Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered the fundamental vulnerability of Long-term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) regarding infection control. This study aimed to describe the experiences of nurses who responded to the COVID-19 outbreak on the front lines while working at a LTCH. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with nine nurses. The data from in-depth individual interviews using semi-structured questions was analyzed thematically. Results: Three themes and 11 sub-themes were extracted. The first theme, “the sudden onset of the outbreak,” included finding themselves desensitized to COVID-19 as the pandemic persisted; embarrassed by the unavoidable occurrence; and worried about becoming a spreader and aggravating the outbreak. The second theme, “physically and mentally worn out,” involved increased fatigue from overtime work; exhaustion from responding to inquiry calls pouring in; tension while monitoring and controlling infection control compliance among nursing assistants, caregivers, and elderly patients with cognitive impairment; and increased discomfort while taking on all the extra work with stifling personal protective equipment. The third theme, “awakened perspectives while responding to the outbreak,” covered increased compassion for patients; paying attention to infectious diseases and having confidence in infection control principles; realization of the need for isolation rooms, supplies, and a full-time infection control nurse; and pride as an LTCH nurse who responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion To enhance the level of prevention and response to infectious disease outbreaks in LTCHs in the future, it is necessary to establish infection control infrastructure, including personnel, isolation facilities, supplies, and continuing education for the LTCHs’ nursing workforce.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors related to internet addiction in college students in Korea. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey of college students in Seoul, and data was collected through self-report questionnaires. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis rank test, and ordinary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the ordinary logistic regression analysis, the factors related to a higher risk of internet addiction were lower frequency of exercise (P=0.017), lower level of self-control (P<0.001), higher level of stress (P<0.001), living with parents (P=0.011), using the internet for extended periods of time (P<0.001), and using the internet in their own rooms (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that exercise, self-control, stress, living with parents, and duration and place of internet use are associated with internet addiction in college students. This information can be used to design methods for preventing internet addiction. More specific studies on internet addiction in college students are needed.
Behavior, Addictive ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Internet ; Logistic Models ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Parents ; Surveys and Questionnaires