Sook Ja Lee

Quality of life in low income Korean aged

PURPOSEnThe purpose of this study was to identify the quality of life and its predictors in low income Korean aged.nnnMETHODSnThis was a predictive correlational study. An accessible sample from the population of people who were 65 and over and were supported by the basic livelihood security system was 1,040. Quota sampling with strata of state division in the nation was chosen. Quality of life and its predictors in the subjects were measured.nnnRESULTSnThe mean quality of life in the subjects was 47.0+/-10.7. Predictors of this study significantly explained 54.3% of the total variance of quality of life. Depression was the most significant predictor of quality of life. Health problems, district, social support, leisure activity, and health behavior had effects on quality of life.nnnCONCLUSIONnThis finding indicates that quality of life in lower income Korean aged is different from other populations by economic status. Demographics, health status and social status were predictors of quality of life in the aged with a small income.

Structural model for quality of life of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease in Korea.

BackgroundHealth promotion among those with chronic illness has been proposed as a strategy to contain health care cost and enhance quality of life (QOL), but little research has been done in Korea on QOL focused on health promotion of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease (CCVD). ObjectivesThis study was designed to estimate a structural model to represent the QOL of patients with CCVD, on the basis of a literature review and Penders health promotion model (HPM). MethodsData were collected by questionnaire from 436 patients with CCVD in a university hospital in Seoul from August 2001 to July 2002. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and covariance structural analysis. ResultsAs the fit of the hypothetical model to the data was only moderate, it was modified by excluding 10 paths and including free parameters. The modified model with path showed a good fit to the empirical data (χ2 = 508.12, p = .001, GFI = .95, AGFI = .93, NFI = .98, NNFI = .98, RMSEA = .04). Health-promoting behavior (HPB) and self-efficacy were found to have a significant direct effect on QOL. Health perception, self-esteem, perceived barriers to action, and preference were found to have indirect effects on QOL. The variables of this model explain 63% of the variance in QOL. DiscussionThe modified model is considered appropriate to explain and predict QOL of patients with CCVD. Therefore, it can effectively be used as a reference model for further studies and to suggest directions in nursing practice.

A study on Korean nursing students' educational outcomes

The purpose of this study was to describe outcome indicators of nursing education including critical thinking, professionalism, leadership, and communication and to evaluate differences among nursing programs and academic years. A descriptive research design was employed. A total of 454 students from four year baccalaureate (BS) nursing programs and two three-year associate degree (AD) programs consented to complete self-administered questionnaires. The variables were critical thinking, professionalism, leadership and communication. Descriptive statistics, χ2-test, t-tests, ANOVA, and the Tukey test were utilized for the data analysis. All the mean scores of the variables were above average for the test instruments utilized. Among the BS students, those in the upper classes tended to attain higher scores, but this tendency was not identified in AD students. There were significant differences between BS students and AD students for the mean scores of leadership and communication. These findings suggested the need for further research to define properties of nursing educational outcomes, and to develop standardized instruments for research replication and verification.

The Level of Importance on Education of long Term Care Nursing Assistants Perceived by Caregivers of the Elderly

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the level of importance perceived by caregivers of elderly on the education of long term care nursing assistants (LTCNAs) taking care of elders with dementia or stroke. Method: Data was collected from 296 participants (112 families, 98 NAs, and 86 RNs) from October 2006 to February 2007. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Result: The item of `attitude while caring for the aged` was identified as most important. The family group reported that `position change` and `understanding of geriatric diseases` were the most important for education, while LTCNAs, highly identified, `bathing`, and `bed sheet change`. The RNs group regarded `position change`, and `bathing` as most important. Institutions demanding LTCNAs` activities were special facilities for elderly care and special hospitals for the aged, and the need was also high in families with an elder incapacitated by illness. Conclusion: Nurses need to take an interest in education for enhancing the quality of LTCNAs and thus advance the quality of nursing care as well as the quality of life for the aged.

Psychometric evaluation of the korean social support questionnaire

PURPOSEnResearch related to social support in Korea has been hampered by paucity of measurement tools reflecting Korean culture. The aim of the study was to develop Korean social support questionnaire (KSSQ) based on the Korean social support pyramid and to test psychometric properties of the KSSQ.nnnMETHODSnThe questionnaire was administered to 701 subjects and 658 college students. Psychometric analyses included factor analyses, expert validity, criterion-related validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.nnnRESULTSnA principal components analysis support for construct validity, eliciting a three factor solution accounting for 65.46% of variance in scores. Concurrent and discriminant validity supported criterion-related validity. Internal consistency of reliability was support with Cronbachs alpha of .97-.98 for the entire scale. Test-retest reliability was .76.nnnCONCLUSIONnThis initial testing of KSSQ to measure Korean social support demonstrates evidence of reliability and validity. Assessment of known-group validity and norm establishment of KSSQ are suggested to provide further sound psychometric properties and practical measurement tools.

