Research in Community and Public Health Nursing

Original Articles

Needs assessment of community health practitioners for community care competency of older adults: Na Bee Yoon, Hyeon Kyeong Lee, Haesun Lee, Sang Woo Park; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2023;34(1):32-42. Published online March 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2022.00360; Funded: College of Nursing at Yonsei University

Abstract PDF: Purpose
To identify needs and priorities of community care competency for older adults among community health practitioners. Methods: Data were collected from a convenient sample of 326 community health practitioners using an online questionnaire, which included items on community care competencies and personal characteristics. Items were developed through literature review, consultation meeting, content validity verification, and preliminary investigation. The data were analyzed using the t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe’s test with SPSS 25.0. The analysis of needs and priorities was conducted by using the Borich needs assessment and the Locus for focus model. Results: Three competencies have been identified as high-priority needs; ‘Linkages with resources’, ‘Education to others’, ‘Leadership and management’. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the need to develop an educational program for community health practitioners to strengthen community care competencies. The programs will need to be provided, especially for young community health practitioners, to ensure that they are well equipped to care for community-dwelling older adults living in rural areas.

Gestational diabetes and breastfeeding-related pain as major contributors to early breastfeeding cessation: Deulle Min, Eun Ju Kwak, Seung Mi Park; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2023;34(1):52-60. Published online March 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2022.00332; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus, breastfeeding-related pain, and infant growth on the cessation of breastfeeding. Methods: This is secondary data analysis. This study included 60 pregnant women from 3 prenatal breastfeeding clinics. Pregnant women aged 20–49 years, with or without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled. The participants were administered four self-reported questionnaires, one at 5 days, 14 days, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. A linear mixed model and Cox regression analysis were used. Data were collected between May 25, 2020 and June 14, 2021. Results: The rate of breastfeeding cessation was 55.0% (n=33). The average maternal ages were 32.30 (±4.61) and 31.33 (±7.05) years in the cessation and maintenance groups, respectively. The average duration of breastfeeding in the cessation group was 56.27 (±37.48) days. After adjusting for all covariates, the risk of breastfeeding cessation was 2.5 times greater among participants diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (p=.042). Additionally, the risk of breastfeeding cessation was 1.3 times greater among those with severe breastfeeding-related pain (p=.015). Conclusion: The first two months postpartum is the most essential time for healthcare workers to provide support and address difficulties associated with breastfeeding for mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Funded articles