Purpose: This study aimed to explore traumatic experiences and posttraumatic growth among Korean veterans. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using photovoice. Purposive sampling strategies yielded five veterans who had experienced traumatic events. Participants engaged in three discussion sessions between August 5, 2023, and October 28, 2023. The collected data were analyzed using photovoice document analysis and thematic analysis. Results: Study results identified the following themes: ‘The collapse of my life as a result massive trauma,’ ‘Sinking into endless isolation and disconnection,’ ‘The process of finding myself through reflection,’ and ‘My life journey moving forward together.’ Despite the irreversible damage caused by traumatic experiences during military service, the participants continuously reflected on the meaning of their trauma and posttraumatic growth, thereby recovering their authentic selves. Conclusion Veterans who have experienced traumatic events face severe difficulties, however through their efforts at recovery, they recognize the individuals they are now. This study suggests the need for social support and highlights the necessity of providing various opportunities and policy assistance to traumatized veterans.

Purpose: The incidence of mental disorders in young adults has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific characteristics of young adults with mental disorders can lead to significant caregiving challenges. Understanding these challenges can help healthcare professionals provide timely interventions and support. Thus, this study aimed to understand the caregiving experiences of parents of young adult children with mental disorders and to grasp their essential meaning. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nine parents and the data were analyzed using the phenomenological method. Data collection was conducted by nine parents of young adult children with mental disorders from July to October 2023 at S General Hospital. Results: The analysis revealed the overarching theme of “A journey of finding hope in a dark tunnel,” supported by three main themes: 1) life feels like walking on eggshells with the child; 2) being aware of the changing family lifestyle and seeking balance; and 3) lifelong tasks for parents and society. Conclusion Parents experienced various difficulties intertwined with their own and their child’s developmental tasks. However, both the parents and children grew, discovering positive elements such as happiness and hope.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore traumatic experiences and posttraumatic growth among Korean veterans. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using photovoice. Purposive sampling strategies yielded five veterans who had experienced traumatic events. Participants engaged in three discussion sessions between August 5, 2023, and October 28, 2023. The collected data were analyzed using photovoice document analysis and thematic analysis. Results: Study results identified the following themes: ‘The collapse of my life as a result massive trauma,’ ‘Sinking into endless isolation and disconnection,’ ‘The process of finding myself through reflection,’ and ‘My life journey moving forward together.’ Despite the irreversible damage caused by traumatic experiences during military service, the participants continuously reflected on the meaning of their trauma and posttraumatic growth, thereby recovering their authentic selves. Conclusion Veterans who have experienced traumatic events face severe difficulties, however through their efforts at recovery, they recognize the individuals they are now. This study suggests the need for social support and highlights the necessity of providing various opportunities and policy assistance to traumatized veterans.

Purpose: The incidence of mental disorders in young adults has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific characteristics of young adults with mental disorders can lead to significant caregiving challenges. Understanding these challenges can help healthcare professionals provide timely interventions and support. Thus, this study aimed to understand the caregiving experiences of parents of young adult children with mental disorders and to grasp their essential meaning. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nine parents and the data were analyzed using the phenomenological method. Data collection was conducted by nine parents of young adult children with mental disorders from July to October 2023 at S General Hospital. Results: The analysis revealed the overarching theme of “A journey of finding hope in a dark tunnel,” supported by three main themes: 1) life feels like walking on eggshells with the child; 2) being aware of the changing family lifestyle and seeking balance; and 3) lifelong tasks for parents and society. Conclusion Parents experienced various difficulties intertwined with their own and their child’s developmental tasks. However, both the parents and children grew, discovering positive elements such as happiness and hope.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore traumatic experiences and posttraumatic growth among Korean veterans. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using photovoice. Purposive sampling strategies yielded five veterans who had experienced traumatic events. Participants engaged in three discussion sessions between August 5, 2023, and October 28, 2023. The collected data were analyzed using photovoice document analysis and thematic analysis. Results: Study results identified the following themes: ‘The collapse of my life as a result massive trauma,’ ‘Sinking into endless isolation and disconnection,’ ‘The process of finding myself through reflection,’ and ‘My life journey moving forward together.’ Despite the irreversible damage caused by traumatic experiences during military service, the participants continuously reflected on the meaning of their trauma and posttraumatic growth, thereby recovering their authentic selves. Conclusion Veterans who have experienced traumatic events face severe difficulties, however through their efforts at recovery, they recognize the individuals they are now. This study suggests the need for social support and highlights the necessity of providing various opportunities and policy assistance to traumatized veterans.

