Analysis of Research Trends in Papers Published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing (2005-2009)

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze papers published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing (JKACHN) to identify the current state of child health nursing research and recommend directions for future research. METHODS: Using analysis criteria developed by the researchers, 233 papers published in JKACHN between 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. RESULTS: Both quantity and quality of these papers showed significant improvement compared to before 2005. The number of published papers, the proportion of intervention studies, and studies that involved children directly as participants had increased. However, published papers still leave much to be desired. Quantitative studies were dominant (91.4%) and many of these studies were survey designs (65.7%). Children, especially young children were still less likely to be direct participants. All experimental studies were quasi or pre-experimental studies. There were few qualitative research studies. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicate that strengthening peer review according to review guidelines will improve the quality of published papers and promote JKACHN as an international journal. Instead of proxy accounts from parents or nurses, research involving direct accounts by children is needed. Child-friendly data collection methods need to be developed and used by child health nurse researchers.