Older Adults With Hip Arthroplasty: An Individualized Transitional Care Program.

BACKGROUND: Most older adults with hip fracture surgery experience functional decline (FD), causing devastating outcomes. However, few studies have examined the effects of nursing interventions to reduce FD for them. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate an individualized transitional care program (ITCP) to reduce FD for older adults with hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The study was quasiexperimental, with a nonequivalent control group design. A total of 37 participants scheduled for hip arthroplasty were recruited-21 in the experimental and 16 in the control group. FINDINGS: Two weeks following surgery (i.e., just prior to discharge), the ITCP group displayed less fear of falling than the usual care group. Moreover, the experimental group displayed objectively less FD with increased activities of daily living and Timed Up and Go scores, 6 weeks after hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of nurse-led rehabilitative practices to reduce FD in older adults with hip arthroplasty. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ITCP promoted individual physical functioning for older adults with hip arthroplasty. This study results can aid healthy transitions of elderly patients with other various diseases.

Predictive factors associated with death of elderly in nursing homes.

PURPOSE: An increasing elderly population reflects a great need for readily accessible, clinically useful methods to identify mortality-related factors in nursing home residents. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the deaths of nursing home residents. METHODS: Data was collected from a Minimal Data Set of 195 elderly nursing home residents, followed by analysis of demographic factors, disease and nursing condition factors, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), cognitive function, behavioral patterns, and dysfunctional status. RESULTS: Major factors associated with death among nursing home residents were identified as dyspnea (odds ratio [OR] = 4.88), problematic behaviors (OR = 3.95), and ADL (OR = 3.61). These variables accounted for 31.1% of the variance in death. CONCLUSION: Dyspnea, problematic behaviors, and ADL data were identified as the key factors associated with death among nursing home residents. Future plans for the prediction of death among nursing home residents can be made by nursing staff, factoring in these identified variables, to ensure more comfortable conditions and more responsive care.

Effects of a regular walking exercise program on behavioral and biochemical aspects in elderly people with type II diabetes.

The present study examined the effects of a regular walking exercise program on behavioral (daily physical activity, physical strength, energy consumption) and biochemical (fasting blood glucose [FBG], glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], total cholesterol, triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) aspects of elderly people with type II diabetes. A randomized and stratified experimental design was used with experimental and control groups. The experimental group was subjected to a 6 month walking exercise program, involving walking exercise three times per week for 50 min, and a 4 week education program on diet control and the prevention of complications, once per week for 20 min. Post-test was conducted after 3 and 6 months to examine short- and long-term behavioral and biochemical effects. The regular walking exercise program effectively increased daily physical activity, physical strength, and energy consumption (behavioral aspects), and decreased FBG, HbA1c, and TG levels (biochemical aspects) in elderly people with type II diabetes. The incidence of type II diabetes complications might be reduced by implementing a regular walking exercise program.

Relationships between compassion fatigue, burnout, and turnover intention in Korean hospital nurses.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify relationships between compassion fatigue, burnout, and turnover intention in Korean hospital nurses. METHODS: In total, 142 hospital nurses were surveyed as part of data collection. Data related to compassion fatigue, burnout, and turnover intention were collected using a questionnaire between May 2011 and September 2011. The data analysis was performed using PASW 19.0 program, which included one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: This study detected a positive correlation between compassion fatigue and burnout(r=.37, p<.001), and turnover intention(r=.55, p<.001). Compassion fatigue accounted for 29.6% of the variance for turnover intention among Korean hospital nurses. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that it is necessary to reduce compassion fatigue, and turnover intention among Korean hospital nurses.

Nursing interventions to promote dignified dying in South Korea.

PURPOSE: This descriptive study aimed to assess the appropriateness of the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) catalogue Palliative Care for Dignified Dying for palliative care nursing interventions in South Korea. METHODS: The study surveyed 213 South Korean nurses who might regularly care for dying patients. Nurses were recruited to complete a survey that included interventions from the ICNP catalogue listed with Likert response sets. FINDINGS: All of the interventions were scored as being at least 'slightly important' on average. The following three nursing interventions were ranked as most important when caring for dying patients: establish trust, establish rapport, and administer pain medication. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides new insights into the palliative care provided in South Korea by documenting nurses' views of what are the most important palliative care nursing interventions. It also suggests that the palliative care interventions listed in the ICNP catalogue Palliative Care for Dignified Dying are in congruence with the interventions that nurses in South Korea use.

