastric fluid pH without changing the total acid output. Administration of calcium ascorbate to rats given a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg as ascorbic acid resulted in higher plasma concentrations than that from ascorbic acid alone. The area under the curve (AUC) values of calcium ascorbate were 1.5-fold higher than those of ascorbic acid, and the C(max) value of calcium ascorbate (91.0 ng/ml) was higher than that of ascorbic acid (74.8 ng/ml). However, their T(max) values were similar. Thus, although calcium ascorbate showed equivalent antioxidant activity to ascorbic acid, it could attenuate the gastric high acidity caused by ascorbic acid, making it suitable for consideration of use to improve the side effects of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, calcium ascorbate could be an appropriate antioxidant substrate, with increased oral bioavailability, for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.