Factors Influencing Behavior of Reducing Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Breastfeeding Mothers

PURPOSE: To investigate factors that affect behaviors of reducing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in breastfeeding mothers. METHODS: Subjects were 166 breastfeeding mothers who were recruited from January 25 to April 15, 2018. The questionnaire consisted of items associated with behaviors of reducing exposure to EDCs, attitude to behaviors of reducing exposure, subject norms of behavior of reducing exposure, and perceived behavior control. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: Factors influencing behaviors of reducing the exposure to EDCs were attitude toward behaviors of reducing exposure, perceived barrier, and period of lactation. The more positive the attitude toward behaviors of reducing exposure was, the lower the perceived barrier. The longer the feeding period, the higher the behaviors of reducing the exposure to EDCs. CONCLUSION: To enhance behaviors of reducing the exposure to EDCs, it is necessary to develop a positive educational program in breastfeeding department to improve attitude toward behaviors of reducing the exposure to EDCs, decrease perceived barrier, and increase the breastfeeding period.

The Relationship between Depression, Self-Care Activity and HbA1c in Clients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the relationship between depression, self-care activity and HbA1c in clients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) clients. METHOD: This was a cross sectional descriptive study and data were collected between October 4 and 27, 2006 using a questionnaire. The participants were inpatients and outpatients with type-2 diabetes being seen in one of two hospitals. The questionnaire included general as well as disease related characteristics, a depression scale (CES-D), and the self-care activity scale developed by Kim (1996). HbA1c was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: There were 50 men (41.7%) and 70 women (58.3%). The mean scores for depression and self-care activity were 18.22+/-10.03 and 3.51, respectively. Almost half of the participants (46.7%) had an HbA1c greater than 7%. Self-care activity was negatively correlated with depression (r=-.436, p=0.00) and HbA1c (r=-.269, p=0.03). Depression was positively correlated with HbA1c (r=-.325, p=0.00). Participants who had diabetes education showed a significantly lower level of HbA1c than the group who had never had diabetes education. Conclusions: It is important to make ensure that patients with diabetes have education on diabetes mellitus and to screen and manage depression as part of the care for these patients.