• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.12-22
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was done to investigate factors associated with depression and quality of life (QoL) among the community-dwelling elderly. Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational research design. The subjects were 730 elders aged over 65 living in D district of Daegu. Data were collected using questionnaires for 30 days in April, 2007. The research instruments utilized in this study were a physical function scale of long-term care insurance system, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea Version (GDSSF-K), and Korean Quality of Life Scale (KoQoLs). The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan, stepwise multiple regression, and Spearman correlation. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 72.6, and 68.8% and 57.9% of subjects were, respectively, female and living alone. 12.3% of variance in depression was explained by age, education, economic status, subjective health, alcohol consumption, condition of teeth, and fall experience. 18.2% of variance in QoL was explained by economic status, number of diseases, condition of teeth, incontinence, paralysis, and IADL. Economic status and condition of teeth were contributing factors to depression and QoL of the elderly. Conclusion: Findings of this study may be useful in understanding the health status of the community-dwelling elderly and developing more regionally specific health promotion strategies.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2009

Objectives : The changing population age structure and rapidly increasing medical costs make providing high-quality, effective medical care for the elderly a challenge. This study assessed the satisfaction with medical care in terms of comprehensiveness, general satisfaction, and accessibility among community-dwelling Korean elders. Methods : Data were obtained from a nationwide representative sample of the older adults(aged 65 years old or older) living in the community, who participated in a 2006 telephone survey conducted using random digit dialing(n=881). General satisfaction, comprehensiveness and accessibility were measured using a 10-item satisfaction survey questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to assess the distribution of each of three components of subjective satisfaction. Analysis of covariance(ANCOVA) was used to examine the association of each of the three components with socioeconomic variables. Results : Comprehensiveness and general satisfaction were low among older people with a high socioeconomic status. Accessibility was evaluated as low among older people of low socioeconomic status, those living in rural areas and those who were medical aid beneficiaries. Conclusions : Urgent interventions should be considered in order to improve accessibility to medical care for elders of low socioeconomic status and those living in rural communities. Given the rapid aging of the population, we need to develop a monitoring system to improve the quality of geriatric care.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.7-19
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• 2004

This study has a purpose to devise an education program in relation to Gerontology and geriatrics applicable to Korean nurses through literature review and analysis of education programs utilized by the Geriatric Education Centers (GECs) of USA. Educational contents on gerontology and geriatrics are very diverse in precedent literatures. The education programs of GECs for health care personnel are equally very diverse. Among educational contents, subjects considered important are age-related changes, health problems of the aged, pharmacology, death, fall and osteoporosis, delirium, dementia, depression, urinary incontinence, communication with elderly. Methods used in education program are mainly seminar, workshop and lecture through internet. In addition, case study, small-group discussion and conference are also adopted. The program proposed in this study for nurses in relation to gerontology and geriatrics consists of 32 hours' education; 6 hours for age-related changes, 10 hours for health problems of the elderly, 14 hours for health problems in old age and 2 hours of communication technique. Educational method proposed is to utilize lecture through internet, direct education, workshop, practical exercise, case study and role play in parallel. This study proposed an education program on the basis of precedent literature and the program of GECs. Therefore, it is desirable to develop in the future more practical education program applicable to and required in practicing fields. Of course, this development needs to be based on nurses' educational needs by field in relation to gerontology and geriatrics.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.296-303
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation in elders with dementia and to identify factors influencing their suicidal ideation. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March, 2011. The participants were 298 older adults whose MMSE-KC score was 15 to 23. Collected Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: According to the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) classification criteria, 86.2% of the elders in this study exhibited depression (GDS=5), and 31.5% manifested severe depression. The mean score of suicidal ideation was 5.70 (range 0-20). The risk factors for suicidal ideation were depression, suicidal attempt experience, present location for care, and activities of daily living. Conclusion: The results of this study can be utilized in the development of suicide prevention programs for older adults with dementia. In particular, depression should be screened and managed to reduce suicidal ideation of older adults with dementia.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.376-385
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• 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tailored case management using a gatekeeper on depression and life satisfaction in the single-household elderly population. Methods: The design of Quasi experiment was applied to compare the variables before and after the management. Ninety-seven people who had depression categorized by the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Depression (t=11.22, p<.001) and life satisfaction (t=-5.36, p<.001) were improved after management in comparison to the results of pre-tests, and the differences were statistically significant. The difference in the pre-test and post-test scores of the support system ($x^2$=13.89, p<.001) were significant, while the differences in the perception of depression ($x^2$=.02, p=.891) and coping methods ($x^2$=.34, p=.558) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Tailored case management using a gatekeeper is effective to reduce the degree of depression and improve life satisfaction in the single-household elderly population having depression. This study offers a model of individualized as well as systemic mental health care for the community of single-house hold elderly people as an effective means for prevention of and early intervention in depression.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.198-206
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• 2014

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to identify the prevalence and influencing factors of fecal incontinence, and to analyze the association between fecal incontinence and depression. Methods: The subjects of this study were 233 women living in rural areas, and data were collected using questionnaires from February 24 to May 30, 2012. Fecal incontinence was measured with the Continence Grading Score, and depression with the Geriatric Depression Scale. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS through $x^2$-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and ANOVA. Results: Of the subjects, 16.7% had fecal incontinence. The prevalence of fecal incontinence was higher in older women ($x^2=23.55$, p<.001), those with vaginal delivery ($x^2=4.81$, p=.049), those with parity of 4 or more ($x^2=13.47$, p=.003), and those with urinary incontinence ($x^2=26.36$, p<.001). The level of depression was significantly higher in older women (F=19.27, p<.001), those with low academic qualification (F=18.17, p<.001), those with urinary incontinence (F=4.15, p=.043), and those with fecal incontinence (F=14.90, p<.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that there should be supports by public health care for fecal incontinence prevention and care programs in order to promote the physical and emotional health of rural women.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.553-561
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• 2007

Purpose: This study aimed to assess needs of training programs for APN practice courses and continuing education programs for APNs to provide baseline data to improve APN education and practice. Methods: A total of 98 questionnaires were distributed to professors in 38 nursing institutions and 64 (65.3%) were returned. Data collection was performed in November and December, 2007 through email. Results: Professors in charge of geriatric and home care nurse practitioner programs constituted 43.7% of the study participants. Forty-one percent answered that they were satisfied with the practice programs they currently have operated, while 36.5% responded to have difficulty in appointment of institutions for practice programs and 56.3% had problems in assignment of preceptorship. In case of developing training programs for APN practice courses, 58.7% answered that they are willing to participate, and 90.6% felt needs for development of continuing education programs for APNs. Regarding liability insurance for APN students, only 11.5% provided insurance policy. Conclusion: The study results indicated that standardized training programs are needed to assure quality of APN education, and continuing education programs are required to provide opportunities for APNs to improve competencies.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.335-345
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• 2006

Purpose: The Purpose of this study was to develop an exercise program for elder people, and to verify the effects of it. Method: A one-group pretest-posttest experimental design was used. The exercise program was developed by researchers, and applied to 20 elders for 3 times a week for 5 weeks. To evaluate the treatment effects, dependent variables such as subjective health status, cognitive function, ADL, IADL, and depression were measured repeatedly 7 times. One-way Repeated Measures ANOVA was used for analysis. Result: There were significant positive changes in subjective health status, cognitive function, ADL, and depression except IADL during the treatment period. The treatment effects decreased significantly during 1-3 weeks after the treatment period. Conclusion: The exercise program, which had developed by the researchers, enhancing subjective health status, cognitive function, and ADL and decreasing depression of elders. Therefore this program is strongly recommended for geriatric nursing care settings.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.74-80
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among perceived health status, physical symptom, and depression in the elderly of Rural areas. Method: subjects were 633 elders selected during Feb. to May in 2005. All subject agreed to participate and filled out the survey questionnaire after signing the consent form. scales used in this study are the Perceived Health Status, the Physical Health Questionnaire(PHQ) and the Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS). Data was analyzed by the SPSS/PC 12.0 program. Result: 1) The mean score of perceived health status was 7.78; the mean score of physical symptom was 18.56; the mean score of depression was 8.53, and 64.6% of the subjects belonged to the depression group. 2) Perceived health status had significant relationship with educational level, spouse, and economic status; between physical symptom and educational level, number of chronic disease; between depression and spouse, economic status, number of chronic disease. 3) Depression had negative correlation with perceived health status, but had positive correlation with physical symptom. Conclusion: Considering these findings, it is necessary that depression management programs and care intervention programs considering regional and environmental elements for the elderly in Rural areas.

• Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.204-216
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine effects of a muscle strength reinforcement exercise program (MSREP) for older adult patients with hemodialysis (OAPHD) which was designed to improve health status and quality of life of these older adult patients. Methods: Participants were 40 patients with OAPHD: 20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. MSREP was conducted with the experimental group for 12 weeks at H geriatric hospital. An assessment was done to determine effects on physical performance, inflammation index, fatigue, muscle strength and quality of life. Short physical performance battery, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), visual analog scale for fatigue, object lifting' proposed by the Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council, sit-to-stand test, and quality of life index were used to gather data. Results: Between the 2 groups there was no significant difference in scores for physical performance, fatigue or quality of life. However, the 2 groups showed significant difference in CRP values and muscle power scores on post-test. Conclusion: Findings provide evidence for the potential utility of education for older adult patients with hemodialysis. Also, this program could allow these patients to increase muscle strength, and contribute to achieving better health conditions in OAPHD care.