A Review of Community Health Nursing Research in Korea and Japan

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare similarities and differences in research trends for community health nursing between Korea and Japan. METHODS: Comparison was made in terms of research design, data collection and sampling method, and key concepts from community health nursing research by literature review. We analyzed original articles from representative Journals covering community health nursing research from 2004 to 2008. RESULTS: We found that research design was quite different between the two countries. Quantitative research design was dominant in Korea, while qualitative and qualitative research designs were used equally in Japan. In particular, outcome research was found only in Korean papers. CONCLUSION: Based on the comparison, the following recommendations are suggested related to the strengths and weaknesses of research concepts and methods observed in each country. It is suggested that future collaboration should be undertaken especially to improve the diversity of research design and method. More diverse research designs should be used in both countries. Particularly in today's aged society, evidence-based research and outcome research are needed for community health nursing in both countries.