• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the depression and cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: 243 aged over 65 in Won-Ju in South Korea participated in this study. Data were collected from April to June 2013 through interviews. This study utilized the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form, the Korean version of MMSE-DS (MMSE for Dementia Screening), and infirmity testing for basic health status. Descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$, t-test, ANOVA, $Scheff{\acute{e}}^{\prime}s$ test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. Results: 75.3% of the participants belonged to the depression group, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 17.3%. There were significant differences in depression and cognitive function according to gender, educational level, type of insurance, subjective health, frailty, and whether to be a client of home care service. The level of depression was significantly higher and the level of cognitive functions was significantly lower in older adults in home care services than in community-dwelling older adults. Conclusion: This study is meaningful in that it included older adults in home care services to provide information to develop effective prevention programs for improving cognitive functions. The results of this study can be used to develop future community prevention and intervention.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.154-169
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• 1996

Parish nursing is a community health nursing role developed in 1983 by Lutheran chaplain Granger Westberg. An increasing emphasis on holistic care, personal reseponsibility for a healthy lifestyle, and changes in healthcare delivery systems have undoubtedly facilitated the establishment and nurturance of an innovative nursing role in the community. Parish nurses are functioning in a variety of church congregations of various denominations. The parish nurse is a educator, a personal health counselor, a coordinator of volunteers. The parish nurses helps people relate to the complexed medical care system and assists people to integrate faith and health. The autors conducted a study on pastor's expectations from parish nurses. Results of this study will be useful to those instrumental in planning, initiating, supporting, and evaluating a parish nurses program The research was done on 130 pastors in Taegue and Kyong Sang Buck Do, of various ages ranging from their 20's to 60's: and pastoring churches of various sizes, ranging from under 100 to over 300 members. 94.6% agreed that they needed a parish nurse on their staff; and 86.2% said they wanted to start a parish nurse program in their churches if certain basic conditions were met. The pastors responded that some would hire the nurses on a full-time basis(22.3%), a part -time basis (37.7%) or use volunteer nurses (40%). The pastors said they would expect the following from a parish nurse: health counselling (80.0%) regular health check-ups (78.5%) health care for the elderly (78.5%) health information and education (72.3%) hospice care (72.3%) visiting sick church members at home (69.2%) arranging and training volunteers to help the seek (59.2%) health care for expectant mothers (50.0%) introducing and taking people to health care facilities (46.2%) The pastors were surveyed about specific areas of health education they would want the parish nurse to teach(for example, high blood pressure and heart disease prevention and management(76.2%) ; stress management(74.6%); and diabetes prevention and management(73.8%). The pastors were surveyed about specific areas of health counselling they would expect the parish nurse to do (for example, drug abuse, (73.1), alcohol abuse(64.6%), marriage conflict(60.0%), recovery after the loss of a loved one(56.9%), and women's conflict with parents-in-law(53.8%). The pastors were surveyed about types of things they would want included in regular health check-ups, what they would want a parish nurse to do on home visits, and what they would want included in home care for the elderly. They were also surveyed on what kind of spiritual care they would like parish nurses to give. Most (90.7%) wanted their parish, parishioners to be involved in the parish nurses program as volunteers, and in a variety of ways(such as visiting sick in their homes(68.5%) and helping with housework(63.1%) and taking sick people to health facilities(60%). Parish nurses role, activities, and boundaries of practice should be continuously monitored and refined and a 'case manager' should be conceptualized as an additional or all-encompassing role. An initial parish / community needs and readiness assessment should be done prior to establishing a program to detemine if the congregation is ready, willing, and able to support such a position for at least a 2 to 3 year period.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.44-57
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• 1983

