PURPOSE: The purposes of this study are to review the literature on quality of life intervention programs and to recommend further research and clinical considerations to improve the quality of life among patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Three electronic databases - PubMed, CHINAHL and RISS - were searched using the search terms of “schizophrenia” AND “quality of life” AND “intervention*” OR “program*.” The search was limited to studies published in English and Korean. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected for the final analysis and evaluated in terms of contextual and methodological quality. The 10 studies consisted of 5 randomized controlled trials, 4 quasi-experimental studies, and 1 case report. The selected studies utilized an educational program, art and music therapy, physical activity therapy, and community-based integrated programs to alleviate psychological symptoms and showed effectiveness in improving quality of life. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary interventions and programs using multiple components reduced psychological symptoms and improved the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
Humans ; Motor Activity ; Music Therapy ; Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Quality of Life ; Schizophrenia

No abstract available.
Sympathectomy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to promote awareness of the need for advance directives (ADs) and to provide baseline data for the development of a nurse training program about ADs. Methods: Nurses at eight long-term care hospitals in Busan and South Gyeongsang Province (N=143) were recruited using the random sampling method from December 2018 to January 2019. Data were obtained using a structured self-reported questionnaire to assess their knowledge, experience, and attitudes regarding ADs. Data were analyzed in SPSS 22.0 using descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean scores were 7.79±1.39 points for knowledge, 1.92±2.00 points for experience, and 2.80±0.24 points for attitudes regarding ADs. Knowledge and experience (r=0.32, P＜0.001) had a positive correlation with knowledge and attitudes (r=0.17, P=0.39). Conclusion According to the results, nurses generally had a high level of knowledge regarding ADs, which resulted in a positive attitude toward ADs. However, they had little experience with ADs. Therefore, nurses’ must develop both direct and indirect experience with ADs using a practical training program to strengthen their clinical competency regarding ADs.

BACKGROUND: Aging can serve as an underlying mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also, smoking, which is the most common cause of COPD, is responsible for the systemic manifestations of the disease, independently from the lung function alterations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of aging on the occurrence of cigarette smoking induced COPD. METHODS: For this analysis, we evaluated smoking status by a lifestyle intervention program and measured the occurrence of COPD by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2005 to 2015. RESULTS: Aging and smoking were significantly effected on the lung function of COPD patients. Especially, the smoking duration is exaggerated in the presence of old age for older COPD patients. CONCLUSION The result showed that COPD patients exhibit aging and smoking duration related severity. The prevalence of COPD kept increasing internationally. Knowing the risk factor of COPD quantitatively and finding out the interaction among risk factors could be valuable predictors for preventing COPD.

We report a case of Mycobacterium fortuitum infection of the face and abdomen in a 25 years old man following cosmetic autologous fat injection. The goal of this manuscript is to increase awareness and suspicion of such as atypical mycobacterial infections complicating liposuction and fat injection. The clinical presentation, laboratory studies utilizing acid-fast stains and cultures, prevention and treatment including surgical debridement, and pharmacologic regimens in the ultimate diagnosis for Mycobacterium fortuitum infections are discussed.
Abdomen ; Coloring Agents ; Cosmetics ; Debridement ; Lipectomy ; Mycobacterium ; Mycobacterium fortuitum

BACKGROUND: Stress has been recognized as a risk factor to various disorders including peptic ulcer disease. Life events are universal which everybody experiences. This study was done to find out whether stressful life events have a role in the development and exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and non-ulcer dyspepsia(NUD) comparing Lee's life stress scale between patients with gastroscopically proven PUD and NUD and those of control. METHODS: On hundred twenty two patients with PUD were studied at our institution from February 1, 1997 to June 30, 1997. Patients who experienced abdominal discomfort and found to have normal or chronic superficial gastritis by gastroscopic exam during the same period were selected for NUD group. Controls were selected from asymptomatic individuals who underwent upper gastrointestinal series procedure for a health screening. Stressful life events investigated were total, positive, and negative stresses measured by Lee's life stress scale(98 items), marital status, level of education, income, occupation, religion, history of cigarette smoking, and the amount of alcoholic consumption and were compared between the three groups. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and chi-square test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in total, positive, and negative stress scores between PUD group and NUD group, although they were significantly higher in PUD and NUD groups than those of the control group(p<0.05). Also statistically significant difference in income and occupation, tests and school, problems associated children and familial conflict were found between PUD group and the control group(p<0.05), as well as between NUD group and the control group(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Stressful life events were associated with development of PUD and NUD.
Alcoholics ; Child ; Dyspepsia* ; Education ; Gastritis ; Humans ; Marital Status ; Mass Screening ; Occupations ; Peptic Ulcer* ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; Stress, Psychological ; Ulcer*