PURPOSE: Knowledge of nutritional support and attitudes of medical staff both affect patient care. We identified attitudes regarding nutritional support among medical staff as well as changes in attitudes when a nutritional support team is present. METHODS: Data were collected from 172 medical staff members who served at a university hospital located in Gyeongju by self-administered questionnaire from June 12~August 30, 2013. The questionnaire inquired about importance of nutritional support, self-confidence about nutritional support, consideration of nutritional support for patient care, consideration of nutritional support when a nutritional support team is present, and nutritional knowledge training during the past year. RESULTS: A total of 169 subjects (98.3%) thought that nutritional support is important for patient care. Only 19 subjects (11.0%) were highly self-confident about nutritional support. In total, 147 subjects (85.5%) considered nutritional support for some or all patients, whereas 169 (98.3%) considered nutritional support for patient care when a nutritional support team is present. Thirty-eight subjects (22.1%) received nutritional knowledge training during the past year. High self-confidence for nutritional support was related to nutritional knowledge training and service part. Positive changes regarding nutritional support when a nutritional support team is present were associated with nutritional knowledge training and high self-confidence for nutritional support. CONCLUSION: No differences in nutritional support attitudes for patient care were observed among the medical staff. Nutritional knowledge training and service part affected self-confidence of nutritional support and induced positive changes in attitudes for nutritional support.
Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Medical Staff* ; Nutritional Status ; Nutritional Support* ; Patient Care* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: On the point of entering into the aged society, frailty will be recognized as a new geriatric problem in Korea. This study was conducted to identify clinical factors related to frailty in the community dwelling elderly. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study comprised of 515 participants among 834 potential subjects who were residents of three towns in Gyeong-ju and had health check-ups at a university hospital in the same region. Using the Korean Frailty Index, those with a total score of 5 or more were considered frail and those with scores 3 to 4 as prefrail. Socio-demographics, anthropometry and laboratory data were the selected clinical factors. Those younger than 65 years or with incomplete data were excluded. Finally, 447 participants were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the participants, those identified as frail were 20 (4.5%), prefrail 72 (16.1%) and robust 355 (79.4%). By gender, the percentage of frail, prefrail and robust individuals were 3.2%, 17.4% and 79.5%, respectively, in men and 5.4, 15.2% and 79.4% in women (p=0.447). On ordinal logistic regression analysis, factors related to frailty were increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.17), functional disability (OR, 8.88; 95% CI, 4.46 to 17.68), chronic disease such as pulmonary disease (OR, 4.69; 95% CI, 1.47 to 14.99) or hypertension (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.15 to 4.32), increased waist circumference (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.11), decreased serum cholesterol (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99) and elevated blood urea nitrogen (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.14). CONCLUSION: Clinical factors related to frailty were age, functional disability, chronic disease, waist circumference, serum cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen. Primary physicians should assess frailty when seeing elderly patients who have these factors.
Aged ; Anthropometry ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Cholesterol ; Chronic Disease ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Lung Diseases ; Male ; Waist Circumference

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of open-mouth breathing on the upper airway anatomy of patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) based on polysomnography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 subjects (101 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 42.7 years and a mean body mass index (kg/m2) of 26.2 were enrolled in this study. All subjects were divided into four groups (simple snoring, mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome[OSAS], moderate OSAS and severeOSAS) according to the apnea-hypopnea index. Lateral cephalometric radiograms (retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal distance, and pharyngeal length) were taken with the mouth closed and open. RESULTS: The lateral cephalometric variables were compared between the mouth closed and open positions, and it was found that the retropalatal and retroglossal distances and pharyngeal length were significantly changed in all groups. However, the hypopharyngeal distance did not change significantly in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Open-mouth breathing significantly reduces the retropalatal and retroglossal distance and lengthens the pharynx in patients with SDB. Since these anatomical changes may worsen SDB or decrease positive airway pressure treatment compliance, ENT doctors should attempt to convert SDB patients from open-mouth breathing to nasal breathing.
Body Mass Index ; Cephalometry ; Compliance ; Humans ; Male ; Mouth ; Mouth Breathing ; Pharynx ; Respiration ; Sleep Apnea Syndromes ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Snoring

PURPOSE: This study was planned to investigate which medical knowledge examination score-written examination on basic medicine, individual clinical medicine, and comprehensive clinical medicine-was closely related to clinical skill score in medical students. METHODS: Scores on basic medicine, clinical medicine, graduation assessment, clinical performance examination (CPX), and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for 106 students who graduated Dongguk University Medical School from 2010 to 2011 were included, and correlations between them were analyzed using T scores. RESULTS: All scores of basic medicine, clinical medicine, graduation assessment, CPX, and OSCE correlated significantly with each other. In connection with clinical skill, graduation assessment score showed a strong correlation (r=0.547, p<0.001) with the CPX. Regarding detailed scores on the CPX, history taking score correlated significantly with medical knowledge examination scores (r=0.435~0.406, p<0.001). By regression analysis, the score on graduation assessment was 1 point higher, and that of the CPX increased by 0.538 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on our study, comprehensive clinical knowledge is required for medical students to gain the appropriate clinical skills. Therefore, clinical skill practice and lectures that are based on the level of comprehensive clinical knowledge are recommended in the education of clinical skills in medical students.
