Evaluation of the Korean Version of Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (K-PASE) / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a Korean version of Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (K-PASE) from PASE and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the K-PASE. This scale was originally developed by Washburn et al. (1993). A valid and reliable physical activity scale for the elderly is needed to assess accurately physical activity of the elderly, because there has been no valid and reliable physical activity scale for the elderly in Korea. METHODS: The K-PASE was developed from PASE through linguistic validation and cultural adaptation for use with this population. Convenient sampling was used to recruit participants. Reliability was evaluated by conducting the test-retest and convergent validity was evaluated by Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability, assessed over a 2 week interval, was r=.94. Convergent validity was established by correlating the K-PASE scores between related variables which were the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC) and hand-grip strength. Scores of the K-PASE had a low significant correlation with TMIG-IC (r=.246, p<.001), and hand-grip strength (r=.251, p<.001). The mean score of physical activity of Korean elderly assessed by the K-PASE was 96.5. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the K-PASE is a reliable and valid instrument to assess physical activity for Korean elderly.

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.

The Development and Evaluation of an Incontinence Intervention Program for the Elderly Women at Elderly Welfare Center / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The elderly with UI experienced urine leakage for a long time. The prevalence of UI has increased and it makes costly. Particularly, the elderly were reluctant to visit a hospital or a clinic for the reasons of modesty and poverty. To solve this problem, incontinence intervention programs should be provided at the elderly welfare center. The purpose of this research was to develop Incontinence Intervention Program for the Elderly Women (IIPE) and evaluate in its effect. METHODS: The study design was quasi-experimental with pre and post-test. The study was performed for ten weeks at one elderly welfare center, Seoul, Korea. The subjects were gathered through an official announcement and informed consent was obtained. IIPE, in this study, was consisted of diagnosis, education, exercise and evaluation. The study variables were PFM exercise adherence, pelvic muscle strength, Continence selfefficacy, geriatric depression and incontinence stress. The effects of the IIPE on PFM exercise adherence, pelvic muscle strength, Continence self-efficacy, geriatric depression and incontinence stress were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 75.2 years. The average attendance was 6.2 times. The IIPE improved PFM exercise adherence, intra-vaginal contraction power and CSE significantly. But it was not significant in incontinence stress and geriatric depression. Other important results were that the two-finger test and urine stream interruption were more useful for elderly women with rigid vaginas in teaching and evaluating. CONCLUSION: The Findings suggest that IIPE is effective to the community-residing elderly. Further investigation is needed on a long-term basis with control group.

Health Status, Reproductive Health Problems, and the Degree of Prenatal Management in Married Working Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to examine health status, reproductive health problems and the degree of prenatal management in working women. METHOD: The subjects were 902 married working women among 2, 000 women selected by cluster sampling. The work area was classified to product factory, school, office, etc. After an Informed consent was obtained, participants were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. The instruments included a questionnaire, parity check list, menstrual problems and gynecologic problem check list. RESULT: Many women have experienced menstrual cycle change during the past year. There was a significant difference in general health, menstrual regularity, reproductive health and prenatal management by occupation type. 40.6 percent of the subjects have gynecological problems such as menstrual cycle change, perineal inflammation, irregular vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, ovarian/uterine disease, infertility, or abortion. Prenatal care was received in only 28.5% of the total subjects. In addition, 16.3% answered they had experienced low birth weight babies. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that working woman have changes in menstruation cycle and in reproductive health status. Therefore, we suggest that some occupational characteristics may affect subject's reproductive health, these should be clear and avoided as much as possible.