A Prospective Sociocentric Study of 2 Entire Traditional Korean Villages: The Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP).

The Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP) was a multidisciplinary prospective study conducted in South Korea that measured various health biomarkers from blood, hair, and brain magnetic resonance imaging, and we examined their associations with sociocentric (global) social network data of older adults in 2 entire villages (or cohorts). Cohort K included participants aged 60 years or older, and cohort L included participants aged 65 years or older. We performed a baseline survey involving 814 of the 860 individuals (94.7% response rate) in cohort K in 2012 and 947 of the 1,043 individuals (90.8% response rate) in cohort L in 2017. We gathered longitudinal data for 5 waves in cohort K from 2011 to 2019 and 2 waves in cohort L from 2017 to 2022. Here, we describe for the first time the follow-up design of the KSHAP, the changes in social networks, and various biomarkers over a number of years. The data for cohort K are publicly available via the Korean Social Science Data Archive as well as the project website, and the data for cohort L will be shared soon.

Self-Management Using eHealth Technologies for Liver Transplant Recipients: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation has become increasingly common as a last-resort treatment for end-stage liver diseases and liver cancer, with continually improving success rates and long-term survival rates. Nevertheless, liver transplant recipients face lifelong challenges in self-management, including immunosuppressant therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and navigating complex health care systems. eHealth technologies hold the potential to aid and optimize self-management outcomes, but their adoption has been slow in this population due to the complexity of post-liver transplant management. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the use of eHealth technologies in supporting self-management for liver transplant recipients and identify their benefits and challenges to suggest areas for further research. METHODS: Following the Arksey and O'Malley methodology for scoping reviews, we conducted a systematic search of 5 electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. We included studies that (1) examined or implemented eHealth-based self-management, (2) included liver transplant recipients aged ≥18 years, and (3) were published in a peer-reviewed journal. We excluded studies that (1) were case reports, conference abstracts, editorials, or letters; (2) did not focus on the posttransplantation phase; (3) did not focus on self-management; and (4) did not incorporate the concept of eHealth or used technology solely for data collection. The quality of the selected eHealth interventions was evaluated using (1) the Template for Intervention Description and Replication guidelines and checklist and (2) the 5 core self-management skills identified by Lorig and Holman. RESULTS: Of 1461 articles, 15 (1.03%) studies were included in the final analysis. Our findings indicate that eHealth-based self-management strategies for adult liver transplant recipients primarily address lifestyle management, medication adherence, and remote monitoring, highlighting a notable gap in alcohol relapse interventions. The studies used diverse technologies, including mobile apps, videoconferencing, and telehealth platforms, but showed limited integration of decision-making or resource use skills essential for comprehensive self-management. The reviewed studies highlighted the potential of eHealth in enhancing individualized health care, but only a few included collaborative features such as 2-way communication or tailored goal setting. While adherence and feasibility were generally high in many interventions, their effectiveness varied due to diverse methodologies and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review maps the current literature on eHealth-based self-management support for liver transplant recipients, assessing its potential and challenges. Future studies should focus on developing predictive models and personalized eHealth interventions rooted in patient-generated data, incorporating digital human-to-human interactions to effectively address the complex needs of liver transplant recipients. This review emphasizes the need for future eHealth self-management research to address the digital divide, especially with the aging liver transplant recipient population, and ensure more inclusive studies across diverse ethnicities and regions.

Digital Literacy and Associated Factors in Older Adults Living in Urban South Korea: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to explore digital literacy among community-dwelling older adults in urban South Korea. A semistructured interview guide was developed using the Digital Competence ( 2.0 framework, which emphasizes the competencies for full digital participation in five categories: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, content creation, safety, and problem-solving. The data were analyzed using combined inductive and deductive content analysis. Inductive analysis identified three main categories: perceived ability to use digital technology, responses to digital technology, and contextual factors. In the results of deductive analysis, participants reported varying abilities in using digital technologies for information and data literacy, communication or collaboration, and problem-solving. However, their abilities were limited in handling the safety or security of digital technology and lacked in creating digital content. Responses to digital technology contain subcategories of perception (positive or negative) and behavior (trying or avoidance). Regarding contextual factors, aging-related physical and cognitive changes were identified as barriers to digital literacy. The influence of families or peers was viewed as both a facilitator and a barrier. Our participants recognized the importance of using digital devices to keep up with the trend of digitalization, but their digital literacy was mostly limited to relatively simple levels.

