Research in Community and Public Health Nursing

Original Articles

[English] How Many Older Koreans Are at Risk? National Estimates of Food Insecurity and Sarcopenia Risk Based on ESPEN Guidelines: Dasom Kim; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2026;37(1):61-70. Published online February 26, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01270

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Food insecurity and inadequate nutrient intake are major public health concerns in aging populations. Sarcopenia is influenced by nutrition and socioeconomic status. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of food insecurity and sarcopenia risk among Korean older adults and examine associations with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis of the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) was conducted using a complex sample design. A total of 1,365 adults aged ≥65 years were included. Food insecurity, nutrient adequacy per European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guidelines, and sarcopenia risk (defined by low handgrip strength) were assessed. Logistic regression determined associations with socioeconomic status, diet, and exercise.
Results
Food insecurity affected 15.7% of older adults (weighted percentage). An estimated 40.9% had inadequate nutrient intake, and 24.6% were at risk of sarcopenia. Lower income was significantly associated with sarcopenia risk; compared to the lowest quintile, those in the second quintile had lower odds (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43–0.87). Lower education also increased risk, with high school graduates showing lower odds (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26–0.78) compared to those with elementary education or less. Notably, nutrient adequacy based on ESPEN guidelines was not significantly associated with sarcopenia risk. Resistance exercise ≥3 days/week was protective (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28–0.82).
Conclusions
Socioeconomic disadvantage and physical inactivity are primary determinants of sarcopenia risk in Korean older adults. The lack of association between ESPEN-based nutrient adequacy and sarcopenia risk highlights the need to address structural socioeconomic determinants beyond simple nutrient supplementation.

[English] Analysis of Educational Needs of Home Care Nurses: Utilizing Borich’s Needs Assessment and the Locus for Focus Model: Dasom Kim, Hyeongsu Kim, Young Ko; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2024;35(3):240-253. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00605

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Purpose
This study analyzed educational needs of home care nurses to improve the quality of home care service and identify priority educational subjects.
Methods
This study analyzed the training priorities of 54 home care nurses working at community service centers or public health centers in Seoul, Korea, using the Borich Needs Assessment and the Locus of Focus model. The home care nurses’ tasks were categorized into 21 tasks and 85 task elements.
Results
Six priority educational subjects were identified: 1) health assessment and monitoring, 2) nursing records and information management, 3) health education and counseling techniques, 4) home care supplies management, 5) recipient identification and communication skills, and 6) care recipient classification and management. Activities related to one-on-one health management, such as health screening, measurements, and disease management counseling, were found to be high priorities. In contrast, small group program planning and operation were rated as a low priority.
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of incorporating identified educational needs into training curricula for home care nurses. Regular assessment and integration of these needs into educational programs are crucial for enhancing nursing competence and service quality.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Simulation Needs Assessment Project (SNAP): Use of the Borich Model in Undergraduate Medical Education
Samantha Wong, Bradson Serikawa, Meliza Roman, Nicole Hada, Jannet Lee-Jayaram, Benjamin W. Berg
International Medical Education.2025; 4(4): 42. CrossRef
Analysis of Educational Needs Based on Job Competencies among Public Health Center Personnel Involved in Integrated Health Promotion Programs
Bongjeong Kim, Jooeun Hyun, Guna Lee
Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing.2025; 39(3): 293. CrossRef

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