Effects of Simulated Laughter Therapy Using a Breathing Exercise: A Study on Hospitalized Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients.

This study evaluated the effects of simulated laughter therapy on physical symptoms, pulmonary function, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among pulmonary tuberculosis patients. This quasi-experimental study assigned tuberculosis patients of hospital A to a laughter group (n = 26) and those of hospital B to a control group (n = 26). The eight-week laughter therapy, held twice a week in a 60-min group session, included laughter, entertainment, music-related chorusing, breathing exercises, and meditation. The values of physical symptoms, pulmonary function, depression, and HRQOL from before and after the therapy were analyzed using the paired t-test and the Mann−Whitney U-test. To verify group differences between the experiment and control group, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were employed. Unlike the control group, laughter therapy decreased physical symptoms (t = 7.30, p < 0.01) and increased pulmonary function (t = −3.77, p < 0.01). Psychological health also improved, including depression (t = 10.46, p < 0.01) and HRQOL (t = −9.31, p < 0.01) in the experimental group but not in the control group. Group differences of changes in physical symptoms, pulmonary function, depression, and HRQOL were also significant. Simulated laughter therapy can help moderate depression and physical symptoms and enhance pulmonary function among tuberculosis patients.

Gender Differences in the Impact of Intergenerational Support on Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Korea.

Background: This study examined the relationship between intergenerational support patterns and depressive symptoms among older men and women in Korea. Methods: A nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized, community-dwelling older adults in Korea was used. A total of 7531 older adults (3592 men and 3939 women) was included in the analysis. Results: We observed gender differences in the impact of financial support exchanges on depressive symptoms. A lack of mutual financial support significantly increased the risk of depressive symptoms by 3.83 times (95% CI 2.34-6.24) in men and 1.73 times (95% CI 1.06-2.83) in women. Men who received financial support were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR (Odds Ratio), 1.81, 95% CI 1.36-2.42), whereas women who provided financial support were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.21-6.56). The lack of an exchange of emotional support was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both men (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.90) and women (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.50-2.34). Conclusions: We discuss the evidence of gender differences in intergenerational support exchange patterns and their impact on depressive symptoms within the context of Korean cultures and suggest that future research should be conducted on gender differences in the impact of intergenerational support on mental health across diverse societies.

Social Networking Site Usage and Its Impact on Depressive Symptoms among Older Men and Women in South Korea.

Background: We examined the rate of social networking site (SNS) usage and the relationship between SNS usage and depressive symptoms among older men and women in South Korea. Methods: The data were obtained from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS), which comprises a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Korean older adults living in the community. A total of 10,073 older persons (4286 men and 5787 women) were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 26.0% of the total study population reported to use social network sites. Of the men and women, 32.6 and 21.1%, respectively, used SNS. A higher educational level and higher equivalent household income, lower number of chronic illnesses, no limitation in daily activities, living with others, and having good relationships with friends and neighbors were associated with higher SNS usage among older men and women. SNS usage was significantly associated with reduced depression scores in older men, but not in women. Conclusions: The difference in SNS usage between older men and women might be partially explained by differential exposure to digital technologies and disadvantages in education and economic opportunities. Education programs for digitalization and opportunities to engage with technology need to be provided.

Gender Differences in the Prevalence and Correlates of Elder Abuse in a Community-Dwelling Older Population in Korea.

BACKGROUND: We examined gender differences in the prevalence estimates and correlates of elder abuse in a community-dwelling older population in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed responses from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS), which comprises a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Korean older adults living in the community. A total of 10,184 older persons (4179 men and 6005 women) were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The overall rate of elder abuse was 9.9%, and emotional elder abuse was the most frequent type. Of the men and women subjects, 8.8 and 10.6%, respectively, had experienced elder abuse. We observed significant gender differences in the correlates of elder abuse. Educational attainment was significantly associated with elder abuse in men but not in women. Poor self-rated health was significantly associated with elder abuse in women but not in men. Household income and relationship with children were significantly associated with elder abuse in both men and women. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the factors that make elderly persons vulnerable to elder abuse may differ by gender. A better understanding of the risk factors for elder abuse across genders will facilitate the development of elder abuse prevention strategies, practices, and policies.

[Prediction Model for Health-Related Quality of Life in Hospitalized Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis].

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to construct and test a structural equation model of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among hospitalized patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). METHODS: Participants were 256 patients with PTB who were 20 years or older and admitted in two national tuberculosis hospitals. The patients participated in pulmonary function testing and responded to structured questionaries. RESULTS: The goodness-of-fit statistics of the final hypothetical model were as follows: χ²/df=2.19, RMSEA=.07, SRMR=.05, GFI=.95, NFI=.95, CFI=.96, TLI=.92, and PCFI=.52. Symptoms and general health perception had significant direct effects, and subjective economic status, social support and stigma had significant indirect effect on HRQoL of hospitalized patients with PTB. These variables explained 64% of variance in the prediction model. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that strategies and intervention for physical symptoms and depressive symptoms are crucial to improve the quality of life in hospitalized patients with PTB. The development of various social support programs is also recommended.