Factors associated with depressive symptoms in low-income, older Korean women with hypertension.

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that are associated with depressive symptoms in community-dwelling, low-income, older Korean women with hypertension. A total of 107 low-income, older (aged 74 ± 6 years) Korean women with hypertension participated in the study. Information about depressive symptoms, functional status, and social support were collected by interviews that used the Geriatric Depression Scale, Katz's Activities of Daily Living, and the Lubben Social Support Network Scale, respectively. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors that affected depressive symptoms. The results indicated that the depressed women had been diagnosed with hypertension for a longer period of time and took a larger number of medications than the women in the non-depressive group. They also had poorer functional status and an "isolated" social support network. The social support network, length of time since diagnosis, number of medications, and functional status were associated independently with depressive symptoms. It was concluded that clinicians should assess for the factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, including a poor social support network, poor daily activity, the number of medications, and the length of time since diagnosis in order to prevent the symptoms of comorbidities worsening in low-income, hypertensive, older women.

[Relationship of daily activity and biochemical variables in the elderly with diabetes mellitus].

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify correlates and variables predicting daily activity among elders with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). METHODS: Seventy-six elders registered in the Department of Endocrine Medicine at C university hospital participated in data collection. Data on daily activity and biochemical variables were collected via actigraph accelerator (Actical) and blood tests between September 2009 and July 2010. Data analysis was done using SPSS WIN 15.0 program and included one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: This study showed a positive correlation between daily activity and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and a negative correlation among Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C). The variables predicting daily activity were frequency of exercise, HDL-C, and TC. These factors accounted for 40.0% of the variance of daily activity in elders with DM. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that it is necessary to improve daily activity to reduce Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), TC, and TG in elders with DM.

Exploring wisdom in the korean elderly: a q methodology study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the subjectivity of wisdom in the Korean elderly. METHODS: Q-methodology was used. The 33 selected Q-statements from each of the 41 participants were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 9-point scale. The collected data were analyzed using the Analysis Software for (Technique. RESULTS: Four types of wisdom for research participants of Korean elderly were identified. Type I is experience-oriented action type; Type II is emotion-oriented sympathy type; Type III is human relationship-oriented consideration type; and Type IV is problem solution-oriented insight type. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that different approaches to health and nursing care for elders can be recommended based on the four types studied.

The effects of 16-week group exercise program on physical function and mental health of elderly Korean women in long-term assisted living facility.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 16-week group exercise program on the physical function (ie, strength, flexibility, and balance) and mental health (ie, self-esteem and depression) of older elderlyl women (>or=75 years old) compared with younger elderly women (<75 years old). BACKGROUND: Exercise is crucial in maintaining older women's health and well-being. However, because most elders have at least one chronic disease, their physical function declines, so their dependence on others for instrumental daily living activities often increases. Older women typically have multiple barriers to participation in physical activities including higher disability rates. METHOD: Of the total of 40 older women (older than 65 years) enrolled, 21 were older elders and 16 were younger elders. Lower body strength (using 30-second chair test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and static balance (ability to balance on one leg with open and closed eyes) were assessed. Self-esteem (using Rosenberg's Self-esteem Questionnaire) and depressive symptoms (using Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale) were assessed. Two-way analysis of variance was used to examine the differences between the 2 age groups. FINDINGS: The intervention program was effective in improving body strength, flexibility, static balance, and self-esteem, regardless of age. Furthermore, older elders receiving the intervention program demonstrated greater improvement in self-esteem than younger elders did, although there were intervention effects in both age groups. CONCLUSION: Elderly women can realize benefits from a group exercise program that can improve their functional ability and self-esteem, both important to cardiovascular health.

[A phenomenological study on the experience of hurt and forgiveness of clinical nurses in Korea after loss of employment].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand and analyze the experience of hurt and forgiveness of clinical nurses in Korea. METHODS: A phenomenological research method guided data collection and analysis. The subjects were a total of 5 nurses who had experienced hurt and forgiveness. Data was collected through individual in-depth interviews. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Coding was used to establish different concepts and categories. RESULTS: The following three common constituents have been found as a retrospective focus based on the primary hurt related to the clinical situation; recognizing their personal values, obtaining their view about forgiveness, as well as their view of self. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may contribute to health professionals working in various clinical settings to understand Korean nurses with hurt and forgiveness experiences.

