The Association of Job Stress, Quality of Sleep, and the Experience of Near-Miss Errors among Nurses in General Hospitals.

This study investigated the association of job stress, quality of sleep, and near-miss error experiences among nurses working in general hospitals. A convenience sample of 195 nurses with over 3 months of work experience in a general hospital participated in the study. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Factors influencing experiences of near-miss errors were examined through univariable and multivariate logistic regression. In total, 58.5% of nurses in a general hospital had experienced near-miss errors. Nurses in the upper job stress tertile (≥118) were 2.24 times more likely to encounter near-miss errors (95% CI: 1.07-4.69) and particularly 2.58 times (95% CI: 1.26-5.26) in falls and medical equipment-related near-miss errors. Nurses working more than 3 h of overtime per week had a 2.72 times higher (95% CI: 1.35-5.48) likelihood of experiencing near-miss errors related to falls and medical equipment and 4.03 times higher (95% CI: 1.92-8.45) likelihood of experiencing near-miss errors associated with examination procedures. To prevent near-miss errors among nurses in general hospitals, effective management of organizational job stress is crucial. Particularly for departments with a high level of overtime work (more than 3 h/week), it is essential to provide and manage educational programs on patient safety.

Evaluating Standardized Job Competencies for Managing Students at Risk for Anaphylaxis in Elementary School Nurses.

This study aimed to evaluate standardized job competencies of elementary school nurses in managing the health of students at risk for anaphylaxis (SRAs). A total of 166 elementary school nurses from across Korea participated in this study. The tool utilized was a list of standardized job tasks of elementary school nurses in managing SRAs' health. Seven factors were obtained from the factor analysis, with a cumulative variance explained of 68.6%. The importance-performance analysis method was employed to suggest priority areas for training. The factors placed in quadrant II included: (1) "offering psychological support", among elementary school nurses who have been provided with clinical information on anaphylaxis, (2) "providing emergency care", among those who have not been provided with clinical information on anaphylaxis, (3) the factors "utilizing individualized healthcare plans", "conducting health education and staff training", and "evaluating the student", among those who agreed that schools need legal protection to purchase epinephrine auto-injectors, and (4) the factor "preparing a school emergency system", among those with less than five years of experience as a school nurse. When planning continuing education strategies to improve elementary school nurses' management of SRAs, factors such as career experience, access to clinical information, and beliefs regarding legal protection for schools to purchase epinephrine auto-injectors should be considered.

Effectiveness of a Participatory Program for Improving the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health of Older Farmers in Rural Korea.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a participatory approach to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (CCV) health of older farmers in rural Korea. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Participants included 58 farmers aged ≥ 60 years who were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 28) or a comparative group (n = 30). The experimental group took part in the participatory program for CCV health, while the comparative group received a conventional lecture program for CCV health. The two groups, from pretest to posttest, were compared using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method. RESULTS: The participatory program showed a greater effect over time than the conventional lecture program for health empowerment (Χ2 = 7.92, p = 0.005) and self-efficacy in managing CCV health (Χ2 = 5.94, p = 0.015). The average rate of implemented improvements after 3 months was 88.9%, showing that the participatory program was successful. CONCLUSIONS: The participatory program for CCV health was an effective intervention for the empowerment and self-efficacy of older farmers in managing their own CCV health. Therefore, we recommend replacing lectures with participatory methods in CCV health programs for older farmers.

The Mediating Effect of Frailty in the Relationship between Depression and Falls among Older People Living Alone in Korea.

Background: We explored the potential mediating role of frailty in the relationship between depression and falls. Methods: The participants were 1,408 community-dwelling older people living alone in South Korea. The potential mediating role of frailty in the relationship between depression and falls was evaluated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Baron and Kenny's three-step criteria for mediation were used to examine the mediating effect. Results: Frailty fully mediated the association between severe depression and falls in univariate (t=11.58, P<.05) and multivariate (t=10.42, P<.05) analyses. Conclusion: Frailty is a valuable target for fall interventions in severely depressed older people living alone.

Effects of a Worksite-Based Self-Management Program in Traditional Retail Market Workers: Longitudinal Associations with Metabolic Parameters.

(1) Background: This study explored the effects of a worksite-based self-management program on metabolic parameters in traditional retail market workers during a 3-year period. (2) Methods: Seventy traditional retail market workers who completed 3 years of follow-up were included in this study. The worksite-based self-management program was developed to help traditional retail market workers manage metabolic parameters themselves based on the following content: (I) using a metabolic syndrome action checklist, (II) counseling, (III) creating improvement action plans, and (IV) evaluating implemented improvements. (3) Results: The rates of implemented improvements showed success. Fasting blood sugar and triglycerides showed yearly reductions from baseline for 3 years, which eventually led to a decreased metabolic syndrome score and maintenance of metabolic parameters in the normal range for 3 years. (4) Conclusions: A worksite-based self-management program on metabolic parameters in traditional retail market workers was effective. It improved their intention to self-assess and cope their health problems and eventually decreased their metabolic syndrome score. It should be considered for the primary prevention of metabolic syndrome among traditional retail market workers.