Clinical Competence ; Clinical Medicine ; Humans ; Lectures ; Schools, Medical ; Students, Medical

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients receiving long-term care are at high risk for pressure ulcers. This study was done to identify histories of pressure ulcers and to evaluate the risk of pressure ulcers using the Braden scale. METHODS: We enrolled 103 subjects receiving nursing homecare from a university hospital in Gyeongju or admitted to nursing homes in Pohang between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010. Assessment tools included demographic information, level of care, activities of daily living (ADL), presence of pressure ulcer, history of pressure ulcers and the Braden scale scores. RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects (25.2%) had previous pressure ulcers. The mean Braden scale score was 15.02+/-4.23 (range, 6 to 23). And categorized into two groups based on previous pressure ulcers, the mean score was 11.92+/-3.59 for the group with previous pressure ulcers and 16.06+/-3.93 for the group without previous (p<0.001). The number of subjects with a risk for pressure ulcers according to the Braden scale was 71 (69.9%). The Braden scale had a positive correlation with level of care (p<0.001) and a negative correlation with ADL (p<0.001). Factors related to the history of pressure ulcers were homecare services (p=0.010), concurrent diabetes (p=0.023) and a low Braden scale score (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: We recommend that a pressure ulcer risk assessment be done routinely in elderly patients receiving long-term care services to minimize their occurrence.
Activities of Daily Living ; Aged ; Humans ; Long-Term Care ; Nursing Homes ; Pressure Ulcer ; Risk Assessment

BACKGROUND: This study was done to identify factors that influence the willingness to be vaccinated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine in female college students eligible for a catch-up vaccination program. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 572 female students aged 18-26 years attending one selected university in the Gyeongbuk Province. From March 2 to 6, 2009, they completed a self-administered questionnaire on their HPV vaccination status. Thereafter, unvaccinated participants were educated about the vaccination program, and each participant's willingness to be vaccinated was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 572 participants, 18 (3.1%) were already vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. The number of participants advised to be vaccinated was 102 (17.8%). Of the 554 unvaccinated participants, 305 (55.1%) were willing to be vaccinated after being educated about the vaccination program. Of the remaining 249 unvaccinated participants, 116 (48.7%) refused the vaccine due to its high cost. Advice by family members was related significantly to the willingness to be vaccinated (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-5.14). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the willingness to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine could be increased in female college students if they are advised to do so by their family members after being educated about the vaccination program.
Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Papilloma ; Vaccination ; Viruses ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: A new strain of the H1N1 subtype of influenza A virus resulted in a pandemic outbreak. In South Korea, cases of pandemic influenza have increased. Therefore, we explored perception or preventive behaviors for this virus in hospital employees and outpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected from hospital employees and outpatients at three university hospitals located in Daegu, Gyeongju in South Korea between the 21st and 30th of September, 2009 using a self-administrated questionnaire. We estimated perception by components of The Health Belief Model (HBM), preventive behaviors consisted of avoidance behaviors, and the recommended behaviors by the Korea Center of Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Desire for vaccination was identified. RESULTS: The 1,837 participants comprised hospital employees (n = 880, 47.9%) and outpatients (n = 957, 52.1%). Of all hospital employees, 491 (55.8%) and 708 (80.5%) perceived susceptibility of the pandemic influenza and benefits of the preventive behaviors, respectively. Among all outpatients, 490 (51.2%) and 651 (68.0%) perceived susceptibility of the pandemic influenza and benefits of the preventive behaviors, respectively. Recommended preventative behaviors were adopted by 674 (76.6%) of hospital employees and 631 (65.9%) of outpatients. Vaccination was desired by 479 (54.4%) of hospital employees and 484 (50.6%) of outpatients. Factors influencing preventative behaviors included gender, economic status (for hospital employees) and educational level (for outpatients). All HBM components except perception of barriers were associated with the preventive behaviors in both groups. CONCLUSION: The majority of the surveyed hospital employees and outpatients perceived the benefits of preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza and performed them.