The Effect of Case Management Program for Hypertensive Patient / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of case management service for hypertensive elderly patients through the customized visiting home health care program. METHOD: Non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was employed. Data were collected from April 2007 to January 2009. Among a total of fifty subjects, 25 subjects were belonged to the case management group and the others were belonged to the general management group. RESULTS: 1) In experimental group, significant increasing rate of number of people within normal blood pressure by time, but no significant increasing rate of number of people within normal blood neutral fat, total cholesterol, HDL, & LDL. 2) In experimental group, the score of knowledge about disease and healthy life practice were increased on 8 week period but decreased on follow up period. Number of people within normal blood HDL and mean score of healthy life practice were significantly higher than control group on follow up period. CONCLUSION: Case management service was effective on controlling blood pressure but partly effective on blood lipid, knowledge about disease, and healthy life practice in hypertensive patients. Further study is needed to conduct a periodic re-evaluation of the effect of case management and to verify an optimal interval to provide the case management service.

Effect of Online Collaborative Learning Strategies on Nursing Student Interaction Patterns, Task Performance and Learning Attitude in Web Based Team Learning Environments / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: This study investigates patterns of small group interaction and examines the influence among graduate nursing students of online collaborative learning strategies on small group interaction patterns, task performance and learning attitude in web-based team learning environments. METHODS: To analyze patterns of small group interaction, group discussion dialogues were reviewed by two instructors. Groups were divided into two categories depending on the type of feedback given (passive or active). For task performance, evaluation of learning processes and numbers of postings were examined. Learning attitude toward group study and coursework were measured via scales. RESULTS: Explorative interactions were still low among graduate nursing students. Among the students given active feedback, considerable individual variability in interaction frequency was revealed and some students did not show any specific type of interaction pattern. Whether given active or passive feedback, groups exhibited no significant differences in terms of task performance and learning attitude. Also, frequent group interaction was significantly related to greater task performance. CONCLUSION: Active feedback strategies should be modified to improve task performance and learning attitude among graduate nursing students.

Quality of Life in Low Income Korean Aged

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the quality of life and its predictors in low income Korean aged. METHODS: This was a predictive correlational study. An accessible sample from the population of people who were 65 and over and were supported by the basic livelihood security system was 1,040. Quota sampling with strata of state division in the nation was chosen. Quality of life and its predictors in the subjects were measured. RESULTS: The mean quality of life in the subjects was 47.0+/-10.7. Predictors of this study significantly explained 54.3% of the total variance of quality of life. Depression was the most significant predictor of quality of life. Health problems, district, social support, leisure activity, and health behavior had effects on quality of life. CONCLUSION: This finding indicates that quality of life in lower income Korean aged is different from other populations by economic status. Demographics, health status and social status were predictors of quality of life in the aged with a small income.

Health Status, Depression and Social Support of Elderly Beneficiaries of the National Basic Livelihood Security System / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was: 1) To investigate health status(health behavior, health problem and cognition), depression and social support of elderly beneficiaries of the National Basic Livelihood Security System. 2) To identify the relationships among health status, depression and social support. METHODS: This descriptive study used a cross-sectional design. The study sample was a total of 883 elderly recipients supported from the National Basic Livelihood Security System. Quotas for sampling were designed and conducted nationwide throughout Korea. RESULTS: The mean age was 76.2 and the 79.6% of the sample were female. The scores for the health behavior, health problem, ADL, and cognition were 23.9, 4.4, 39.6 and 24.9, respectively. Additionally, the depression score was 19.8 and the social support score was 63.2. Gender, age, education, religion, marital status and monthly income were found as important variables in increasing health status and in decreasing depression among the elderly. Furthermore, depression showed a positive correlation with health problems, but showed negative correlations with health behavior, ADL, and cognition. The upper 25% of social support recipients suffered less depression than the lower 25% of the recipients. Subjects with more social supports had higher ADL scores and less health problem. CONCLUSION: These findings provide significant practical implications for nursing intervention, including social support for the elderly receiving assistance from the National Basic Livelihood Security System.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Korean American Women : Findings from Focus Group Interviews / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: Korean American women have twice the rate of cervical cancer than white women and demonstrate low rates in participation in cervical cancer screening. This study was to describe the perceptions about cervical cancer and factors related to cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. METHOD: Focus group methods. RESULT: Five themes emerged. First, knowledge about cervical cancer; misconceptions about cervical cancer, its causes, reproductive anatomy and the treatment Second, perceived meanings of having cervical cancer; most of the women felt that cervical cancer represented a loss of femininity and existential value of womanhood. Third, knowledge about cervical cancer screening ; regular medical check-ups were necessary for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Forth, experiences and perceived meanings of cervical cancer screening; the participants expressed their feelings; embarrassment, fear, shame and shyness. Fifth, practices of cervical cancer screening; various intervals in participating in cervical cancer screening. But they mentioned several deterrents, language, insurance, time constraint, embarrassment, fear of the screening results, misbelief about susceptibility, lack of health prevention behavior, and lack of information written in Korean. CONCLUSION: Results emphasize the critical need for culturally appropriate health education to encourage participation of Korean American women in cervical cancer screening.