Analysis of Reports on Observational Studies Published in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing based on the STROBE Guideline.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the quality of reports on observational studies published in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing (KJWHN). METHODS: Forty-six studies using cross-sectional designs published in KJWHN from January 2011 to June 2013 were selected for analysis. Selected articles were reviewed and evaluated by three reviewers using the 22 items of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. As some of 22 items had more than one check point, further broken down, 34 checklist items were used for analysis. RESULTS: Overall, the reviewed studies provided sufficient descriptions for many STROBE items. Seven of the 34 items were found to be not applicable, and 15 of the remaining 27 items (55.5%) were evaluated as 'sufficient' in reporting. Only one study included a flow diagram illustrating participation and this lack of flow diagram was the weakest area of reporting in this review. CONCLUSION: Clearer reporting of cross-sectional studies can be attained by attention to vulnerable areas of reporting, such as including a flow diagram of participants, descriptions of sources of bias and reason for non-participation, and describing limitations of the study. Issues regarding the application of STROBE statement items should be actively discussed in order to aid future revision and clarification of items included in STROBE statement.

The Quality of Reporting of Intervention Studies in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing (KJWHN): Based on the TREND Guidelines.

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate quality of reports of non-randomized controlled quasi-experimental study articles published in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing (KJWHN). METHODS: A search was done for experimental studies assessing intervention effects among all articles published in the KJWHNfrom 2008 to 2013. Original articles were reviewed and analyzed according to the 22 checklist items of the guidelines for Transparent Reporting for Evaluations with Non-randomized Designs (TREND). RESULTS: Thirty-five articles on experimental studies were identified. The evaluation of the quality of reporting in these experimental studies found that there was a wide variety in the level of satisfying the TREND checklist. In particular, according to TREND topics, low levels of reporting quality were found for "title & abstract (only for information on how units were allocated to the intervention)", "outcomes in methods", "assignment in methods", "blinding in methods", "recruitment in results", "baseline data in results", "interpretation in discussion (especially intervention mechanism and success or barriers), "generalizability in discussion". CONCLUSION: Results indicate that adherence to TREND guidelines varied in experimental studies published in the KJWHN suggesting the recommendation that for higher levels of complete reporting, TREND guidelines be used in reports on experimental studies.

Analysis on Reports of Qualitative Researches Published in Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.

PURPOSE: This research was aimed to analyze the reports of qualitative researches published in Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing (KJWHN). METHODS: Twenty qualitative researches using in-depth interviews or focus groups published in KJWHN during from 2002 to 2011 were selected for analysis. Selected reports were analyzed by consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ), which were a reporting guideline for qualitative researches, and consisted of thirty two items and three domains, i.e., (1) research team and reflexivity, (2) study design, and (3) data analysis and reporting. RESULTS: Personal characteristics related to credentials, gender and interviewer's bias or assumption were less reported than other items in the 1st domain. In the 2nd domain, descriptions such as a presence of non-participants, pilot test for interview guide development, and transcript return to participants were less reported than other items. In the 3rd domain, items related to number of data coder, participants checking of the finding, and clarity of minor themes were less reported than other items. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that COREQ is a useful guideline for reporting of qualitative studies. From these results, we suggest that full items of COREQ should be considered and described when researchers report qualitative research.

[Effects of laughter therapy on depression, quality of life, resilience and immune responses in breast cancer survivors].

PURPOSE: In this study, the effects of laughter therapy on levels of depression, quality of life, resilience and immune responses in breast cancer survivors were examined. METHODS: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants (n=37) included breast cancer survivors who finished chemotheraphy and radiation therapy: 16 in the experiment group and 21 in the control group. Data were collected from August to November 2009. The experimental group participated in laughter therapy eight times, twice a week for 60 min per session. Questionnaires were used to measure pretest and posttest levels of depression, quality of life and resilience. A blood test was used to analyze changes in Total T cell, T helper, T suppressor, Th/Ts ratio, Total B cell, T cell/B cell ratio and NK cell for immune responses. RESULTS: The results showed that laughter therapy was effective in increasing the quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors. but depression and immune responses did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that laughter therapy may be an effective nursing intervention to improve quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors.

Analysis on Reports of Statistical Testing for Mean Differences in Articles in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of research studies reporting statistical testing for mean differences in studies of the Korean Journal of Women Health. METHODS: Among articles published in the journal from 2007 to 2009, 75 studies using t-test, chi2-test, and ANOVA were identified. The studies were evaluated using structured analysis format for adequacy of research title, accuracy of statistical methods and presentation styles, and errors in reported statistical outcomes. RESULTS: In this study, the research titles generally reflected the purpose of research and study designs. Thus the research titles were quite comprehensive. Also, there was compatibility between the research purpose and research design. Most important though, many errors were identified in the tables of results of the statistical analysis in articles published from 2004 to 2006. CONCLUSION: Over six years, 2004 to 2009, accuracy and adequacy of research studies has improved in many aspects. In order to enhance the completeness of the published papers and to be an internationally recognized nursing journal, close attention of the researchers, reviewers and editors is necessary to avoid errors and present adequate and accurate research.

Analysis of the Correlation and Regression Analysis Studies from the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing over the Past Three Years (2007~2009).