Three-dimensional electronic microfliers inspired by wind-dispersed seeds.

Large, distributed collections of miniaturized, wireless electronic devices1,2 may form the basis of future systems for environmental monitoring3, population surveillance4, disease management5 and other applications that demand coverage over expansive spatial scales. Aerial schemes to distribute the components for such networks are required, and-inspired by wind-dispersed seeds6-we examined passive structures designed for controlled, unpowered flight across natural environments or city settings. Techniques in mechanically guided assembly of three-dimensional (3D) mesostructures7-9 provide access to miniature, 3D fliers optimized for such purposes, in processes that align with the most sophisticated production techniques for electronic, optoelectronic, microfluidic and microelectromechanical technologies. Here we demonstrate a range of 3D macro-, meso- and microscale fliers produced in this manner, including those that incorporate active electronic and colorimetric payloads. Analytical, computational and experimental studies of the aerodynamics of high-performance structures of this type establish a set of fundamental considerations in bio-inspired design, with a focus on 3D fliers that exhibit controlled rotational kinematics and low terminal velocities. An approach that represents these complex 3D structures as discrete numbers of blades captures the essential physics in simple, analytical scaling forms, validated by computational and experimental results. Battery-free, wireless devices and colorimetric sensors for environmental measurements provide simple examples of a wide spectrum of applications of these unusual concepts.

Effect of air cleaner on stress hormones of pig and pork quality.

The objective of this study is to investigate effect of air cleaner operated during pig breeding period on stress hormones of pigs and their pork quality. The stress hormones (cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine) in blood sample of pigs reared in the housing rooms with or without air cleaner have been measured according to a pig's rearing stage: 0 day (farrowing), 21st day (farrowing-weaning), 70th day (weaning-nursery), 140th day (nursery-growing), and 180th day (growing-fattening). The comparison of pork quality according to the application of an air cleaner was performed through the carcass analysis of the pigs shipped from swine house. The levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in pigs reared in housing rooms with and without air cleaners were found to be within the range of normal reference values. Among pork quality evaluation items, the thickness of intermuscular fat and final carcass grade of pigs raised in housing room with air cleaner was generally superior to those of pigs raised in housing room without air cleaner (p < 0.05). Based on the results obtained from this study, it is concluded that air cleaner does not have a significant effect on reducing pig stress but contributes to improving pork quality in pig breeding.

Factors Included in T1DM Continuing Education for Korean School Nurses: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: The aim of this systematic review was to identify key factors for inclusion in continuing education for Korean school nurses to improve their competence in managing students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). (2) Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. (3) Results: Twelve studies were included in this systematic literature review. The factors identified for inclusion in continuing education on Type 1 diabetes mellitus included 6 competencies. These were strengthening competence in managing students with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, facilitating networking with experts and peers, the perspective of the school nurse as a leader, use of a type 1 diabetes mellitus-specific evidence-based standardized approach of care, supporting self-management to promote healthy learners, and communication and collaboration between key stakeholders. Identified barriers to accessing continuing education on type 1 diabetes mellitus were work demands, difficulty taking time off during the school year, and limited support from administrators. (4) Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, online or e-learning continuing education on type 1 diabetes mellitus must be developed for school nurses who manage students with this condition.

Sex differences in metabolic risk indicator of dementia in an elderly urban Korean population: A community-based cross-sectional study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the age-specific prevalence of dementia, and develop a metabolic risk indicator for dementia according to sex. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2007 through December 2012 with 19 935 elderly participants in metropolitan Seoul, Korea. Multiphase assessments were used to measure metabolic risk factors and confirm dementia according to sex. Specifically, multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify how elderly men and women differed in regard to metabolic risk indicators of dementia. RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence rates of dementia in elderly Seoul residents were estimated at 4.9%, 6.1% and 5.6% in men, women and the overall population, respectively. Stroke conferred an odds ratio of 5.14 (95% CI 3.91-6.77) and 2.55 (95% CI 2.01-3.25) in men and women, respectively. Additionally, within the female population, diabetes mellitus conferred an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% CI 1.09-1.53), whereas alcohol consumption conferred an odds ratio of 0.77 (95% CI 0.61-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke played a primary role as a metabolic risk indicator of dementia in elderly men, while diabetes mellitus and alcohol abstinence were important metabolic risk factors in elderly women. Taken together, the data show that when designing preventative measures against dementia based on metabolic risk, sex needs to be taken into account. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2136-2142.

