Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (K-PSS-10) in Older Adults.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (K-PSS-10). After translation and back-translation of the original PSS-10, a convenience sample of 342 community-dwelling older adults was recruited from senior community centers. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha. Using factor analysis with principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation, two factors were extracted. The two-factor solution explained 49.71% of the total variance. Internal consistency values for negative and positive subdomains were 0.87 and 0.71, respectively. Moderate relationships were found between a negative response to stress and depression (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and quality of life (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). A positive response to stress had moderate significant correlations with depression (r = 0.30, p < 0.001) and quality of life (r = -0.36, p < 0.001). Overall, the K-PSS-10 had good reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.75. The K-PSS-10 demonstrated the desired psychometric properties and was easy to use to assess the stress of community-dwelling older adults in Korea.

Influence of culture and community perceptions on birth and perinatal care of immigrant women: doulas' perspective.

A qualitative study examined the perceptions of doulas practicing in Washington State regarding the influence of cultural and community beliefs on immigrant women's birth and perinatal care, as well as their own cultural beliefs and values that may affect their ability to work interculturally. The findings suggest that doulas can greatly aid immigrant mothers in gaining access to effective care by acting as advocates, cultural brokers, and emotional and social support. Also, doulas share a consistent set of professional values, including empowerment, informed choice, cultural relativism, and scientific/evidence-based practice, but do not always recognize these values as culturally based. More emphasis on cultural self-awareness in doula training, expanding community doula programs, and more integration of doula services in health-care settings are recommended.