PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of major chronic diseases related to daily oral water intake and to identify the physiological parameters related to dehydration in Korean elderly. METHODS: The data were collected from the sixth Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KHANES), which was a nationwide and cross-sectional survey in 2015. We analyzed 1,392 participants using t-test and logistic regression. All participants were divided into the adequate water intake (AWI) group and the non-adequate water intake (NAWI) group based on the dietary reference intakes for Koreans. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the water intake between the AWI (6.8 cups in a day) and NAWI (2.8 cups) groups (p < .001). There was no statistically significant association between the level of water intake and any of the major chronic diseases. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and BUN/Creatinine (Cr) ratio were significantly higher in the NAWI group. Especially, BUN/Cr ratio shows that the NAWI group reached dehydration status. Older age (adjusted odd ratio, OR=1.07, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.04–1.10]), female gender (adjusted OR=1.56, 95% CI [1.05–2.33]), lower body mass index (BMI) (adjusted OR=1.00, 95% CI [0.92–1.00]), higher BUN (adjusted OR=1.04, 95% CI [1.01–1.08]), and higher urine specific gravity (USG) (adjusted OR=1.56, 95% CI [1.19–2.05]) were factors associated with the NAWI group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the level of water intake needs to be considered in relation to age, gender, BMI, BUN, and USG. These are sensitive physiological parameters used for predicting dehydration of the elderly according to their daily oral water intake. It would be helpful to develop strategies to prevent dehydration in elderly individuals and enhance their water intake.
Aged ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Body Mass Index ; Chronic Disease ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dehydration ; Drinking ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Nutrition Surveys ; Prevalence ; Recommended Dietary Allowances ; Specific Gravity ; Water

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Seogeum therapy on nasal eosinophil, nasal symptoms, and rhinitisrelated quality of life in college students with allergic rhinitis. Methods: A nonequivalent control group pre-post test design was used. There were 26 subjects in the experimental group and 26 subjects in the control group. The experimental group received Seogeum therapy on both hands 12 times for three weeks. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS 21.0 version using χ2-tests, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, and repeated measure of the ANOVA Results: After three weeks the positive rate of nasal eosinophils (p=.048) significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group. The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower total nasal symptom score (p=.032) and higher rhinitis-related quality of life (p<.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion These findings showed that Seogeum therapy is effective as well as beneficial in relieving nasal symptoms and improving the rhinitis-related quality of life in college students with allergic rhinitis. Thus, Seogeum therapy may be an alternative nursing intervention for those suffering from allergic rhinitis.

Purpose: This study reviewed the pathophysiological mechanisms of cellular aging caused by psychological stress and aimed to establish a biobehavioral theoretical framework for nursing interventions to promote autonomic balance based on these mechanisms. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted. Results: A review of the literature showed that the stress response increases the secretion of catecholamines and glucocorticoids, resulting in a greater allostatic load. This load induces inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, shortening telomere length and damaging mitochondrial DNA, which can lead to cellular aging. Based on this mechanism, a biobehavioral theoretical framework for nursing interventions was established. This framework focuses on delaying or inhibiting the cellular aging process by acting on the stress response stage and improving autonomic balance. Conclusion According to the proposed biobehavioral theoretical framework, stress-relieving nursing interventions may act on the mechanism of cellular aging caused by stress responses. We believe that this framework could expand our understanding of the biobehavioral aspects of stress and would facilitate efforts to use biomarkers to evaluate the effectiveness of stress-related nursing interventions at the cellular level.

Purpose: To investigate associations of perceived stress level, serum cortisol level, and telomere length of community-dwelling adults in Korea. Methods: Data of a total of 135 community-dwelling adults aged over 40 years living in D metropolitan city from December 2020 to March 2021 were collected. Perceived stress level over the past month were measured using the Perceived Stress Score. Serum cortisol level was analyzed using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Telomere length was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The statistical package SPSS 23.0 was used to perform Chi-square test, independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis. Results: There was no association between perceived stress and serum cortisol level (r = .07, p = .402). Serum cortisol level was not significantly associated with telomere length either (r = -.15, p = .081). However, the higher the perceived stress level, the shorter the telomere length (r = -.29, p = .001). Conclusion These results suggest that perceived stress might induce physiological stress, which might partially affect gene biology. Further longitudinal research is needed to investigate the effect of perceived stress on telomere length. Intervention for relieving stress should be included in stabilizing the genetic environment of adults.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the number of emergency department visits by caregivers of children with fever. Methods: Data were collected from 145 caregivers whose children aged six or less with two or more emergency department visits annually mainly because of fever. Collected data were analyzed with descriptive frequency analysis, independent t-test, Fisher exact, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Dunnett T3, Pearson’s correlation, and stepwise multiple regression using SPSS 25.0 software. Results: Regression analysis results revealed that among factors influencing the number of emergency department visits by caregivers of children with fever were state anxiety (β = .35, p = .009), self-efficacy (β = -.29, p = .029), and gestational age of the children (β = .17,p = .010). These variables had an explanatory power of 42.3% concerning the number of emergency department visits. Conclusion Our findings revealed that caregivers’ level of state anxiety and self-efficacy were major factors influencing the number of emergency department visits. It is expected that providing education concerning fever and emotional support for caregivers of children with fever can relieve their anxiety and enhance their self-efficacy levels, which in turn may reduce the number of unnecessary emergency department visits of children with fever and ultimately address the issue of over-crowding in emergency department.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an interpersonal relationship harmony program and to investigate the effect of interpersonal relationship harmony program on interpersonal relations, conflict resolution methods, interpersonal anxiety, salivary cortisol level for nursing students. METHODS: The 8-week interpersonal relationship harmony program was developed based on interpersonal relationship harmony theory. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using a quasi-experimental design. The participants were 58 third-year nursing students, 29 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. Data were collected from July 5, 2014 to August 25, 2014 and analyzed through t-test. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly higher post-test scores in interpersonal relationship harmony, interpersonal relationship ability, active conflict mitigation and significantly lower post-test scores in active conflict intensification, interpersonal relationship anxiety than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: The interpersonal relationship harmony program improved nursing students' interpersonal skills and conflict resolution methods and reduced interpersonal relationship anxiety through an integrated approach that covered the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects of harmony.
Anxiety ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Interpersonal Relations ; Negotiating ; Nursing* ; Students, Nursing*