The explosion of the aging population is changing the social environment of today's older people. Traditionally in Korea, a large percentage(over 90%) of elderly parents have lived with their married first son. But today, the number of elderly who live with their married sons has decreased(65.6%) The number of those who live in a different situation such as with their married daughter, unmarried offspring, with a spouse or alone has increased (34.4%) We can expect that the number of the elderly who have to live in institution will increase. The objective of this investigation was to determine differences in the number of health Complaints of older people according to their living situation with a view to planning more effective health care. The sample consisted of 231 persons over 65 years of age, 60 living in an Old Age Home ana 171 living in their own home in Kwangju. Data were gathered from July 9 to 26, 1983 by nursing students using a Questionnaire which was a modified form of the Cornell Medical Index. The data were categorized according to the subjects, living, sex, educational level, previous occupation, hobbies and sexual activity. The date were analyzed for statistical significant differences using F and X²tests. findings included the following: 1. There was a higher number of health complaints from persons who live in the institution than those living at home, but the difference was not significant. 2. The highest number of health Complaints were from persons who live alone, followed by those living with their daughters, and then by those living in the institution. Persons who live with their sons had the least Complaints. The difference in the number of Complaints accord-ing to with whom they were living was significant. 3. Women had signincantly more Complaints than men. Persons who were not living with their spouses had significantly more complaints than those living with their spouses.4. The higher eductional level the persons had, the less health Complaints they had. The number of Complaints accoraing to educational level was significantly different. 5. The highest number of health complaints were from persons who had involved in Commerce and industry, followed by those in Agriculture. Persons who were civil servant had the least 6. There were more complains from persons who had no hobby than those with hobbies. The complaints. The difference was significant. difference was significant. 7. Persons who said they were sexually inactive had significantly more complaints than those who said they were sexually active. As age increased, sexual activity significantly decreased. Those who lived with their spouse were significantly more sexually active. 8. The highest number of Somatic Complaints were eye fatigue, followed by nocturnal frequency, lumbago, cramps in extremities, vertigo, stiffness in Shoulder, tinnitus, common cold and constipation. The order of Psychic Complaints from higher to lower were anger. sensitivity, anxiety, depression and loneliness. 9. This group of Elderly persons said they valued Health the most, followed by Harmony, Religion, Money and Honor.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.29-46
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyze characteristics of the bedroom environment of nursing homes for the elderly in Korea. Field case research was performed using a structured checklist and measurements, from Oct. 28th to Dec. 2nd, 2006. Collected data were analyzed for cognitive efficiency, privacy, safety, supportiveness and amenity. Based on nursing homes for the elderly nationwide (Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2006), we choose 43 facilities in which Seoul and six megalopolis areas that had answered our questionnaire in 2006. We then narrowed the list to 14 facilities, balanced them in terms of regional population. The contents of investigation consisted of eight categories: that general characteristics of the bedrooms (including number of residents per room, using a bed or floor mat, the size and shape of the chamber, space for wheelchair turning, signage), door of bedroom (including door, doorknob, door sill/level difference), windows in the bedroom(including type of window, window sill height, window treatment, window safety device/shape, view/daylight), furniture (including personal furniture and lock), finishes (material, character and color of wall, floor, ceiling), lighting (including types of lighting, night lighting, switch), bathroom in the bedroom (including signage, door size/type, doorknob shape, height of the washbowl, size of toilet bowl, handrail, finishes), and other facilities (including outlet and handrails).

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognitive function, self-esteem, and depression among patients in long-term care hospitals. Methods: The study participants were 159 patients from 2 long-term care hospitals in Kyungki province. Data were collected from January 2 to February 5, 2013, by conducting across-sectional descriptive survey using a structured questionnaire administered by researchers. Results: Cognitive function and depression were significantly different according to age, education level and marriage. Self-esteem was significantly different according to education level and economic status. Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with cognitive function, which in contrast showed a significant negative correlation with depression. Among our subjects, those older than 80 years showed low cognitive function and those with low educational attainment showed high scores of depression. Conclusion: We conclude that, elderly patients in long-term care hospitals who have low educational attainment should be carefully monitored, especially by nurses, for cognitive function and depression. In addition, nurses should have constant communication with their patients. Moreover, long-term care hospitals should apply early detection of and a management system for cognitive impairment and depression among their patients.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.153-166
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• 2003

The objective of this study is to explore the situations and extension roles for rural elderly welfare program in North Dakota, USA. With a growing older population, aging has become an important issue for extension. Services for rural elderly available in North Dakota were adult day care, home health care, senior insurance counseling, nutrition and medication assistance programs, support groups, legal assistance, meals on wheels, nursing homes and more. With a growing older population, aging has become an important issue for extension. Extension provides programs and services for rural elderly. This study was conducted by literature review. First, many rural elderly Americans are actively engaged in volunteer work and have made substantial contributions to their communities. Second, extension educators from interdisciplinary areas should work together to develop programs. Extension programs can include intergenerational programs to help younger generations learn about the issue. Third, extension can collaborate with other agencies and groups to offer support groups. Offering educational programs is a key to empowering older people. Fourth, elderly residents may be the only increasing natural resource for volunteering in general, and for participation in community improvement in particular. Fifth, extension educators should be proactive in working with agencies to provide social access and in helping older people be actively engaged in their lives, especially in rural areas.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.335-348
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• 2018

Purpose: This study has been conducted to develop and examine a health promotion empowerment program using a lay health leader for frail elderly. Methods: The research was organized in a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Data collection was performed from August 18 to October 8, 2015. The subjects included 76 frail elders aged over 65 registered in home visiting services (Experimental group=39, Control group=37). A health promotion empowerment program using a resident volunteer as a lay health leader was run for 8 weeks. Health factors (health promotion behavior, perceived health status and frailty) and empowerment factors (empowerment, social participation) were assessed. The data were analyzed by using the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: After the program, health promotion behavior, perceived health status and social participation increased in the experimental group more significantly than in the control group, but frailty decreased in the experimental group greater than in the control group. Conclusion: The health promotion empowerment program using a resident volunteer as a lay health leader was effective. Therefore, the health promotion empowerment program needs to be expanded to other frail elders. Also, a health leader should be recommended as a public health resource and systematically managed.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.5-18
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• 1999