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hospitals/statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; *Influenza, Human ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Outpatients/*psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; *Pandemics ; Personnel, Hospital/*psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Republic of Korea ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: A new strain of the H1N1 subtype of influenza A virus resulted in a pandemic outbreak. In South Korea, cases of pandemic influenza have increased. Therefore, we explored perception or preventive behaviors for this virus in hospital employees and outpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected from hospital employees and outpatients at three university hospitals located in Daegu, Gyeongju in South Korea between the 21st and 30th of September, 2009 using a self-administrated questionnaire. We estimated perception by components of The Health Belief Model (HBM), preventive behaviors consisted of avoidance behaviors, and the recommended behaviors by the Korea Center of Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Desire for vaccination was identified. RESULTS: The 1,837 participants comprised hospital employees (n = 880, 47.9%) and outpatients (n = 957, 52.1%). Of all hospital employees, 491 (55.8%) and 708 (80.5%) perceived susceptibility of the pandemic influenza and benefits of the preventive behaviors, respectively. Among all outpatients, 490 (51.2%) and 651 (68.0%) perceived susceptibility of the pandemic influenza and benefits of the preventive behaviors, respectively. Recommended preventative behaviors were adopted by 674 (76.6%) of hospital employees and 631 (65.9%) of outpatients. Vaccination was desired by 479 (54.4%) of hospital employees and 484 (50.6%) of outpatients. Factors influencing preventative behaviors included gender, economic status (for hospital employees) and educational level (for outpatients). All HBM components except perception of barriers were associated with the preventive behaviors in both groups. CONCLUSION: The majority of the surveyed hospital employees and outpatients perceived the benefits of preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza and performed them.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hospitals/statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; *Influenza, Human ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Outpatients/*psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; *Pandemics ; Personnel, Hospital/*psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Republic of Korea ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: In this study, patients in whom two computed tomography (CT) scans had been obtained within 24 hours of injury were analyzed to determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical significance of a progressive intracerebral hematoma (PIH). METHODS: Participants were 182 patients with a traumatic intracerebral hematoma and contusion who underwent a repeat CT scan within 24 hours of injury. Univarite and multivariate statistics were used to define growth (volume increase) and to examine the relationship between the risk factors and hemorrhage expansion. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the patients experienced progression in the size of the lesion in the initial 24 hours postinjury. A PIH was independently associated with worsened Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score (2.99, 1.04~8.60), the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (6.29, 2.48~16.00), the presence of a subdural hematoma (6.18, 2.13~17.98), the presence of an epidural hematoma (5.73, 1.18~27.76), and the presence of a basal cistern effacement (10.93, 1.19~99.57). CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing scanning within 2 hours of injury, the rate of PIH approaches 61%. Early repeated CT scanning is indicated in patients with a nonsurgically-treated hemorrhage revealed on the first CT scan. Worsened GCS score, significant hematoma growth and effacement of the basal cisterns on the initial CT scan are powerful predictors of which patients will require surgery. These findings should be important factors in understanding and managing of PIH.
Contusions ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Head ; Hematoma ; Hematoma, Subdural ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Gastroscopy is the useful method to detect the upper gastrointestinal condition, but examinee have recognized it as the procedure causing the discomfort and anxiety. This study was conducted to identify the factors related to pre-procedural anxiety for gastroscopy . METHODS: From 9th March to 12th June 2009, Data were collected from 463 examinee undergone gastroscopy at a health promotion center of a university hospital by self-administered questionnaires about general characteristics (age, sex, education state, economic state, family history of gastric cancer), gastrointestinal symptom, histroy of gastrointestinal disease, sedated gastroscopy and previous experience of gastroscopy. Before gastroscopy procedure, pre-procedural anxiety was assessed using 20-items by Korean version of Spielberger State Triat Anxiety Inventory Form-Y (STAI-Y). RESULTS: The mean score of pre-procedural state anxiety was 38.1 +/- 10.2 in all participants. The mean score was the most highest in participants who had no previous experience of gastroscopy and would perform non-sedated gastroscopy as 42.1 +/- 10.3. Factors related to pre-procedural anxiety were female (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94 to 4.64), low education state (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.71) and the previous experience of gastroscopy (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.88). Among participants who had the previous experienced gastroscopy, female (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.97 to 5.22), low education state (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.02) and the good tolerance at previous gastroscopy (OR, 0.35; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.59) were related to pre-procedural anxiety. CONCLUSION: In health check examinee, female, low education state and the no previous experience of gastroscopy were related to pre-procedural anxiety. Endoscopists should be provide efforts to lower pre-procedural anxiety in those subjects as to increase effectiveness of interventions.
Anxiety ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Gastroscopy ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires