Health Problems in Clinical Nurses as Identified by Auricular Acupuncture Points / 산업간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify health problems in clinical nurses through an examination of their auricular acupuncture points. METHODS: Data were collected from 90 nurses working in D city. Participants' ears were photographed and their auricular points were analyzed. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and the χ2 test. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal problems were the most severe, followed by problems of the digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems, in that order. Furthermore, the average number of health problems was 5.22, with a range of 4 to 6. Leg/foot pain was the highest reported musculoskeletal problem, followed by shoulder and lumbar/back pain. Gastric ptosis was the highest reported digestive problem, followed by indigestion and hypersensitive colitis. Additionally, among participants with gastric ptosis, lumbar pain was significantly high. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that further research using an auricular points as a diagnosis and treatment point is necessary to improve the health of nurses.