[The effects of an environmental education with newspaper in education (NIE) on the environmental concern and practice].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an environmental education program using newspaper articles in education (NIE) and to evaluate changes in concern and practice for environmental protection after NIE. METHODS: The design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The participants were university students in nursing, of which 31 were assigned to the experimental group and 43 to the control group. The education was carried out for 2 hr, once a week for 7 weeks. Data were analyzed with SPSS WIN 14 program, and included chi2 test, independent t-test, and repeated measure ANOVA. RESULTS: NIE showed significant differences in the changes of attitude toward environment (F=4.461, p=.036). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that this NIE in environmental education was effective in changing students' attitudes toward the environment. Therefore this NIE is recommended for inclusion in education for university students in nursing.

[Comparison of health conservation for elders in assisted living facilities and nursing homes].

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate and compare health conservation and its related factors of elders in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. METHOD: Data for health conservation was collected from 316 elders in 10 institutions in Daegu city and Kyungpook province from February 1st to February 22nd, 2005. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire that included general characteristics, general health status, health conservation, functional health status (ADL, IADL) and depression (GDS-K) scales. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS (version 11.5) program including descriptive statistics, t-test, chi2-test, Pearson's correlation and stepwise method regression analysis. RESULT: The elders in assisted living facilities revealed lower scores in health conservation, ADL and IADL than the elders in nursing homes. Predictable variables influencing health conservation of the elders in assisted living facilities were depression and MAC (Mid-Arm Circumference) that is equal to .270, and the the elders in nursing home were depression, IADL, degree of sleep, and TSF (Triceps Skin Fold) that is equal to .409. CONCLUSION: The development of a health conservation program and long-term health care service system for elders in assisted living facilities are needed than for the elders in nursing homes.

Influencing variables on life satisfaction of Korean elders in institutions.

PURPOSE: The number of elders in institutions has increased as family supporting systems have changed in Korea. The purpose of this study were to understand the life satisfaction among elders in institutions and to identify the factors influencing on life satisfaction. METHODS: The instruments used were Yun(1982)'s scale modified Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale for Happiness(MUNSH) in life satisfaction, ADL and IADL in activity level, Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS) in depression and Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire(NSSQ) scale in social support. Also, Perceived health status was measured by Visual Graphic Rating Scale. The subject of this study is 107 cognitively intact and ambulatory elders in 7 institutions in Daegu city and Kyungpook province. The data have been collected from May 1 to June 30, 2001. For the analysis of collected data, frequency analysis, mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analysis by SPSSwin(version 9.0) program. RESULTS: Life satisfaction for the elders in institutions showed negative correlation with SDS, and positive correlation with activity level. The regression form of the stepwise multiple regression analysis to investigate the influencing factors of life satisfaction for the elders in institutions was expressed by y = 90.988-0.733x1-0.188x2-0.069x3-0.565x4 (x1: SDS x2: Social support x3: Activity level x4: Monthly pocket Money) and 57.9% of variance in life satisfaction was explained by the model. CONCLUSION: The factors influencing on life satisfaction among the elders in institutions were SDS, social support, activity level and monthly pocket money. According to the results of this study, depression, social support and activity level are considered the prime causal factors for life satisfaction.

[The factors influencing on depression of patients for fibromyalgia syndrome].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to understand the depression of patients for Fibromyalgia Syndrome(FMS) and to identify the factors influencing depression. METHOD: The instruments used here are Beck Depression Inventory in depression, the Korean Rheumatology Health Association' instruments in Self-Efficacy. Also, Pain and Fatigue was measured by Visual Graphic Rating Scale. The subject of study is 76 outpatients diagnosing FMS from rheumatism specialists at C hospital in D city. The data has been collected from Sep. lst to Sep. 30th in 2001. For the analysis of collected data, frequency analysis, independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analysis with SAS statistical program. RESULT: General characteristics showing statistically significant difference in depression were age, education, occupation, gender, exercise and sleep in the patients with FMS. Depression for the patients with FMS has negative correlation coefficients with Self-efficacy and ADL, and positive correlation coefficients with Pain and Fatigue. The suitable regression form resulting from the multiple regression analysis to investigate the influencing factors of depression for the patients with FMS was expressed by y = 50.067 - 0.278x1 + 1.320x2 (x1 : Self-Efficacy x2 : Fatigue) and R2 = 0.427. CONCLUSION: The factors influencing on depression of patients for FMS was Self-Efficacy, ADL, Pain, and Fatigue. Further study needs to be done identify methods of overcoming and presentation of depression in FMS.