The experience of unmarried mothers raising their children in residential facilities: a phenomenological qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Birth outside of marriage has been gradually increasing in Korea. However, social perception of unmarried mothers is still negative, and a number of them are not accepted by their family. Therefore, the Korean government has implemented a policy to provide financial aid and communal residence to unmarried mothers who cannot raise children with their family, or afford residence. Unmarried young mothers who rely on this government policy have low economic independence and social adaptation skills. Additionally, they have a high chance of encountering numerous challenges in raising children due to their living conditions in residential facilities and social prejudice. This study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of unmarried mothers raising children in residential facilities. METHODS: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with nine unmarried mothers living in residential facilities with their children. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS: The findings revealed that unmarried mothers struggled with various difficulties given the limitations of living in the facility, but attempted to navigate their uncertain future with the determination to be good mothers. Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerged: (1) adaptation to the identity of "unmarried mother", (2) willingly undertaking the heavy burden of childrearing, (3) indispensable but insufficient supports from facilities. Participants had childrearing responsibilities, and tried to be good mothers for their children while struggling to adapt to their new identities. However, their self-doubt as a "good mother" and the absence of the child's father made them feel sorry for their child. Their daily experiences raising children and simultaneously preparing for their own independence were exhausting. The supports from the facilities were helpful but unsatisfactory and led to various psychosocial difficulties such as anxiety, depression, fear, guilty, and anger in unmarried mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Besides information and resources for parenting and independence, active approaches are needed to improve the psychological stability of unmarried mothers raising their children in facilities, and sustain a long-term socioeconomic support system. Thoughtful services tailored to mothers and children are also needed, instead of standardized services.

The effect of peer relationship enhancement programs on the prevention of smartphone addiction among late school-age children in South Korea.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effectiveness of a peer relationship enhancement program in preventing smartphone addiction among late school-age children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study employed a non-equivalent control pretest-posttest design. The participants (the experimental and control groups comprised 27 and 25 participants, respectively) included late school-age children who were registered at eight community children's centers in a region in South Korea. The program comprised group-based play and art activities, spanning 12 sessions, each of which was 90 min long. The outcome variables were peer relationships, depression, self-control, and smartphone addiction. Data were collected through baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up assessments and analyzed through repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). RESULTS: This program had a significant effect on peer relationships, depression, and smartphone addiction; however, no effect was found on self-control. CONCLUSION: The peer relationship enhancement program of this study was effective in preventing smartphone addiction by improving peer relationships and reducing depression in late school-age children. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The peer relationship enhancement program can be utilized in various pediatric nursing settings to prevent smartphone addiction. Therefore, it contributes to the expansion of the field of pediatric nursing practices.

Intervention Studies on the Enhancement of Self-Concept Among Adolescent Mothers: A Systematic Review.

Self-concept affects the overall process of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting among adolescent mothers. The current systematic review explores intervention studies on the enhancement of self-concept among adolescent mothers, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. English and Korean literature published within the past 10 years was searched and five articles met the inclusion criteria. To improve self-concept among adolescent mothers, especially self-esteem, it was deemed necessary to strengthen a balanced capacity of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and developmental aspects, based on a comprehensive assessment. To provide effective intervention, it was essential to reflect the cultural characteristics of adolescent mothers' native countries. Lectures were confirmed as a representative method of enhancing self-concept and participatory learning methods, such as group discussions, group activities, practical skills training, and supervision, were considered effective for enhancing self-esteem by strengthening not only knowledge but also the motivation of adolescent mothers. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(3), 31-39.].

Effects of an Urban Forest-Based Health Promotion Program on Children Living in Group Homes.