Effect of a 1-year tailored exercise program according to cancer trajectories in patients with breast cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with breast cancer undergo various treatments according to their tumor subtype and cancer stages within 1 year after being diagnosed. Each treatment may cause treatment-related symptoms that have negative impacts on patients' health and quality of life (QoL) The symptoms can be mitigated when exercise interventions are appropriately applied to patients' physical and mental conditions. Although many exercise programs were developed and implemented during this period, the effects of tailored exercise programs according to symptoms and cancer trajectories on patients' long-term health outcomes have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the effect of tailored home-based exercise programs on short-term and long-term physiological outcomes in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: This 12-month RCT includes 96 patients with (stages 1-3) breast cancer randomly assigned to the exercise or control groups. Participants in the exercise group will receive an exercise program tailored to their phase of treatment, type of surgery, and physical function. During post-operative recovery, exercise interventions will be emphasized to improve shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength. During chemoradiation therapy, exercise intervention will focus on improving physical function and preventing loss of muscle mass. Once chemoradiation therapy is completed, exercise intervention will focus on improving cardiopulmonary fitness and insulin resistance. All interventions will be home-based exercise programs supplemented with once-monthly exercise education and counseling sessions. The main outcome of the study is fasting insulin level at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year post-intervention. Our secondary outcomes include shoulder ROM and strength at 1 month and 3 months, body composition, inflammatory markers, microbiome, QoL, and physical activity levels at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-intervention. CONCLUSION: This trial is the first tailored home-based exercise oncology trial to better understand the comprehensive phase-dependent short- and long-term effects of exercise on shoulder function, body composition, fasting insulin, biomarkers, and microbiome. The results of this study will inform the development of effective exercise programs tailored to the needs of patients with breast cancer post-operatively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study is registered with the Korean Clinical Trials Registry (KCT0007853).

Postoperative inpatient exercise facilitates recovery after laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization is an integral part of an enhanced recovery program after colorectal cancer surgery. The safety and efficacy of postoperative inpatient exercise are not well known. The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of a postoperative exercise program on postsurgical recovery of stage I-III colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: We randomly allocated participants to postoperative exercise or usual care (1:1 ratio). The postoperative exercise intervention consisted of 15 min of supervised exercise two times per day for the duration of their hospital stay. The primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS) at the tertiary care center. Secondary outcomes included patient-perceived readiness for hospital discharge, anthropometrics (e.g., muscle mass), and physical function (e.g., balance, strength). RESULTS: A total of 52 (83%) participants (mean [SD] age, 56.6 [8.9] years; 23 [44%] male) completed the trial. The median LOS was 6.0 days (interquartile range; IQR 5-7 days) in the exercise group and 6.5 days (IQR 6-7 days) in the usual-care group (P = 0.021). The exercise group met the targeted LOS 64% of the time, while 36% of the usual care group met the targeted LOS (colon cancer, 5 days; rectal cancer, 7 days). Participants in the exercise group felt greater readiness for discharge from the hospital than those in the usual care group (Adjusted group difference = 14.4; 95% CI, 6.2 to 22.6; P < 0.01). We observed a small but statistically significant increase in muscle mass in the exercise group compared to usual care (Adjusted group difference = 0.63 kg; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.1; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Postsurgical inpatient exercise may promote faster recovery and discharge after curative-intent colorectal cancer surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; URL http://apps.who.int/trialsearch ); Trial number: KCT0003920 .

Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire for Older Adults: Instrument Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The need for digital literacy in aging populations is increasing in the digitalizing society. Digital literacy involves the identification, evaluation, and communication of information through various digital devices or relevant programs. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to develop an Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire (EDLQ), a digital literacy assessment scale, and subsequently evaluate its psychometric properties using a population of community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. METHODS: The EDLQ was developed using an instrument development design. A nationwide survey was conducted, and the study included 1016 community-dwelling older adults (age ≥60 years). To evaluate the psychometric properties, the participants were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=508 each), and the internal consistency (Cronbach α and McDonald ω), structural validity (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis), hypothesis-testing construct validity using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and measurement invariance were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the initial 30 items of the EDLQ, 22 items with a 3-factor solution had a total explained variance of 77%. The domains included "information and communication" (9 items), "content creation and management" (4 items), and "safety and security" (9 items). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with this 3-factor solution (χ2206=345.1; normed χ2206=1.7; comparative fit index=0.997; Tucker-Lewis index=0.997; root-mean-square error of approximation=0.036; standardized root-mean-square residual=0.050; composite reliability=0.903-0.959; average variance extracted=0.699-0.724; R2=0.616-0.773). Hypothesis-testing construct validity with the eHEALS revealed a strong correlation (r=0.75). Cronbach α and McDonald ω coefficients were .98 and 0.98, respectively. The fit indices for measurement invariance, including the configural, metric, and scalar invariance models, demonstrated a satisfactory fit to the data. Our findings suggest that the psychometric properties of the 22-item EDLQ are valid and reliable for assessing digital literacy among older Korean adults. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we developed a digital literacy measure with strong psychometric properties that made it suitable for assessing the digital literacy of community-dwelling older adults in Korea. To broaden its applicability, however, further assessment of its feasibility for use with different languages and cultures is necessary. Moreover, more empirical research on digital literacy and related factors in older adults can facilitate the development of personalized digital health care services and educational interventions in the digital society.

e-Health for Traumatized Refugees: A Scoping Review.

Background: High prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is reported among refugees exposed to traumatic experiences, while escaping from their home country, entering a third country, and adjusting to a new society. Electronic health (e-health) treatments have been utilized to overcome challenges such as high costs, limited access to care, and a shortage of resources faced by traumatized refugees. Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize the current science on e-health to screen and treat PTSD in traumatized refugees, examine its benefits and challenges, and suggest strategies for future research. Methods: We conducted a scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's 6-stage scoping review framework. Results: Of the 2,782 articles identified, 8 studies were included for the final analysis. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, the synthesis of results was not feasible. However, the findings of individual studies were examined. The most commonly used technology modality was the smartphone (n = 5). One study revealed the possibility of telephonic screening of PTSD to be equally efficacious as in-person screening, and all interventions through smartphone and the internet reported high feasibility and acceptability. Conclusion: e-Health is suggested to be a novel and scalable platform to provide mental health care in settings with limited resources. Larger and highly robust studies in refugee populations with PTSD-targeted, theory-based approaches and diverse technological formats such as video conferencing and virtual reality are warranted.

Autonomy is not but competence and relatedness are associated with physical activity among colorectal cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to use the framework of the self-determination theory, incorporating both internal and external sources of motivation, to identify factors influencing physical activity among colorectal cancer survivors (CRC-S) in Korea. METHOD: In total, 242 patients at a university-affiliated hospital in Seoul, Korea, responded to a descriptive survey, which comprised questionnaire sets including the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Motivation was then assessed on three scales: the Treatment Self-Regulation (autonomy), Perceived Competence (competence), and the multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (relatedness). Logistic regression analysis was then used to identify factors associated with physical activity. RESULT: The mean physical activity score was 16.07 metabolic equivalent hours per week, and only 23.3% of patients had an appropriate level of exercise. In the logistic regression analysis, physical activity was associated with competence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.74), relatedness (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18), depression (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.94), and stage I or II disease (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.28-1.86). This study indicated that competence, relatedness, depression, and the disease stage contributed to physical activity among these subjects while autonomy did not. CONCLUSION: Future interventions to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity among CRC-S could benefit from taking into account the disease stage as well as psychosocial factors including motivation and depression.

Correction: Measurement of Digital Literacy Among Older Adults: Systematic Review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/26145.].

Correction: Measurement of Digital Literacy Among Older Adults: Systematic Review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/26145.].

Measurement of Digital Literacy Among Older Adults: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Numerous instruments are designed to measure digital literacy among the general population. However, few studies have assessed the use and appropriateness of these measurements for older populations. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to identify and critically appraise studies assessing digital literacy among older adults and to evaluate how digital literacy instruments used in existing studies address the elements of age-appropriate digital literacy using the European Commission's Digital Competence (DigComp) Framework. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for studies using validated instruments to assess digital literacy among older adults. The quality of all included studies was evaluated using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). Instruments were assessed according to their ability to incorporate the competence areas of digital literacy as defined by the DigComp Framework: (1) information and data literacy, (2) communication and collaboration, (3) digital content creation, (4) safety, and (5) problem-solving ability, or attitudes toward information and communication technology use. RESULTS: Searches yielded 1561 studies, of which 27 studies (17 cross-sectional, 2 before and after, 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 longitudinal, and 1 mixed methods) were included in the final analysis. Studies were conducted in the United States (18/27), Germany (3/27), China (1/27), Italy (1/27), Sweden (1/27), Canada (1/27), Iran (1/27), and Bangladesh (1/27). Studies mostly defined older adults as aged ≥50 years (10/27) or ≥60 years (8/27). Overall, the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was the most frequently used instrument measuring digital literacy among older adults (16/27, 59%). Scores on the CCAT ranged from 34 (34/40, 85%) to 40 (40/40, 100%). Most instruments measured 1 or 2 of the DigComp Framework's elements, but the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ) measured all 5 elements, including "digital content creation" and "safety." CONCLUSIONS: The current digital literacy assessment instruments targeting older adults have both strengths and weaknesses, relative to their study design, administration method, and ease of use. Certain instrument modalities like the MDPQ are more generalizable and inclusive and thus, favorable for measuring the digital literacy of older adults. More studies focusing on the suitability of such instruments for older populations are warranted, especially for areas like "digital content creation" and "safety" that currently lack assessment. Evidence-based discussions regarding the implications of digitalization for the treatment of older adults and how health care professionals may benefit from this phenomenon are encouraged.

Clinical outcomes of a nurse-led post-discharge education program for heart-transplant recipients: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Advances in immunosuppressive therapeutics and medical technology have improved survival rates after heart transplantation. Although there is a rigorous schedule of outpatient visits and testing to detect early signs of rejection and other complications in the first year after transplantation, repeated unplanned readmissions of heart transplant recipients remains a challenge. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of specialized nurse-led discharge education, including continuous post-transplant education and counselling, on heart transplant recipients' clinical outcomes, with the effects of existing discharge education. METHODS: Participants were 136 heart transplantation recipients at a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea from November 1, 1994, to November 30, 2018. Participants' electronic medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were grouped according to usual care (n = 25), nurse-led program (n = 66), and nurse-led program with post-discharge education (n = 45). We assessed the number of outpatient visits with clinical problems and days to first unplanned rehospitalization within one year after transplantation. RESULTS: The nurse-led program with post-discharge education was associated with significantly reduced outpatient visits with clinical problems, compared to usual care and the existing nurse-led program. We also found a significantly longer time until first unplanned rehospitalization in the nurse-led program with post-discharge education group, compared to the usual care group. CONCLUSION: This study identified the heart transplantation-specialized nurse-led discharge and subsequent post-discharge education as an effective strategy for positive clinical outcomes within one year after heart transplantation.

Developing an integrated curriculum for patient safety in an undergraduate nursing program: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students' practical training should begin when students can apply core knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to patient safety. This necessitates an integrated curriculum in nursing education that links practice to the theory concerning patient safety to enhance patient safety competencies and quality in nursing care. This study aimed to develop an integrated curriculum that incorporates patient safety factors in the existing curriculum to increase patient safety competencies in nursing students. METHOD: A case study approach was adopted to explain the development processes of a new curriculum integrating patient safety in the existing outcome-based curriculum of a nursing college. Based on the existing outcome-based curriculum of a nursing college, a four-step process was performed to integrate patient safety component, including quality improvement, into the curriculum: 1) literature review, 2) analysis of course syllabus, 3) selection of courses related to patient safety topics, and 4) development of evaluation tool. RESULTS: The integrated patient safety curriculum was based on six topics: patient safety principles, teamwork, communication, patient engagement, risk management and, quality improvement, and International Patient Safety Goals. Based on the characteristics of the course according to the level of students in each year, the curriculum was integrated to address patient safety topics in seven courses (four theoretical and three practical). A Patient safety Competency self-assessment checklist was developed for students to naturally acquire patient safety competencies in clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that patient safety topics should be addressed in both theoretical and practical settings across the entire nursing curriculum per the continuity and sequence of education principles.

Effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program on quality of life, psychological health, and the level of physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a home-based exercise program on quality of life (QOL), psychological health, and the level of physical activity (PA) in colorectal cancer survivors. METHODS: Seventy-one colorectal cancer survivors were randomized into either a home-based exercise group (N = 37) or control group (N = 34). The home-based exercise program included unsupervised walking, stationary bike, or swimming for aerobic exercise, as well as resistance exercise DVDs, a pedometer, and an exercise log. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale, patient health questionnaire, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire were used to assess QOL, fatigue, depression, and PA levels. RESULTS: Among the 71 participants, 30 in the exercise group and 28 in the control group completed the study. The change in the QOL between the intervention and control groups was insignificant. However, QOL was significantly improved in the exercise group (QOL, p = 0.024). Sub-domain of QOL, emotional well-being, and trial outcome index-physical/functional/colorectal (p = 0.015 and p = 0.035, respectively) were improved in the exercise group. The level of PA was significantly increased after 12 weeks in the exercise group (97.0 ± 188.5 vs. 332.6 ± 306.1, p < 0.001), and the change significantly differed compared with the control group (mean change 235.6 vs. 16.3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The home-based exercise program may improve the QOL and psychological health in colorectal cancer survivors. We have demonstrated that the home-based exercise program was effective in increasing the level of PA in colorectal cancer survivors.

Uncertainty and depression in people with Parkinson's disease: A cross-sectional study.

Adults with chronic disease may experience uncertainty and depression when coping with their illness. This study identifies degrees of uncertainty and depression, as well as factors associated with depression in people with Parkinson's disease. The 120 participants included patients who visited the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Seoul and individuals who attended public events managed by the Korean Parkinson's Disease Association. The mean age of the sample was 65.01 and 50.8% of patients were men. The mean scores of uncertainty and depression, measured using the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale and Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale were 99.03 and 6.73, respectively. Approximately 68% of participants scored above the cut-off score for depression. Multiple regression analyses showed that uncertainty, perceived health status, and fatigue were factors significantly associated with depression. Nurses should be aware of and address these factors and their effects in order to implement interventions to prevent depression in people with Parkinson's disease.

Cardiopulmonary fitness, adiponectin, chemerin associated fasting insulin level in colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Since circulating level of insulin is associated with colorectal cancer prognosis, it is important to identify factors contributing to fasting insulin level in colorectal cancer patients. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the association of physical fitness, adiponectin, and chemerin levels with circulating level of insulin in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 123 stage II-III colorectal cancer patients who completed standard cancer treatment were recruited. Anthropometric characteristics, fitness measurements, fasting insulin level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and adiponectin and chemerin levels were analyzed. RESULT: Cardiopulmonary fitness level inversely associated with fasting insulin levels (the least fit (1st tertile): 8.11 ± 0.64, moderately fit (2nd tertile): 6.02 ± 0.63, and highly fit (3rd tertile): 5.58 ± 0.66 µU/ml, unfit vs. moderately fit, p < 0.01; unfit vs. highly fit, p < 0.05) after adjustment for gender, age, stage, and BMI. In addition, fasting adiponectin and chemerin levels were associated with fasting insulin levels after adjustment for gender, age, stage, and BMI. In our combined analyses, participants with high adiponectin and low chemerin levels showed significantly lower fasting insulin levels (4.92 ± 0.75 vs. 8.07 ± 0.80 µU/ml, p < 0.01) compared with participants with low adiponectin and high chemerin levels. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that cardiopulmonary fitness and adiponectin levels (ß = -0.299, p = 0.002; ß = -0.201, p = 0.033) were independently associated with fasting insulin level. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that physical fitness and adiponectin and chemerin levels may contribute to circulating levels of insulin. These results suggest that exercise may influence the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients by influencing physical fitness level, circulating levels of adiponectin and chemerin.

Current use of drugs affecting the central nervous system for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is common among cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy with platinum analogues, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, epothilone, bortezomib, and thalidomide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the evidence of using drugs affecting the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate CIPN in cancer patients. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the CINAHL, EMBASE, and Medline databases to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) reported in English up to 2013. We identified ten trials of CNS-acting drugs used to treat CIPN in cancer patients and reviewed efficacy and safety of CNS-acting drugs for CIPN using a standard data collection form. The risk of bias in each RCT was also assessed. RESULTS: Antidepressants were used in six studies and anticonvulsants in four studies. We found positive results for amitriptyline (topical), venlafaxine, and oxcarbazepine in one study each, but the results were not sufficient to draw definite conclusions. One trial with duloxetine showed a moderate effect (effect size, 0.513, P = .003) on CIPN pain relief. However, none of the results has yet been duplicated in an RCT with a large sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient RCTs exist to confirm the efficacy of CNS agents to reduce CIPN. This study highlighted the need for and the importance of conducting well-designed RCTs to generate evidence on CIPN symptom management. Additional RCTs are warranted to accelerate the potential use of CNS drugs for CIPN in cancer patients.

Factors associated with willingness to participate in clinical trials: a nationwide survey study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate awareness of clinical trials (CTs) including perceptions of favorable feelings about, necessity for, and safety of CTs, the ultimate beneficiary of CTs and the factors associated with willingness to participate in CTs among the general population in South Korea. METHODS: A cross sectional survey study was conducted in a randomly selected national sample of 1,515 Korean. RESULTS: Perception toward CTs was measured using a scale from 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree). Respondents readily understood the necessity for CTs (M = 7.27, SD = 2.15); had moderately favorable feelings (M = 5.32, SD = 2.31) toward CTs and felt that these CTs were moderately safe (M = .71, SD = 1.90). Twenty-five percent of the respondents answered that they would be willing to participate in a CT in the future. Perception of the ultimate benefits of CTs, awareness, favorable feelings, safety, and necessity regarding CTs were identified as significant predictors of willingness to participate in CTs. CONCLUSION: An awareness of CTs and the perceptions toward CTs were associated with general public willingness to participate in a CT. Findings from this study can be used in planning outreach and recruitment strategies, and to understand the predictors of CT participation.

The effect of predominant breast-feeding on the risk of obesity in Korean preschool children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of predominant breast-feeding practices based on the criteria given by the World Health Organization and to identify the association between predominant breast-feeding during infancy and the development of obesity during preschool in South Korean children. This study employed a nonexperimental, retrospective study design. Five hundred and twenty-eight preschool children aged three to six years and their mothers were recruited. Twenty-seven percent of the participants engaged in predominant breast-feeding; on average they fed predominantly breast milk for the first 6.7 months. After adjusting for child and maternal characteristics, children who had mixed feeding were 1.68 times more likely to become obese than those who were predominantly breast-fed. In this study, it was identified that predominant breast-feeding has a positive effect on maintaining healthy body weight in Korean preschoolers. While encouraging predominant breast-feeding is only a part of the solution, it is an effective and important first step toward preventing preschool obesity.

Social network properties and self-rated health in later life: comparisons from the Korean social life, health, and aging project and the national social life, health and aging project.

BACKGROUND: This paper has two objectives. Firstly, it provides an overview of the social network module, data collection procedures, and measurement of ego-centric and complete-network properties in the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP). Secondly, it directly compares the KSHAP structure and results to the ego-centric network structure and results of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), which conducted in-home interviews with 3,005 persons 57 to 85 years of age in the United States. METHODS: The structure of the complete social network of 814 KSHAP respondents living in Township K was measured and examined at two levels of networks. Ego-centric network properties include network size, composition, volume of contact with network members, density, and bridging potential. Complete-network properties are degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, and brokerage role. RESULTS: We found that KSHAP respondents with a smaller number of social network members were more likely to be older and tended to have poorer self-rated health. Compared to the NSHAP, the KSHAP respondents maintained a smaller network size with a greater network density among their members and lower bridging potential. Further analysis of the complete network properties of KSHAP respondents revealed that more brokerage roles inside the same neighborhood (Ri) were significantly associated with better self-rated health. Socially isolated respondents identified by network components had the worst self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the importance of social network analysis for the study of older adults' health status in Korea. The study also highlights the importance of complete-network data and its ability to reveal mechanisms beyond ego-centric network data.