Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, an RNA virus, exhibits variations in transmission power, severity rate, and vaccine effectiveness due to its mutable nature. We investigated the field epidemiological characteristics of the delta and omicron variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clusters in a long-term care hospital. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the incidence, fatality, and vaccination effectiveness of confirmed COVID-19 cases caused by delta and omicron variants. The investigation focused on patients admitted to two long-term care hospitals in a Seoul autonomous district, comparing and analyzing relevant factors. Results: Among the COVID-19 cases, 101 (34.3%) exhibited delta variants, while 193 (65.4%) showcased omicron variants. The incidence rate of omicron variants, compared to delta variants, was 2.24 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–3.00). This elevation was particularly notable in women across all age groups, patients, workers, and individuals with a history of three or more vaccinations. Deaths were reported in 13 cases (52.0%) with the delta variant and 12 cases (48.0%) with the omicron variant. The fatality rate of the omicron variant, in comparison to the delta variant, was 0.09 times (95% CI, 0.44–2.26), indicating no significant difference. No discernible variations in variables were observed. Conclusion The noteworthy surge in outbreaks among female patients, workers engaged in outdoor activities, and the apparent ineffectiveness of vaccination against omicron mutations underscore the need for careful consideration in formulating quarantine measures.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, an RNA virus, exhibits variations in transmission power, severity rate, and vaccine effectiveness due to its mutable nature. We investigated the field epidemiological characteristics of the delta and omicron variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clusters in a long-term care hospital. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the incidence, fatality, and vaccination effectiveness of confirmed COVID-19 cases caused by delta and omicron variants. The investigation focused on patients admitted to two long-term care hospitals in a Seoul autonomous district, comparing and analyzing relevant factors. Results: Among the COVID-19 cases, 101 (34.3%) exhibited delta variants, while 193 (65.4%) showcased omicron variants. The incidence rate of omicron variants, compared to delta variants, was 2.24 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–3.00). This elevation was particularly notable in women across all age groups, patients, workers, and individuals with a history of three or more vaccinations. Deaths were reported in 13 cases (52.0%) with the delta variant and 12 cases (48.0%) with the omicron variant. The fatality rate of the omicron variant, in comparison to the delta variant, was 0.09 times (95% CI, 0.44–2.26), indicating no significant difference. No discernible variations in variables were observed. Conclusion The noteworthy surge in outbreaks among female patients, workers engaged in outdoor activities, and the apparent ineffectiveness of vaccination against omicron mutations underscore the need for careful consideration in formulating quarantine measures.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, an RNA virus, exhibits variations in transmission power, severity rate, and vaccine effectiveness due to its mutable nature. We investigated the field epidemiological characteristics of the delta and omicron variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clusters in a long-term care hospital. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the incidence, fatality, and vaccination effectiveness of confirmed COVID-19 cases caused by delta and omicron variants. The investigation focused on patients admitted to two long-term care hospitals in a Seoul autonomous district, comparing and analyzing relevant factors. Results: Among the COVID-19 cases, 101 (34.3%) exhibited delta variants, while 193 (65.4%) showcased omicron variants. The incidence rate of omicron variants, compared to delta variants, was 2.24 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–3.00). This elevation was particularly notable in women across all age groups, patients, workers, and individuals with a history of three or more vaccinations. Deaths were reported in 13 cases (52.0%) with the delta variant and 12 cases (48.0%) with the omicron variant. The fatality rate of the omicron variant, in comparison to the delta variant, was 0.09 times (95% CI, 0.44–2.26), indicating no significant difference. No discernible variations in variables were observed. Conclusion The noteworthy surge in outbreaks among female patients, workers engaged in outdoor activities, and the apparent ineffectiveness of vaccination against omicron mutations underscore the need for careful consideration in formulating quarantine measures.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants’ experiences of online prenatal education were “feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind,” “frustrated by a lack of interaction,” and “digital education being a double-edged sword.” Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants’ experiences of online prenatal education were “feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind,” “frustrated by a lack of interaction,” and “digital education being a double-edged sword.” Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants’ experiences of online prenatal education were “feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind,” “frustrated by a lack of interaction,” and “digital education being a double-edged sword.” Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants’ experiences of online prenatal education were “feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind,” “frustrated by a lack of interaction,” and “digital education being a double-edged sword.” Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants’ experiences of online prenatal education were “feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind,” “frustrated by a lack of interaction,” and “digital education being a double-edged sword.” Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of the nursing work environment and self-efficacy on medical safety competence of nurses in general hospital. Methods: Participants included 183 nurses who were recruited through convenience sampling in a general hospital in South Korea. Questionnaires were collected from August 25 to September 22, 2023. The nursing work environment, self-efficacy and medical safety competence scales were used to assess the study variables. The t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé ́ test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression tests were performed using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between nurses’ medical safety competence and nursing work environment (r=.34, p<.001), and self-efficacy (r=.48, p<.001). Self-efficacy (β=.38, p<.001), nursing work environment (β=.25, p<.001), and clinical experience (β=.14, p=.043) had the greatest effect on nurses’ medical safety competence (F=21.21, p<.001), with an explanatory power of 30.0%. Conclusion This study confirmed that the nursing work environment and nurses' self-efficacy have a significant impact on nurses' medical safety competence. In order to implement patient safety in hospitals, it is necessary to develop and apply strategies to improve the nursing work environment and increase nurses’ self-efficacy to enhance their medical safety capabilities.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone (160 mg/day) compared to quetiapine XR (QXR; 600 mg/day) in the treatment of acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of double-blind treatment with lurasidone 160 mg/day (n=105) or QXR 600 mg/day (n=105). Primary efficacy measure was the change from baseline to week 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI-S) score. Adverse events, body measurements, and laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: Lurasidone demonstrated non-inferiority to QXR on the PANSS total score. Adjusted mean±standard error change at week 6 on the PANSS total score was -26.42±2.02 and -27.33±2.01 in the lurasidone and QXR group, respectively. The mean difference score was -0.91 (95% confidence interval -6.35–4.53). The lurasidone group showed a greater reduction in PANSS total and negative subscale on week 1 and a greater reduction in end-point CGI-S score compared to the QXR group. Body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference in the lurasidone group were reduced, with significantly lower mean change compared to QXR. Endpoint changes in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels were also significantly lower. The most common adverse drug reactions with lurasidone were akathisia and nausea. Conclusion Lurasidone 160 mg/day was found to be non-inferior to QXR 600 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia with comparable efficacy and tolerability. Adverse effects of lurasidone were generally tolerable, and beneficial effects on metabolic parameters can be expected.