Bone Mineral Density, Biochemical Bone Turnover Markers and Factors associated with Bone Health in Young Korean Women

PURPOSEnThis study was done to assess the bone mineral density (BMD), biochemical bone turnover markers (BTMs), and factors associated with bone health in young Korean women.nnnMETHODSnParticipants were 1,298 women, ages 18-29, recruited in Korea. Measurements were BMD by calcaneus quantitative ultrasound, BTMs for Calcium, Phosphorus, Osteocalcin, and C-telopeptide cross-links (CTX), body composition by physical measurements, nutrients by food frequency questionnaire and psychosocial factors associated with bone health by self-report.nnnRESULTSnThe mean BMD (Z-score) was -0.94. 8.7% women had lower BMD (Z-score≤-2) and 14.3% women had higher BMD (Z-score≥0) than women of same age. BTMs were not significantly different between high-BMD (Z-score≥0) and low-BMD (Z-score<0) women. However, Osteocalcin and CTX were higher in women preferring caffeine intake, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholic drinks. Body composition and Calcium intake were significantly higher in high-BMD. Low-BMD women reported significantly higher susceptibility and barriers to exercise in health beliefs, lower bone health self-efficacy and promoting behaviors.nnnCONCLUSIONnResults of this study indicate that bone health of young Korean women is not good. Development of diverse strategies to intervene in factors such as exercise, nutrients, self-efficacy, health beliefs and behaviors, shown to be important, are needed to improve bone health.

[Health-illness transition of patients with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease].

PURPOSEnThe purpose of this study was to explore the health-illness transition of patients with Young-Onset Parkinsons Disease (YOPD).nnnMETHODSnFrom June to November 2011, 17 patients with YOPD who visited a neurologic clinic in a tertiary hospital participated in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using the grounded theory of Strauss and Corbin.nnnRESULTSnThe core category of the participants health-illness transition emerged as reshaping identity following uncontrollable changes. The participants health-illness transition process consisted of six phases in sequence: ego withdrawal, loss of role, frustration, change of thought, modification of life tract, and second life. Although most participants proceeded through the six phases chronologically, some returned to the frustration phase and then took up the remaining phases.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe study results provide an in-depth understanding of health-illness transition experiences in the participants. These findings suggest a need to develop appropriate nursing intervention strategies according to the different phases in the health-illness transition of patients with YOPD.

Comparison of Cardiovascular Health Status and Health Behaviors in Korean Women based on Household Income

PURPOSEnIn this study cardiovascular health status and health behavior of Korean women based on their household income were explored.nnnMETHODSnFor this cross-sectional study, 91 women residing in the community were recruited to complete survey questionnaires and biophysical tests including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), body fat rate, waist circumference (WC), and blood chemistry tests.nnnRESULTSnCompared to non-low income women (NLIW), low income women (LIW) were more likely to be older, less educated, and jobless, and further more LIW were postmenopause and reported having been diagnosed with hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. Significant differences were found in systolic BP, triglyceride level, BMI, body fat rate, and WC between the groups. Two fifths of the LIW had indications for metabolic syndrome. Their 10-yr risk estimate of myocardial infarction or coronary death demonstrated a higher probability than that of NLIW. Although these significant differences were due to age gap between the groups, advanced age is known to be one of the key characteristics of LIW as well as a non-modifiable risk factor.nnnCONCLUSIONnEffective community programs for vulnerable women at risk of cardiovascular disease should be based on strategies targeting unhealthy behaviors and modifiable risk factors.

A Predictive Model of Health Outcomes for Young People with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSEnThis study was conducted to develop and test a hypothetical model to predict health outcomes in young people with type 2 diabetes.nnnMETHODSnData were collected from 190 adults aged 23-45 with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited the endocrinology outpatient department of the two university hospitals in South Korea from November 2, 2012 to March 7, 2013. Data collection used the structured questionnaires and patient medical records. The descriptive and correlation statistics were analyzed using PASW 18.0 and structural equation modeling procedure was performed using the AMOS 18.0 program.nnnRESULTSnThe fit of the hypothetical model was appropriate with the ratio of the chi-square statistic to degrees of freedom at 17.00, goodness-of-fit index at .975, adjusted goodness-of-fit index at .930, root mean square error of approximation at .061, normed fit index at .926, Turker-Lewis index at .929, comparative fit index at .966. Behavioral skills were a critical factor that directly affects self-management behaviors. Through behavioral skills, motivation had a statistically significant indirect effect on self-management behavior. Self-management behavior had a statistically significant direct effect on health outcome. Through self-management behavior, behavioral skills had a statistically significant indirect effect on health outcome. These variables explained 17.9% of the total variance for the health outcome in young people with type 2 diabetes.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe results suggest that self-management behavior could be improved through nursing interventions promoting personal motivation (positive attitude), social motivation (social support), and behavioral skills (self efficacy), which can result in better health outcomes for young people with type 2 diabetes.

Anger, anger expression, cardiovascular risk factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms by hwa-byung symptoms in Korean adult women

PURPOSEnThis study explored relationships of anger and anger expression to cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in Korean women based on hwa-byung (HB) symptoms.nnnMETHODSnA descriptive, comparative design was used. One-hundred four women who are from 20 to 65years old were recruited. Based on the HB score, 22 women indicated for HB and the rest were classified as normal. Data collection was done with several questionnaires including HB symptom scale, state-trait anger expression inventory, and GI symptom questionnaire and clinical information.nnnRESULTSnWomen with HB demonstrated significantly higher levels of trait anger and dysfunctional anger expression such as anger suppression and anger expression than normal group. Although blood pressure was higher in women with HB, the differences were not significant. Self-report of GI symptoms were significantly more in women with HB, however no significant difference was found in gastroscopy results.nnnCONCLUSIONSnWomen with HB were younger and might lack of sufficient social support. This study suggests relationship of anger and anger expression to functional GI symptoms. Characteristics of women with HB should be considered in developing intervention programs for healthy coping. Future studies need more women with HB for better comparison.