Relationship between Clinical Parameters and Brain Structure in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients According to Onset Type: A Voxel-Based Morphometric Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing, phenotypically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease affecting mainly the motor neuron system. The present voxel-based morphometry (VBM) study investigated whether patterns of brain atrophy differ among sporadic ALS subtypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sporadic ALS patients (n = 62) with normal cognition and age-matched healthy controls (n = 57) were included in the study. ALS patients were divided into limb- and bulbar-onset groups according to clinical manifestations at symptom onset (n = 48 and 14, respectively). Clinical measures were ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, disease duration, and forced vital capacity (FVC). Patterns of brain atrophy between ALS subgroups were compared by VBM. RESULTS: In limb-onset ALS patients, atrophy was largely confined to the motor cortex and adjacent pre- and postcentral regions. However, in the bulbar-onset group, affected regions were more widespread and included these same areas but also extended to the bilateral frontotemporal and left superior temporal and supramarginal gyri, and multiple regression analysis revealed that their ALSFRS-R scores were associated with extensive loss of gray matter while FVC was related to atrophy in subcortical regions of the left superior temporal gyrus. In limb-onset ALS patients, disease duration was related to the degree of atrophy in the motor and adjacent areas. CONCLUSION: Sporadic ALS subtypes show different patterns of brain atrophy. Neural networks related to limb and bulbar motor functions in each ALS subtype may underlie their distinct patterns of cerebral atrophy. That is, more extensive cortical and subcortical atrophy is correlated with greater ALSFRS-R severity and shorter disease duration in the bulbar-onset subtype and may explain the poor prognosis of these patients.

Analysis of Workplace Health Education Performed by Occupational Health Managers in Korea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate workplace health education as practiced by occupational health managers based on standardized job tasks and suggest priority tasks and areas to be trained. METHODS: The study was conducted between November 10, 2013 and April 30, 2014. The tool used in this study was standardized job tasks of workplace health education for occupational health managers which was developed through methodological steps. It was evaluated by 233 worksite occupational health managers. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: Predicting variables of workplace health education performance were the "analysis and planning" factor, type of enterprise, and form of management. Healthcare professionals and occupational health managers who managed the nonmanufacturing industry showed high importance and low performance level in "analysis and planning" factor. CONCLUSIONS: "Analysis and planning" skill is priority training area for healthcare professionals and occupational health managers who managed nonmanufacturing industry. It is necessary to develop a training curriculum for occupational health managers that include improving analysis of worksites and plans for a health education program.

Effect of occupational health nursing practice on musculoskeletal pains among hospital nursing staff in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify whether occupational health nursing variables serve as the contributing factors to musculoskeletal pains (MSP). METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire composed of demographic characteristics, the practice of occupational health nursing and information regarding MSP was designed based on in-depth interviews with eight nurses. This study included 226 hospital nursing staff who worked at three university hospitals located in Seoul, South Korea. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS and AMOS 19.0. RESULTS: Shoulder and neck pains occurred when subjects worked more than 46 h/week. Subjects who performed 'work-time adjustment' had lesser chance of having shoulder, leg/foot and wrist/finger pains. Overtime work hours showed an indirect effect on multiple sites of MSP by mediator variable, which was 'work-time adjustment'. Organized night duty days eventually decreased multiple sites of MSP. CONCLUSION: Administration strategies for nurses to adjust work-time within 46 h/week should be considered.

Utility of action checklists as a consensus building tool.

The present study's objective was to determine the mechanisms for enhancing the utility of action checklists applied in participatory approach programs for workplace improvements, to identify the benefits of building consensus and to compare their applicability in Asian countries to find the most appropriate configuration for action checklists. Data were collected from eight trainees and 43 trainers with experience in Participatory Action-Oriented Training. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS using the package PASW, version 19.0. The difference in the mean score for the degree of the utility of action checklists between countries was analyzed using ANOVA methods. Factor analysis was performed to validate the action checklists' utility. Pearson Correlation Coefficients were then calculated to determine the direction and strength of the relationship between these factors. Using responses obtained from trainees' in-depth interviews, we identified 33 key statements that were then classified into 11 thematic clusters. Five factors were extracted, namely "ease of application", "practical solutions", "group interaction", "multifaceted perspective" and "active involvement". The action checklist was useful for facilitating a participatory process among trainees and trainers for improving working conditions. Action checklists showed similar patterns of utility in various Asian countries; particularly when adjusted to local conditions.