PURPOSE: This study investigated the statistical methods and the results had reported correlation/regression analysis in the studies of Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing (KJWHN). METHODS: We reviewed 45 studies using correlation/regression analysis for the suitability of the statistical methods and the research purposes, the criteria for analysis of figures, tables and charts had published in the KJWHN from vol 13 (1) in 2007 to vol 15 (4) in 2009. RESULTS: Forty three studies were fitted to their statistical methodology and their research purposes. Eleven studies considered the minimum sample size. Fourteen regression studies used multiple regression and 12 studies used forward method for variable entry. Only one study among the 17 regression studies accomplished scatter plots and residuals examination. Sixteen studies in correlation studies and six studies in regression studies showed some errors in either the title, variables, category of figures, tables and charts. In the regression study, all reported R2 and beta values except one. CONCLUSION: It was found that there were still statistical errors or articulation errors in the statistical analysis. All reviewers need to be reviewed more closely for detecting errors not only during reviewing process of the manuscript but also periodic publication for the quality of this academic journal.

Analysis of Published Papers by Keywords and Research Methods in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing (2007~2009).

PURPOSE: This study s aim was to analyze literature using the identified key words of published literature within the Korean Journal of Womens Health Nursing from 2007~2009. The study explored the major subjects and research methodology used and evaluated the quality of this Journal articles. METHODS: Survey design using a structured analysis format was used for consistent evaluation of research subjects, type of research, research methodology, data analysis, along with comparing intervention research, theoretical framework, ethical consideration, and the implications. The frequency of the use of each keyword was classified by 8 domains. RESULTS: Ninety eight papers were analyzed altogether. Most of the subjects in these papers were women with 86.7% being quantitative research. In these studies, 76.5% used convenience sampling; 70.6% used a survey design whereas 23.5% used experimental design. Health related concepts (n=159) was mentioned the most among the 8 domains. The key words frequently used were women, depression, knowledge, quality of life, attitude, elderly, anxiety and stress in descending order. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that most papers in this Journal during this time period addressed recent women's health issues. Also it showed this Journal and its literature has reached the indexing for Medline.

Effects of a postpartum back pain relief program for Korean women.

PURPOSE: Despite the high prevalence of back pain and its subsequent effects in post-partum women, intervention programs are scarce. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a back-pain-reducing program on post-partum women who experienced low-back pain during pregnancy. METHODS: A non-equivalent control-group pretest-posttest design was used. Pregnant women who attended a hospital for prenatal check-ups and experienced back pain participated in an intervention program (n=27), and the results were compared with women in a control group from another hospital (n=25). RESULTS: At 8 weeks post-partum, the pain intensity, functional limitations were lower in the intervention group than in the control group. However, differences in mean change of the pain intensity and functional limitations between 36 and 39 weeks of gestation and at 8 weeks post-partum were not statistically significant between the groups. Moreover, the flexibility, post-partum functional status, and post-partum depression did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A back-pain-relief program in this study was not effective to reduce the back-pain intensity in post-partum women and to decrease the associated functional limitations. The implications for nursing practice and directions for future research are discussed.

Effects of a back-pain-reducing program during pregnancy for Korean women: a non-equivalent control-group pretest-posttest study.

BACKGROUND: Although many pregnant women experience back pain, it has not considered an important health problem. No study has investigated the effects of a back-pain-reducing program (BPRP) during pregnancy for Korean women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a program designed to reduce back pain in pregnant women. METHODS: A non-equivalent control-group pretest-posttest design was used. Pregnant women who attended an antenatal clinic and experienced back pain during their pregnancy were included in an intervention group (n=29), and their intensity of back pain, functional limitation and anxiety were compared with women in a control group from another antenatal clinic (n=27). The data were collected at three time points: prior to intervention, and 6 and 12 weeks after intervention. RESULTS: At 12 weeks after intervention, the intensity of back pain experienced by the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to functional limitations and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that the pain-reducing program developed for this study was effective in reducing the intensity of back pain experienced by pregnant women. Promoting good posture and regular exercise can be recommended as a method to relieve back pain in pregnancy women. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of the BPRP during pregnancy.

Predictors of tobacco-control activities of community health practitioners: report from a national survey.

The involvement of health-care professionals in tobacco-control activities is essential to prevent smoking-related morbidity and mortality. The purposes of this predictive correlational study were to examine tobacco-control activities and to identify the predictors of such activities of community health practitioners (CHPs). Of the 1,813 members of the Korean Association of CHP, 1,247 participated in this study. A mailed survey was conducted to collect data. The majority of CHPs supported tobacco-control policies and recognized tobacco-control activities as an important role for them. Only 44.3% of CHPs were confident in their knowledge and skills regarding tobacco-control activities, and only 30.8% had received professional tobacco-control education. While the majority of the CHPs "asked, advised, and assessed" their clients, only a small number "assisted or arranged". The tobacco-control activities of CHPs were predicted by their attitude toward it, age, experience of tobacco-control education, educational level, and general perception of the risk of smoking; these variables accounted 13.5% of variance in the tobacco-control activities of CHPs. These findings provide the basis for developing a continuing education program for CHPs. CHPs should be encouraged to integrate tobacco-control activities into their routine practice, and CHP education programs should be adjusted to increase the time spent on the tobacco-control intervention techniques.