PURPOSE: This study was to identify factors influencing the quality of sleep in elderly women with urinary incontinence and examine the relationship among the factors. METHODS: The study investigated 113 elderly women with urinary incontinence who were subject to the visiting care program at health centers in D-gu, D-si, South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 19.0 along with χ²-test, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) of the participants was found to be 11.41±4.34. As a result of the correlation analysis, PSQI was found to have significant correlations with Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) (r=.32, p<.001). The Korean version of Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (K-PASE) was (r=−.34, p<.001) and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF) was (r=.23, p=.012). Multiple regression analysis found sleeping pill use (β=−.35, p<.001) had the strongest influence on PSQI, followed by physical activity (β=−.20, p<.001), depression (β=.20, p<.001), and lower urinary tract symptoms (β=.19, p<.001). The total model explanatory power was 28.3% (F=12.07, p<.001). CONCLUSION: The study findings are expected to be useful for enhanced understanding of the quality of sleep in elderly women with urinary incontinence.
Aged* ; Depression* ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* ; Motor Activity* ; Urinary Incontinence*

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to review physiological mechanisms of internet addiction and to construct a theoretical framework for cognitive behavioral therapy for internet addicts. METHODS: We searched for relevant literature in the PubMed and RISS databases using the terms "internet addiction", "internet game addiction", "internet abuser", and "online game". Only English, full-text articles published from 2000 to 2015 were included in this review of physiological indicators of internet addiction. Finally, 12 articles were selected for review. RESULTS: The theoretical framework developed based on the review proposes that excessive internet use itself may induce physiological stress responses with an increase of stress-related hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged abnormal responses of these physiological features produce negative structural and functional changes in the prefrontal cortex, which is mainly involved in cognitive and executive functions. These changes may result in decreased cognitive function. As a stressor, excessive internet use leads to transforming voluntary use into involuntary, habitual use and thus promotes the development of internet addiction. CONCLUSION: The proposed theoretical framework encompasses cognitive processes that may contribute to the effects of internet use-induced physiological stress on internet addiction. We believe that this framework has important implications for developing cognitive behavioral strategies for internet addicts.
Cognitive Therapy* ; Executive Function ; Internet* ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Prefrontal Cortex ; Stress, Physiological

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze physical activity as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and an actigraph in breast cancer survivors, as well as to identify their intention to participate in a physical activity program. METHODS: Breast cancer patients who had been diagnosed for more than six months (N=135) at a university hospital participated from June 2012 to May 2013. Physical activity was measured using the Korean version of the IPAQ-Short Form and Actigraph GT3X plus an accelerator for seven consecutive days. Data analyses were conducted using the SPSS WIN 19.0 program. RESULTS: Mean total physical activity was 2298.21 metabolic equivalent task (MET)-min/week as assessed by IPAQ and 150,140.57 counts/day as measured by an actigraph. There were statistically significant correlations between moderate physical activity from IPAQ and light intensity of physical activity from the actigraph (r=.735, p<.001), vigorous physical activity from IPAQ and vigorous intensity of physical activity from the actigraph (r=.871, p<.001), total physical activity from IPAQ and light intensity of physical activity from the actigraph (r=.825, p<.001), respectively. Most (80.7%) cancer survivors reported a positive attitude toward physical activity and 57.8% expressed a willingness to participate in a physical activity program. More than half (60%) of the subjects preferred walking, 80.6% preferred more than 30 minutes of exercise, and 57.1% wanted to engage in physical activity three times a week and preferred home-based activities. Perceived barriers included fatigue, lack of strength and pain. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to consider intensity, personal preferences, and patient-perceived barriers when developing physical activity programs for breast cancer survivors.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Fatigue ; Humans ; Intention* ; Metabolic Equivalent ; Motor Activity* ; Statistics as Topic ; Survivors* ; Walking

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of emergency nursing simulation program on nursing students and nurses. METHODS: This systematic review was performed as per the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and using the R program meta package (version 4.9-2). RISS, KISS, and DBpia Library databases were searched for studies published between June 2000 and August 2018 using the following key words: (Emerge* OR nursing) AND (nurs* OR simulation). Selected studies were assessed for methodological quality using Risk of Bias for Non randomized Studies. RESULTS: 7 studies were identified and all of them met the inclusion criteria. The outcome variables were significant clinical performance, self-efficacy except knowledge, and problem-solving ability. CONCLUSION: This review provides updated evidence of the simulation-based education program in emergency nursing. Further studies are required to increase generalizability using randomized population, research design and controlled trials with sufficient sample size. Moreover, valid measurements are needed to assess the main outcomes.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Education ; Emergencies ; Emergency Nursing ; Humans ; Korea ; Nursing Care ; Nursing ; Research Design ; Sample Size ; Simulation Training ; Students, Nursing