Children living in foster care group homes are more likely to have physical, mental, and social health problems due to parental abuse, neglect, and family breakdown. The purpose of the current study was to develop and apply the urban forest-based health promotion program on children living in group homes in Korea to investigate its effects on perceived health, psychological health, and connectedness to nature. Eight children (mean age = 12.13 [SD = 1.25] years) from three group homes participated in the study. The intervention was conducted individually for each group home once per week for 8 weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Participants showed significant improvement in restoration. Six themes were identified that reflect participants' experience and the effectiveness of the urban forest-based health promotion program. This program may be considered a possible intervention to promote children's psychosocial health and connectedness to nature. Continuous efforts are needed to further examine the program's effectiveness. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(6), 18-29.].

Study Design for the 2016 Baseline Survey of a Health System Strengthening Project in Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: In order to provide essential scientific evidence on the population's health status and social health determinants as well as the current capacity of the health care system in Vietnam to health policy makers and managers, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, and Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy collaborated with Seoul National University (Korea) and conducted a health system survey in the Quoc Oai district (of Hanoi capital) that represented northern rural Vietnam. METHODS: The study design was a cross-sectional study. The survey covered different topics (more than 200 questions) and was administered in three separate questionnaires: 1) Basic information of all household members; 2) Household characteristics; and 3) Individual characteristics. Socio-demographic characteristics among the households and individuals were collected from 2,400 households sampled by multi-stage cluster sampling method: more than 200 questions. RESULTS: The household size of Quoc Oai was larger than the national average and there was no significant difference in gender composition. In addition, the proportions of pre-elderly, age 55-64, and elderly group (65 years old and over) were higher than the national population statistics. In this context, demographic transition has begun in Quoc Oai. CONCLUSION: This study design description provides the basic information about a baseline survey of a future prospective cohort (as a part of a collaborative project on strengthening the health system in Vietnam) to the prospective data user of this survey.

Risk Factors for Obesity Among Children Aged 24 to 80 months in Korea: A Decision Tree Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the multiple intergenerational risk factors of obesity among children aged 24 to 80 months using national cohort data. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance (KNHI) database, and the number of study participants was 1,001,775 families. Social-Economic Status (SES), parental and child-related factors were examined. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) for a decision tree analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 6.57%, and that of overweight was 11.31% among the entire study population. The 17 groups with a prevalence of childhood obesity higher than the mean prevalence rate were classified as high-risk groups for childhood obesity; there were 6 groups with a prevalence of childhood obesity twice as high as the mean prevalence rate from this study. The best predictors were as follows: mothers being obese prior to conception, fathers being obese, non- medical aid beneficiaries, and mothers with hypertension during gestation. CONCLUSIONS: The best predictors of children obesity were parental obesity history and SES. Other parental predictors of outcomes were gestational hypertension and diabetes, older pregnancy, drinking during gestation, and depression after delivery. Child-related outcome predictors were noncompliance with exclusive breastfeeding, a sugar-sweetened beverage intake ≥200 ml per day, and irregular breakfast consumption. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings could help community health nurses assess high-risk groups for early childhood obesity and develop or provide effective interventions in the early stages of life.

The roles of, activities of, and competencies for, community nursing services in rural Vietnam: Implications for policy decisions.

Community health workforce plays a vital role in providing primary health care services as per the needs of residents; however, few studies have examined how nurses work within commune health centers (CHCs). Using qualitative methods including interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, this study explores the roles, activities, and competencies required of community nursing services in rural districts within Vietnam. Two primary roles were identified: CHC nursing and family nursing. For the latter, in addition to providing people with general health care and health communication, they were expected to also deliver psychological care. CHC nursing fulfilled more roles and required four specific competencies: clinical care, communication, management, and planning/coordination activities. Despite these various roles serving people within a community, few ongoing efforts at either the local or national level are aimed at supporting these nurses. The study highlights the need for policy decisions via either developing a new job position policy or adapting the existing policy by integrating new roles into the existing positions of CHC nurses in Vietnam.

The effects of enteral feeding improvement massage on premature infants: A randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To prove the effects of an enteral feeding improvement massage for premature infants with regard to their feeding, growing and superior mesentery artery blood flow aspect by a randomised controlled trial. BACKGROUND: Premature infants have feeding-related problems related to eating and absorbing nutrition due to their immature gastrointestinal function. Studies regarding the effectiveness of premature infants' enteral feeding improvement by tactile stimulation massage are rare. DESIGN: The study group was composed of 55 patients. Of the 55 patients, 26 were randomised into an experimental group and 29 were randomised into a control group. METHODS: They were all born <34 weeks of gestational age between 1 July 2011 and 30 March 2012. Premature infants in the experimental group received enteral feeding improvement massage twice a day for 14 days, and infants in the control group received a sham exercise. The collected data were analysed by spss 19.0, through t test, chi-square test (Fisher's exact) and ANCOVA. RESULTS: (i) The experimental group had reached the day of full enteral feeding significantly faster. (ii) The experimental group had a higher superior mesentery artery peak velocity (Vmax ) and lower RI (resistant index). (iii) The experimental group of the feeding-intolerant subgroup had a higher superior mesentery artery Vmax and Vmin . (iv) The experimental group had a heavier weight and larger head circumference after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that enteral feeding improvement massage can be helpful for achieving earlier full enteral feeding, more increased superior mesentery artery, and faster growing. In particular, it can be a therapeutic, independent and evidence-based nursing intervention for feeding-intolerant premature infants. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Neonatal nurses in neonatal intensive care unit can apply enteral feeding improvement massage massage for feeding-intolerant infants.

Physical Symptoms, Depression, and Related Factors of Late School-age Children in Seoul, Korea: The Mediating Role of Peer Relationships.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have highlighted the importance of peer relationships on the physical and mental health of late school-age children. However, little is known about the causal relationships whereby peer relationships affect health problems. This study aimed to examine the specific associations between physical symptoms and depression and their influential factors, including the quality of peer relationships. Additionally, the causal relationships were examined, focusing on the mediating role of the quality of peer relationships. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed with 302 elementary students in grades four and five. Perceived socioeconomic status, the quality of peer relationships, family functioning, physical symptoms, and depression symptoms were measured with self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlations, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The number of reported physical symptoms had a significant negative correlation with peer relationships (r = -0.517, p < 0.001) and family functioning (r = -0.279, p < 0.001). Depression was significantly negatively correlated with the quality of peer relationships (r = -0.775, p < 0.001) and family functioning (r = -0.428, p < 0.001). Peer relationships mediated the link between family functioning and physical symptoms. Peer relationships also mediated the relationship between family functioning and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Peer relationships significantly influenced the physical and mental health of late school-age children in Korea. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nursing intervention programs for improving peer relationships among children may be necessary to achieve their optimal health status.

Japanese and Korean Nursing Students' Motivation for Joining Disaster Relief Activities as Nurses in the Future.

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in motivation for joining disaster relief activities as a nurse in the future between Japanese and Korean nursing students. A descriptive 2-group comparative study design was used. The participants were 721 first- to fourth-year nursing students (Japanese, n = 324; Korean, n = 397). From June to September 2014, data were collected through a researcher-administered questionnaire and self-reported answers. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, the χ test, and the t test.No significant difference was found between Japanese and Korean students in motivation to join domestic relief activities should a disaster occur in the area in which they lived. Compared with Korean students, Japanese students strongly agreed that it is necessary to carry out relief work across borders when disasters occur in foreign countries (p = .001). Meanwhile, Japanese students showed less motivation than Korean students to join relief activities in other domestic areas and foreign countries (p = .020).The results of this study suggest that the motivation of Japanese students to join disaster relief activities as nurses in the future should a disaster occur in other domestic areas and foreign countries needs to be increased. The results also suggest that undergraduate students should be well prepared for disasters through disaster nursing education, including practical training, disaster drills, and simulation.

Participation in and perceptions of antibiotic stewardship behaviors among nurses at a children's hospital in South Korea: a descriptive study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated participation in and perceptions of antibiotic stewardship among nurses at a children's hospital. METHODS: This descriptive study included 125 nurses working in the inpatient ward, intensive care unit and emergency room of a single tertiary children's hospital. The study measured 14 factors influencing antibiotic stewardship behaviors using the theoretical domains framework. Each factor was analyzed by categorizing it into components (capability, opportunity, and motivation) that have been proposed as influencing factors in the COM-B model of behavior. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to explore differences in antibiotic stewardship behaviors and influencing factors according to general characteristics and the correlation between antibiotic stewardship behaviors and COM-B components. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in antibiotic stewardship behaviors was found based on the experience of antibiotic stewardship education or the nursing department. However, significant differences were observed in the perception levels of factors related to antibiotic stewardship behaviors according to the experience of antibiotic stewardship education in skill (physical) (p=.042), knowledge (p=.027), intentions (p=.028), and social influences (p=.010). Additionally, significant differences were observed in perception levels according to the sub-components of the COM-B model, specifically physical capability (p=.042), psychological capability (p=.027), and social opportunity (p=.010). CONCLUSION: To expand nurses' involvement and roles in antibiotic stewardship, nurses should acknowledge the significance of appropriate antibiotic use, aiming to enhance the quality of medical care and ensure patient safety. In pursuit of this objective, tailored education aligning with the specific needs and practices of nurses is essential.

Health Behavior and Social-Emotional Health Status of School-Aged Children According to their Experience with Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosis: Based on the 12th (2019) Panel Study on Korean Children.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is common in children and is increasing worldwide. This study aimed to identify differences in children's health behavior and social-emotional health status based on AD diagnosis at late school age. For this purpose, we conducted a descriptive survey using the 12th Panel Study on Korean Children data obtained in 2019. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Rao-Scott χ2 test, and a t-test using a complex sample analysis. A total of 1412 11-year-old Korean children participated in the study, of whom an estimated 8.2% were diagnosed with AD. In the children diagnosed with AD, the transition from exclusive breastfeeding to mixed feeding was later than that in children without AD (F = 5.71, p = 0.024), and the prevalence of AD in their parents was higher (F = 6.97, p = 0.014). Regarding health behaviors, the children diagnosed with AD had a higher intake frequency of protein (F = 5.41, p = 0.028) and vegetables (F = 6.09, p = 0.020). Regarding social-emotional health, subjective health status (F = 3.94, p = 0.026) and friend relationships (F = 2.95, p = 0.007) were lower in the children diagnosed with AD. These results, as preliminary data for interventions for school-aged children with AD, suggest that the difficulties of children's peer relationships should be considered and dealt with in further interventions.

Health-related quality of life in children with epilepsy: a concept analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to conduct a concept analysis of health-related quality of life in children with epilepsy to promote conceptual clarification and facilitate mutual understanding of the concept. METHODS: Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was adopted. RESULTS: Health-related quality of life in children with epilepsy consists of six attributes: health status, inner strength, close relationships, resource-rich community, social acceptance, and changeability. According to the ecological system paradigm, these attributes are structured into five dimensions: organism, microsystem, macrosystem, exosystem, and chronosystem. These dimensions provide a comprehensive approach to the relationship between children with epilepsy and their environment. Epilepsy and interactions with multilevel ecological systems that are directly and indirectly related to children with epilepsy precede the concept, followed by positive and negative affective responses. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may support effective communication in various practice settings, thereby contributing to the health and well-being of children with epilepsy, as well as the development and expansion of interventions to improve their health-related quality of life.

The perceptions and performance of family-centered care among pediatric nurses at a children's hospital in South Korea: a descriptive study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine pediatric hospital nurses' perceptions and performance of family-centered care. METHODS: A descriptive study design was used. This study surveyed 162 nurses who worked at a single tertiary children's hospital in South Korea. The modified Family-Centered Care Scale was used to assess nurses' perceptions and performance of family-centered care. Barriers to the implementation of family-centered care were described in an open-ended format. RESULTS: Pediatric hospital nurses had a higher score for perceptions (mean score=4.07) than for performance (mean score=3.77). The collaboration subscale had the lowest scores for both perceptions and performance. The perceptions of family-centered care differed significantly according to the nurses' clinical career in the pediatric unit and familiarity with family-centered care, while performance differed according to clinical career only. Perceptions and performance were positively correlated (r=.594, p<.001). Barriers to implementation included a shortage of nursing personnel, a lack of time, and the absence of a family-centered care system. CONCLUSION: To improve the performance of family-centered care, nurses' perceptions of family-centered care should be improved by offering education programs and active support, including sufficient staffing, and establishing systems within hospitals.

Clinical characteristics and nursing diagnoses of pediatric patients hospitalized with inflammatory bowel disease: a single-center retrospective study in South Korea.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics of South Korean pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a children's hospital over the past 5 years, with a specific focus on comparing the features observed between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Additionally, it aimed to examine the nursing diagnoses given to patients. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of Korean pediatric patients under 18 years of age who were diagnosed with IBD and hospitalized at a children's hospital in Seoul, South Korea, from January 2017 to December 2021. RESULTS: The number of pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD steadily increased. This finding was particularly prominent for CD patients, the majority of whom were male. Pediatric patients with CD had significantly higher rates of abdominal pain and perianal lesions, while pediatric patients with UC had a higher rate of bloody stool. Laboratory findings indicated that CD patients had higher levels of inflammatory markers and lower albumin levels than UC patients. The nursing diagnoses given during hospitalization mostly related to safety and protection, physical comfort, and gastrointestinal function. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into Korean pediatric IBD patients, enabling early detection and the development of nursing intervention strategies. From a comprehensive perspective, nursing care should not only address patients' physical needs but also their psychosocial needs.

Weight status in survivors of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia in South Korea: a retrospective descriptive study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated weight status in survivors of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and identified related factors. METHODS: A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of survivors of childhood ALL (n=230) was conducted. We analyzed the survivors' characteristics, including sex, age, weight status at diagnosis, central nervous system involvement, risk classification, length of treatment, radiation therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Analysis of variance and the chi-squared test were applied to investigate influencing factors. RESULTS: The weight status distribution was as follows: 23 individuals (10.0%) were classified as underweight, 151 individuals (65.7%) were healthy weight, and 56 individuals (24.3%) were overweight/obese. Age at diagnosis (F=10.03, p<.001), weight status at diagnosis (x2=43.41, p<.001), and risk classification (F=10.98, p=0.027) showed significant differences among the weight status groups. Survivors who were older at diagnosis and those in the very high-risk category had a higher likelihood of experiencing underweight status during their survivorship, while survivors who were overweight/obese at diagnosis were more likely to remain overweight/obese at the time of survival. CONCLUSION: Considering the potential health implications related to an unhealthy weight status in survivors of ALL, it is imperative to undertake early identification and implement interventions for at-risk individuals.

Factors Affecting Dyslipidemia among Korean Adolescents: An Analysis Using the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021).

A high prevalence of dyslipidemia has recently been shown not only in adults, but also in adolescents. When occurring in adolescence, dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. This study aimed to identify significant factors affecting dyslipidemia in South Korean adolescents. We used data from the third year of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VIII-3) on 381 Korean adolescents aged 12-18 years. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, the Rao-Scott χ test, the t-test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression using complex sample analysis. On a weighted population basis, 28.1% of the adolescents among the participants were identified as the group with dyslipidemia. Obesity, waist circumference, serum uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly related to the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Physical activity 4-7 days a week was related to a decrease in the prevalence of dyslipidemia only in male adolescents. The results of this study can be used as evidence for the risk assessment of adolescent dyslipidemia and the establishment of systematic health management guidelines according to risk factors for the prevention of adolescent dyslipidemia.

Effectiveness of a natural wellness group program using interactive real-time video for unmarried mothers: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Unmarried mothers who raise their children alone in South Korea experience various difficulties in maintaining their health. Improving the health of unmarried mothers, who are socioeconomically vulnerable, is important not only for them but also for the healthy growth and development of their children. We aimed to implement a natural wellness group program using an interactive real-time video platform for unmarried mothers and to verify its effects. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The participants were unmarried mothers raising children aged 0-6 years. The quantitative data collection occurred from August to November 2021. For the qualitative data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants from the experimental group. The experimental group received eight 90-minute weekly online sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention. The outcome variables were physical and mental health, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and parenting stress. RESULTS: A total of 42 unmarried mothers (21 experimental, 21 control) participated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed significant post-intervention differences in mental health, depression, and self-esteem in the experimental group. Moreover, a generalized estimating equation analysis revealed significant differences in self-esteem levels between the experimental and control groups. Four themes identified through qualitative analysis revealed that the natural wellness group program using interactive real-time video not only increased mothers' vitality and relaxation but also improved depression and anxiety, and had a positive effect on parenting stress. CONCLUSIONS: Natural wellness group programs using interactive real-time videos can help improve the psychological health of unmarried mothers with young children, a group that tends to be socially and psychologically marginalized.

The mediating effects of perceived parental teasing on relations of body mass index to depression and self-perception of physical appearance and global self-worth in children.

AIM: To report a correlational study of the relation of body mass index to children's perceptions of physical appearance and global self-worth and depression, as mediated by their perceptions of parental teasing. BACKGROUND: The relation between depression and self-perception in children with obesity has been reported. Recently, parental factors were found to be related to childhood obesity. Little is known about the effects of perceived parental teasing on depression and self-perception in children. DESIGN: A descriptive correlational research design was used. METHODS: Data were collected from 455 children in the fifth and sixth grades in four provinces of South Korea using self-report questionnaires for measuring self-perception of physical appearance and global self-worth, depression and perceived parental teasing between October-December in 2009. The children's weight and height information from school health records was used. Multiple regression analysis and the Sobel test were used to identify the mediating effect of perceived parental teasing. RESULTS: Among the children, 20% were overweight or obese. Although children with obesity did not differ in the level of depression from their normal weight counterparts, they demonstrated lower perceived physical appearance and higher perceived parental teasing. The mediating effects of perceived parental teasing were found for the relations between body mass index and self-perception of physical appearance and global self-worth, and body mass index and depression, respectively. CONCLUSION: Obese children at risk of parental teasing should be identified to prevent their psychological problems. A well-designed intervention study is necessary to examine the effects of psycho-emotional interventions for obese children.

The physical and emotional health of South Korean mothers of preterm infants in the early postpartum period: a descriptive correlational study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the physical and emotional health of South Korean mothers of preterm infants in the early postpartum period. METHODS: In this descriptive correlational study, the participants included 91 mothers of preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Physical health status was measured using a self-reported questionnaire, postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and guilt using a 4-item scale. RESULTS: Fatigue had the highest score among mothers' physical health problems, followed by shoulder pain, nipple pain, neck pain. The average postpartum depression score was 11.02 points, and 44% of women had postpartum depression with a score of 12 or above. Postpartum depression significantly was correlated with physical health (r=.35, p=.001), anxiety (r=.84, p<.001), and guilt (r=.75, p<.001) and was significantly higher for women with multiple births, and preterm infants who required ventilator and antibiotic treatment. Anxiety also showed a significant difference according to preterm infants' condition. CONCLUSION: The significant correlations between postpartum depression and physical health, anxiety, and guilt indicate a need for nursing interventions that provide integrated management of mothers' physical and emotional health.