Research in Community and Public Health Nursing

Volume 35 (2); June 2024

Original Articles

Factors Related to Health-Related Quality of Life across the Life Cycle in One-Person Households among Korean Adults: Myung-Ock Chae; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2024;35(2):125-139. Published online June 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2023.00304

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study is to identify factors related to health-related quality of life in one-person households across the life cycle by analyzing data from the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Methods
The subjects of one-person households were divided into 195 young adults, 273 middle-aged people, and 490 elderly people according to life cycle. Data were analyzed by complex sample cross tabulation, complex sample t-test, complex sample ANOVA, and complex sample multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS 26.0.
Results
In young adults, subjective health status, daily activity limitation, and stress level explained 41% of health-related quality of life, and in middle age, income level, education level, occupation, marital status, subjective health status, stress level, and depression had a 60% explanatory power. In old age, education level, subjective health status, daily activity limitation, stress level, and depression explained 53% of health-related quality of life.
Conclusion
In order to effectively improve the health-related quality of life of one-person households, it is necessary to establish a customized program considering the influencing factors across the life cycle and systematically manage it according to the flow of the life cycle.

Prediction model of health checkup and cancer screening experience of elderly population using 2021 Community Health Survey: Myeunghee Han; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2024;35(2):140-155. Published online June 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00500

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study was conducted to build a decision tree model composed of factors that predict whether or not the elderly population underwent health or cancer screening using the 2021 community health survey.
Methods
This study included 74,434 and 74,417 subjects who answered for experience of health checkup or cancer screening, respectively. This study used Chi-squared test, independent t-tests, and decision tree analysis to analyze the data.
Results
Regarding the health checkup, 78.1% of women received a health checkup, and among women, those aged 65-74 years who were not recipients of the basic livelihood service showed the highest participation rate of 85.0%. In case of men, those who were married and had no problems in daily activity showed the highest participation rate of 81.4%. In the case of cancer screening, for women, those who were 65-74 years old and were nonrecipients of basic livelihood benefits showed the highest participation rate of 75.3%. For men, the cancer screening rate was the highest at 74.3% in those who had no problems with mobility and were married.
Conclusion
It was found that the general and health characteristics of the elderly had a great influence on the health checkup and cancer screening. In order to develop a more improved screening system, screening rates and effects should be continuously observed and studied.

Priorities of Family Caregivers in Preserving Functional Abilities of Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease Living at Home: A Best-Worst Scaling Approach: Eunhye Cho, Youngran Yang, Hyun Kyung Kim, Hye Young Kim; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2024;35(2):156-167. Published online June 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00556

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
The decline in cognitive abilities among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease significantly impacts their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), creating challenges and stress for their caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the priorities of family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease concerning the preservation of their loved ones' ADLs.
Methods
We employed a cross-sectional design with a best-worst scaling approach (BWS), and developed a BWS questionnaire utilizing the 10 daily living items from the Disability Assessment for Alzheimer’s Disease scale. This questionnaire was administered to 132 caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS WIN 21.0 and the R statistical program.
Results
The results revealed that "using the toilet without accidents" emerged as the top-ranked ADL that family caregivers preferred to preserve for the longest duration among individuals with Alzheimer's disease living at home. In contrast, "Managing money appropriately" was identified as a daily living activity considered relatively less critical to preserve. The study further indicated a preference among caregivers for preserving physical ADLs over instrumental ADLs.
Conclusion
This research provides clinical evidence shedding light on the priorities of family caregivers in preserving the functional abilities of individuals with Alzheimer's disease within the community.

Experience of Nurses Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak at a Long-term Care Hospital in Korea: Eun Jo Kim, JaHyun Kang; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2024;35(2):168-178. Published online June 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2023.00409

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered the fundamental vulnerability of Long-term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) regarding infection control. This study aimed to describe the experiences of nurses who responded to the COVID-19 outbreak on the front lines while working at a LTCH.
Methods
This qualitative study was conducted with nine nurses. The data from in-depth individual interviews using semi-structured questions was analyzed thematically.
Results
Three themes and 11 sub-themes were extracted. The first theme, “the sudden onset of the outbreak,” included finding themselves desensitized to COVID-19 as the pandemic persisted; embarrassed by the unavoidable occurrence; and worried about becoming a spreader and aggravating the outbreak. The second theme, “physically and mentally worn out,” involved increased fatigue from overtime work; exhaustion from responding to inquiry calls pouring in; tension while monitoring and controlling infection control compliance among nursing assistants, caregivers, and elderly patients with cognitive impairment; and increased discomfort while taking on all the extra work with stifling personal protective equipment. The third theme, “awakened perspectives while responding to the outbreak,” covered increased compassion for patients; paying attention to infectious diseases and having confidence in infection control principles; realization of the need for isolation rooms, supplies, and a full-time infection control nurse; and pride as an LTCH nurse who responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
To enhance the level of prevention and response to infectious disease outbreaks in LTCHs in the future, it is necessary to establish infection control infrastructure, including personnel, isolation facilities, supplies, and continuing education for the LTCHs’ nursing workforce.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in a long-term care hospital in Korea in early 2021
Eun Jo Kim, JaHyun Kang, HyeonSuk Byeon
Infection Prevention in Practice.2024; : 100427. CrossRef

Patterns of Adolescent Substance Use: A Comparative Study among the United States, Canada, England, and South Korea from 2014-2021: Chaehee Kim, Kihye Han, Jieun Kim, Alison M. Trinkoff, Sihyun Park, Hyejin Kim; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2024;35(2):179-193. Published online June 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00535

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to identify the cross-national estimates of substance use, explore problematic substance use patterns among adolescents across countries and over time, and examine the relationship of individual characteristics on substance use patterns.
Methods
This study employed a time-series secondary data analysis spanning from 2014 to 2021 across four countries (United States, Canada, England, and South Korea). We analyzed the usage of five substances (alcohol, binge drinking, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and illicit drugs) alongside demographic characteristics. A descriptive analysis was performed to identify estimates of substance use across countries. Latent class analysis was employed to examine adolescents’ substance use patterns across time and countries. A multinomial logistic regression model was fit to assess the relationship between latent class and demographic characteristics.
Results
Adolescents in the United States and Canada had the highest substance use, while Korean adolescents had the lowest, particularly concerning drugs. Latent class analysis revealed two classes (light-user and heavy-user), with the addition of a third class (moderate-user) in some instances. The substance use patterns, while differing significantly among nations, exhibited consistency over time. During COVID-19, a decrease in heavy-substance users was observed across countries. Male or older participants were more likely to belong to the heavy-user class.
Conclusion
This research offers valuable insights into the variations in substance use patterns between nations and over time. A tailored approach is essential to prevent adolescents from becoming heavy-substance users. This approach should consider country regulations and demographics for a targeted and comprehensive preventive strategy.

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