Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Background/Aims: Colonic stenting plays a vital role in the management of acute malignant colonic obstruction. The increasing use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and the diverse challenges posed by colonic obstruction at various locations underscore the importance of effective training for colonic stent placement. Methods: All the components of the simulator were manufactured using silicone molding techniques in conjunction with three-dimensional (3D) printing. 3D images sourced from computed tomography scans and colonoscopy images were converted into a stereolithography format. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers have been used in fused deposition modeling to produce moldings. Results: The simulator replicated the large intestine from the rectum to the cecum, mimicking the texture and shape of the human colon. It enables training for colonoscopy insertion, cecum intubation, loop reduction, and stenting within stenotic areas. Interchangeable stenotic modules for four sites (rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, and ascending colon) were easily assembled for training. These modules integrate tumor contours and blood vessel structures with a translucent center, allowing real-time visualization during stenting. Successful and repeatable demonstrations of stent insertion and expansion using the reusable SEMS were consistently achieved. Conclusions This innovative simulator offers a secure colonic stenting practice across various locations, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes by improving operator proficiency during actual procedures.

Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Background/Aims: Colonic stenting plays a vital role in the management of acute malignant colonic obstruction. The increasing use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and the diverse challenges posed by colonic obstruction at various locations underscore the importance of effective training for colonic stent placement. Methods: All the components of the simulator were manufactured using silicone molding techniques in conjunction with three-dimensional (3D) printing. 3D images sourced from computed tomography scans and colonoscopy images were converted into a stereolithography format. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers have been used in fused deposition modeling to produce moldings. Results: The simulator replicated the large intestine from the rectum to the cecum, mimicking the texture and shape of the human colon. It enables training for colonoscopy insertion, cecum intubation, loop reduction, and stenting within stenotic areas. Interchangeable stenotic modules for four sites (rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, and ascending colon) were easily assembled for training. These modules integrate tumor contours and blood vessel structures with a translucent center, allowing real-time visualization during stenting. Successful and repeatable demonstrations of stent insertion and expansion using the reusable SEMS were consistently achieved. Conclusions This innovative simulator offers a secure colonic stenting practice across various locations, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes by improving operator proficiency during actual procedures.

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Background/Aims: Colonic stenting plays a vital role in the management of acute malignant colonic obstruction. The increasing use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and the diverse challenges posed by colonic obstruction at various locations underscore the importance of effective training for colonic stent placement. Methods: All the components of the simulator were manufactured using silicone molding techniques in conjunction with three-dimensional (3D) printing. 3D images sourced from computed tomography scans and colonoscopy images were converted into a stereolithography format. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers have been used in fused deposition modeling to produce moldings. Results: The simulator replicated the large intestine from the rectum to the cecum, mimicking the texture and shape of the human colon. It enables training for colonoscopy insertion, cecum intubation, loop reduction, and stenting within stenotic areas. Interchangeable stenotic modules for four sites (rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, and ascending colon) were easily assembled for training. These modules integrate tumor contours and blood vessel structures with a translucent center, allowing real-time visualization during stenting. Successful and repeatable demonstrations of stent insertion and expansion using the reusable SEMS were consistently achieved. Conclusions This innovative simulator offers a secure colonic stenting practice across various locations, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes by improving operator proficiency during actual procedures.