The aim of this study is the development of a fee - based model day care center for the elderly by inquiring into the current condition of facilities in America and in Korea, and in surveying the opinion of domestic elderly about day care facilities. A field trip to U.S. day care services was held between July 5 and July 15 in 1997, and an on-the-spot study for domestic facilities took place during March in 1998. Our research reveals that the overall supply of day care facilities can not meet future demand in terms of quality and quantity. Therefore a model must be created for day care centers of a that consists of a director from a professional group. an adequate environment, and a standardized in order to offer a qualified public health service linked to the home and community in Korea. The director of a day care center is a critical variable in determining the quality of service. Professional skills related to the needs of the elderly and the person's quality of service should be considered in appointing director for the center. This study belleves that a professional nurse should be the director of a day care center. The operating environment of a day care facility should be made up of considerable space comparable to the number of residents, should be in a comfortable and safe location, and should have equipment that provides a qualified, safe service to the elderly. Our model is designed for 20 persons and allocates 4 Peng per person. This model is comprised of a reading room. a craft room, a health room, a room for physical therapy, a dining room, a staff office, and a multi -purpose room connected to other rooms. Day care service should be a comprehensive service program meeting the multidimensional needs of the elderly. A comprehensive service program needs a team of various professionals made up of the elderly family, participants, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists, and medical doctors. The program will also include health care service, physical therapy, speech therapy. diet, occupational therapy, transportation service, health and an education program, etc. In conclusion, a model of a day care center is developed with the following components: a professional director and an environment and program, that considers the physical, mental, and social characteristics of the elderly. A model should also motivate self-reliance self-fulfillment in the elderly in order to fulfill their health needs and to prevent isolation from society and mental depression. Furthermore, This facility will be a beneficial factor in reducing a family's burden on caring for the elderly that includes unnecessary hospital expenses. The following is a suggestion based on results this study: A service program should be developed to fit the conditions of the elderly in Korea by specifically analyzing the needs of the elderly.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.507-525
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• 2018

This study examines the consumer empowerment index for Chinese elderly consumers, the impact of socio-demographic variables, exposure to mass media, and communication about consumption on consumer empowerment. The consumer empowerment index is composed of three factors: consumer knowledge, consumer attitude, and consumer skill. Data were collected from 301 Chinese elderly consumers aged 60 to 80 years old via a professional online survey firm. The findings of the analysis were described using frequency, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The results are as follows. First, the average of consumer knowledge was 35.69 points out of 100, consumer skill was 65.71 points, and consumer attitude was 68.87 points. Second, socio-demographic variables indicated that education level, previous occupation, type of residence and communication about consumption impact consumer empowerment. Elderly consumers with higher education had higher consumer attitudes and better overall consumer empowerment than those with lower education. Consumers who were self-employed workers had higher consumer skills than those of technical or service workers. Elderly consumers who live alone had higher consumer skills than those who live in a nursing home. Third, according to communication about consumption, family communication is positively associated with consumer attitudes, skills and overall empowerment, while friend communication is positively associated with consumer attitudes and overall empowerment. The findings of this study are useful in developing guidelines that help the government make consumer education systems for the elderly who want to improve consumer empowerment levels evenly among these factors.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.216-228
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• 1996

The purposes of this study were to investigate levels of physical, cognitive, and social functioning in institutionalized elderly. The subjects were 78 residents of a nursing home for the elderly in Pusan. The data were collected from June 24th to July 8th, 1996 using interview and observational method. The structured questionnaires developed by Kim, by Kwon & Park, and by researcher were adopted to measure physical, cognitive, and social function, respectively. The data were analyzed using percentages, means, t test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha with the SPSS PC programs. The results were summarized as follows: 1. 34.2% of the subjects had a paralysis, strokes 26.3%, hearing impairment 15.9%, vision impairment 11.8%, mental disturbance 11.8%, cognitive disturbance 10.5%. 2. The mean score on the physical function for the subjects was 73.14, and the items with low functioning levels were 'ascending the stairs', 'bathing' in that order. There was no significant difference in physical function according to the following demographic characteristics: sex, age, and education level. 3. 50.0% of subjects was categorized 'definite dementia', 'questionable dementia' 11.5%, 'definite non-dementia' 38.5%. There was a significant difference in cognitive function according to sex, but were no significant differences according to following demographic characteristics: age and education level. 4. The mean score on the social function for the subjects was 17.60. The items with comparatively high score were in simple activities such as 'enjoying talking with his friends', 'watching TV or listening to the radio', and the items with low score were in complex activities such as 'enjoying a hobby',. 'enjoying a game', 'reading the newspaper or book'. There were no significant differences in social function according to sex and age, but was a significant difference according to education level. 5. Social function was positively correlated with both physical function and cognitive function.