PURPOSE: This study was aimed at developing an efficient nursing method for the management of constipation by comparing the effects of abdominal meridian massage on the symptoms of constipation. METHOD: The subjects were determined by the Rome II criteria and the Constipation Assessment Scale from Aug 30 through Sep 26, 2002. They were randomly divided into two groups: one experimental group of 16, another control group of 15. Abdominal meridian massage was given to the experimental group and no massage was given to the control group. The frequency of defecation and severity of constipation by CAS were measured. The data was analyzed with the t-test, chi-square-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in frequency of defecation, and severity of constipation in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Abdominal meridian massage can be considered an effective nursing method for the management of constipation among CVA patients.
Middle Aged ; *Massage ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Constipation/*nursing/therapy ; Cerebrovascular Accident ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; *Acupressure ; *Abdomen

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affect the psychological well-being in family caregivers of stroke patients. METHOD: The General Health Perception, short form 36, Health Survey Questionaire was used to measure health perception. The Caregiving Mastery Scale was used to assess the mastery, while the Psychological General Well-Being Index was used to examine the level of well-being. RESULT: Subjective health, caregiving mastery, patient's ADL and caregiving duration influenced on caregiver's psychological well-being. Subjective health had effect on psychological well-being both directly and indirectly. Caregiving duration and patient's ADL had indirect effect on psychological well-being through caregiving mastery. CONCLUSION: It is need to develop a health program for the caregivers of stroke patient's and to provide nursing intervention to improve the caregiver's ability, thereby improving the well-being of the family caregivers.
Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Korea ; Humans ; *Home Nursing ; Health Status ; Female ; *Family ; Cerebrovascular Accident/*nursing ; Caregivers/*psychology ; Adult