Myoung-Hee Kim

Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Married Immigrant Women in Korea

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing quality of life of married immigrant women in Korea. METHODS The participants included 508 married immigrant women who met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Participants were evaluated for subjective assessment of married immigrant-related constructs using a self-report questionnaire, for self-esteem, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QOL). The analysis was done using SPSS for Windows, version 10.1, and included stepwise regression. RESULTS The major findings were as follows; 1) There were significant relationships between marital satisfaction (r=.39, p=.001), violence by the husband during the couples arguments (r= -.24, p<.001), satisfaction with life in Korea (r=.39, p<.001), self-esteem (r=.16, p<.001), self-efficacy (r=.51, p<.001) and quality of life. 2) Marital satisfaction, self-efficacy, education level and satisfaction life with in Korea were significant factors, which explained 53% of the variance in quality of life (F=43.97, p<.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a powerful predictor of QOL for married immigrant women was self-efficacy. CONCLUSION Developing nursing interventions to enhance self-efficacy toward improvement of QOL among married immigrant women is recommended.

Correlation between Subjective and Objective Measurement of Climacteric Women's Hot Flashes

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to explain the phenomena of hot flashes in climacteric women by using Mexameter, Skin Thermometer, Corneometer, and Laser Doppler Perfusion Imager (LDPI) objectively and to identify the interrelation between the subjective and objective measurements of hot flashes by comparing the two as reported in retrospective questionnaires. METHODS The participants were one hundred women (45-60 yr) who were not currently on hormone therapy, and had reached hot flash scores of 10 or higher. Hot flashes were measured in a temperature and humidity controlled room for 7 hr from 10 am to 5 pm. Hot flashes were measured subjectively and recorded via the Hot Flash Diary Report. When participants felt the hot flashes, they were measured objectively by Mexameter, Skin Thermometer, Corneometer, and LDPI . RESULTS The frequency of hot flashes in participants ranged from 1 to 7 times. When hot flashes occurred in participants, the erythema, skin temperature, skin hydration, and blood perfusion showed statistically significant changes in all measurements. But, the subjective and objective measurements of hot flashes showed only weak correlations. CONCLUSION Results indicate a need for future research with subjective and objective measuring instruments chosen depending variations identified for the study.

College students’ attitudes, knowledge, and Self-Efficacy toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The aim of this research was to investigate college students’ attitudes, knowledge, and self-efficacy toward performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to identify the necessity of CPR training in Korean colleges. As a retrospective cross-sectional study, this questionnaire-based study assessed the attitudes of a convenience sample consisting of 320 college students. Data was collected over the month of August, 2017. Following collection of the data, a descriptive analysis was performed to evaluate results. Statistical analysis was conducted to test for statistical significance using the independent t-test, two-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The mean score of subjects’ overall attitudes toward CPR was 40.80 (range 11∼55). The subjects’ average prior knowledge of CPR was 12.61, with 22 as the highest score. The subjects’ mean self-efficacy of CPR was 66.97 (range 0∼120). It was manifested that there were significant correlations between the subjects’ attitude and knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy, and knowledge and self-efficacy toward CPR. Factors affecting college students’ self-efficacy of CPR were gender, major, experience with CPR education, attitudes toward CPR and toward CPR. Consideration of certain factors like gender characteristics and education will contribute to increasing positive attitudes toward CPR and consequently will increase the self-efficacy of CPR.

Contraceptive Knowledge and Contraceptive Attitudes among University Students in Korea

Objectives: Sexual health is a very important public health matter for young people. The purpose of this study was to examine contraceptive knowledge and contraceptive attitudes among university students in Korea. Methods/Statistical analysis: As a cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted in S university and an investigation carried out by a structured survey of 223 college students. Data was collected in July 1 to 15, 2015. SPSS program 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to analyze the data. Findings: The results are as follows: The mean of correct answers on contraceptive knowledge was 7.50 (SD=3.37) for 15 items. The mean score of contraceptive attitudes was 3.74 (SD=0.34) on a five-point scale. Contraceptive knowledge had a positive correlation with contraceptive attitudes (r=0.23, p=0.001). That is, as the subjects have better contraceptive knowledge, they also have positive contraceptive attitudes. Improvements/Applications: We advise that promotion of contraceptive-related knowledge be targeted towards university students. Contraceptive education should be sustained and reinforced among the university students in Korea.

Effects of Sipgeondaebo-tang Pharmacopuncture Extracts on the Collagenase Activity and Procollagen Synthesis in HS68 Human Fibroblasts and Tyrosinase Activity Original Articles

【Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the collagen metabolism and tyrosinase activity of Sipgeondaebo-tang Pharmacopuncture extracts (SP). Methods : The effect of SP on type I procollagen production and collagenase activity in human normal fibroblasts HS68 after UVB (312 nm) irradiation was measured by ELISA method. The tyrosinase activity after treatment of SP was measured as well. Results : Type I procollagen production was recovered by SP in UVB damaged HS68 cells. The increased collagenase activity after UVB damage was significantly recovered by SP. The tyrosinase activity was significantly reduced as well. However, the L-DOPA oxidation was not changed. Conclusion : SP showed the anti-wrinkle effects and whitening effects in vitro. These results suggest that SP may be a potential pharmacopuncture as an anti-aging pharmacopuncture treatments.】

Effects of Yukmigeehwang-hwan Extracts on the Elastase Activity and DPPH and NO Scavenging Activities Original Articles

Objectives : Elastic fibers are found in the skin, lungs, arteries, veins and other structures. Elastases destroy the elastic fibers and cause the emphysema and pulmonary hypertension. Oxidative stress is needed for these pathologic changes. Accordingly, present study was designed to investigate the effect of Yukmigeehwang-hwan extracts (YHE) on elastase activity and anti-oxidative effects of YHE. Methods : The inhibitory effects on elastase and DPPH and NO free radical scavenging activities of YHE were measured. Results : The elastase activity was significantly inhibited by YHE. YHE significantly scavenged DPPH and NO free radicals as well. Conclusion : YHE showed the elastase-inhibiting effects and anti-oxidative activities in vitro. These results suggest that YHE may have potential roles in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema and pul- monary hypertension.