Purpose: The incidence of mental disorders in young adults has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific characteristics of young adults with mental disorders can lead to significant caregiving challenges. Understanding these challenges can help healthcare professionals provide timely interventions and support. Thus, this study aimed to understand the caregiving experiences of parents of young adult children with mental disorders and to grasp their essential meaning. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nine parents and the data were analyzed using the phenomenological method. Data collection was conducted by nine parents of young adult children with mental disorders from July to October 2023 at S General Hospital. Results: The analysis revealed the overarching theme of “A journey of finding hope in a dark tunnel,” supported by three main themes: 1) life feels like walking on eggshells with the child; 2) being aware of the changing family lifestyle and seeking balance; and 3) lifelong tasks for parents and society. Conclusion Parents experienced various difficulties intertwined with their own and their child’s developmental tasks. However, both the parents and children grew, discovering positive elements such as happiness and hope.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore traumatic experiences and posttraumatic growth among Korean veterans. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using photovoice. Purposive sampling strategies yielded five veterans who had experienced traumatic events. Participants engaged in three discussion sessions between August 5, 2023, and October 28, 2023. The collected data were analyzed using photovoice document analysis and thematic analysis. Results: Study results identified the following themes: ‘The collapse of my life as a result massive trauma,’ ‘Sinking into endless isolation and disconnection,’ ‘The process of finding myself through reflection,’ and ‘My life journey moving forward together.’ Despite the irreversible damage caused by traumatic experiences during military service, the participants continuously reflected on the meaning of their trauma and posttraumatic growth, thereby recovering their authentic selves. Conclusion Veterans who have experienced traumatic events face severe difficulties, however through their efforts at recovery, they recognize the individuals they are now. This study suggests the need for social support and highlights the necessity of providing various opportunities and policy assistance to traumatized veterans.

Purpose: The incidence of mental disorders in young adults has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific characteristics of young adults with mental disorders can lead to significant caregiving challenges. Understanding these challenges can help healthcare professionals provide timely interventions and support. Thus, this study aimed to understand the caregiving experiences of parents of young adult children with mental disorders and to grasp their essential meaning. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nine parents and the data were analyzed using the phenomenological method. Data collection was conducted by nine parents of young adult children with mental disorders from July to October 2023 at S General Hospital. Results: The analysis revealed the overarching theme of “A journey of finding hope in a dark tunnel,” supported by three main themes: 1) life feels like walking on eggshells with the child; 2) being aware of the changing family lifestyle and seeking balance; and 3) lifelong tasks for parents and society. Conclusion Parents experienced various difficulties intertwined with their own and their child’s developmental tasks. However, both the parents and children grew, discovering positive elements such as happiness and hope.

Objective: Immune reactions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) cause many complications, including intravascular dissemination. Antithrombin III (AT-III) plays an important role in suppressing abnormal clot formation and ensuring hemostasis. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of serum AT-III in patients with severe TBI. Methods: This retrospective study included 224 patients with severe TBI who visited a single regional trauma center between 2018 and 2020. AT-III levels were measured immediately after the TBI diagnosis. AT-III deficiency was defined as an AT-III serum level <70%. Patient characteristics, injury severity, and procedures were also investigated. Patient outcomes included Glasgow Outcome Scale scores at discharge and mortality. Results: AT-III levels were significantly lower in the AT-III deficient group (n=89; 48.27% ± 1.91%) than in the AT-III sufficient group (n = 135, 78.90% ± 1.52%) (p < 0.001). Mortality occurred in 72 of the 224 patients (33.04%), indicating that there were significantly more patients in the AT-III-deficient group (45/89, 50.6%) than in the AT-III-sufficient group (27/135, 20%). Significant risk factors for mortality included the Glasgow Coma Scale score (P = 0.003), pupil dilatation (P = 0.031), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (P = 0.012), serum AT-III level (P = 0.033), and procedures including barbiturate coma therapy (P = 0.010). Serum AT-III levels were significantly correlated with Glasgow Outcome Scale scores at discharge (correlation coefficient = 0.455, p < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with AT-III deficiency after severe TBI may require more intensive care during treatment, because AT-III levels reflect injury severity and correlate with mortality.

Purpose: : Assertiveness is a crucial factor in patient safety, workplace violence, and work stress, and is associated with better interpersonal relationships in clinical settings. Despite its significance, a standardized assertiveness scale reflecting Korean healthcare culture is currently lacking. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the assertiveness scale for nurses (K-ASN). Methods: : The survey was conducted with 250 nurses working in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea. The study examined content, criterion, and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and also assessed internal consistency reliability. Results: : The K-ASN consists of 22 items and 6 factors, namely self-denial, confrontation, dealing with criticism, positive assertion, spontaneity, and active assertion. The K-ASN demonstrated good content validity and a high criterion validity with the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) at .75. The internal consistency reliability was also satisfactory, with a Cronbach’s alpha of .80, and subscale reliability ranging from .52 to .87. Conclusion : The K-ASN is a reliable and valid assertiveness scale for nurses in Korea. The K-ASN can be a valuable tool to be used to assess the assertiveness of healthcare professionals which is associated with improvements in interpersonal relationships, patient safety, and health-related outcomes.