Learning outcomes of a mobile application for dental infection control education.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to apply and verify the effectiveness of a mobile-based dental infection control education application to enable students majoring in dental hygiene to learning dental infection control education without time and space constraints. METHODS: This study used a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design to examine differences in learning outcomes between an experimental group that learned through the mobile application and a control group that learned with handouts. The Infection Prevention and Control Mobile Application (IPC App) and handouts were developed by referring to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Dental Settings. Both the experimental and control groups were guided to perform self-regulated learning, where they independently led and managed their learning for two weeks. The study was conducted at the D university college with 42 students from the second grade in the Department of Dental Hygiene from August to October 2021. Differences in knowledge, self-efficacy, and summative evaluation were analyzed using an independent sample t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The findings confirmed that the experimental group who learned through the IPC mobile application had improved their knowledge and indicated a higher summative evaluation than the control group that learned via learning documents (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the high accessibility and repeatability of the learning content, the mobile application recommended in this study may serve as an effective self-directed learning tool for students to gain knowledge on the standard precautions for dental infection control.

MicroRNA-dependent inhibition of WEE1 controls cancer stem-like characteristics and malignant behavior in ovarian cancer.

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) have been suggested to be responsible for chemoresistance and tumor recurrence owing to their self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential. Although WEE1 is a strong candidate target for anticancer therapies, its role in ovarian CSCs is yet to be elucidated. Here, we show that WEE1 plays a key role in regulating CSC properties and tumor resistance to carboplatin via a microRNA-dependent mechanism. We found that WEE1 expression is upregulated in ovarian cancer spheroids because of the decreased expression of miR-424 and miR-503, which directly target WEE1. The overexpression of miR-424/503 suppressed CSC activity by inhibiting WEE1 expression, but this effect was reversed on the restoration of WEE1 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NANOG modulates the miR-424/503-WEE1 axis that regulates the properties of CSCs. We also demonstrated the pharmacological restoration of the NANOG-miR-424/503-WEE1 axis and attenuation of ovarian CSC characteristics in response to atorvastatin treatment. Lastly, miR-424/503-mediated WEE1 inhibition re-sensitized chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells to carboplatin. Additionally, combined treatment with atorvastatin and carboplatin synergistically reduced tumor growth, chemoresistance, and peritoneal seeding in the intraperitoneal mouse models of ovarian cancer. We identified a novel NANOG-miR-424/503-WEE1 pathway for regulating ovarian CSCs, which has potential therapeutic utility in ovarian cancer treatment.

Psycho-behavioural factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults: The moderating role of age.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify the psycho-behavioural factors influencing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults. We examined the primary effects of eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self-efficacy on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy using the information-motivation-behavioural skills (IMB) model. The moderating effect of age on the relationship between psycho-behavioural factors and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was also examined. DESIGN: The study used a cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: An online survey was completed by 500 Korean adults (253 men and 247 women) aged 20-60 years. Data collection took place in May 2021. The constructed hypothetical model for eHealth literacy, social responsibility, self-efficacy and age was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). RESULTS: eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self-efficacy had significant negative effects on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Age had a significant moderating effect on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The moderating effects of age on the relationship between eHealth literacy and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and between social responsibility and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy enhanced the explanatory power by high effect size. The overall fitness of the hypothetical model was good. The standardized root mean square residual value was 0.007, which explained 18.5% of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSION: To reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults, a strategic approach that considers age should be adopted to enhance eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self-efficacy. IMPACT: The findings of this study suggest that providing correct health information online related to the COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be effective in decreasing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in older individuals, whereas inspiring a sense of social responsibility is more likely to be effective in younger individuals. These strategic nursing interventions could contribute to improving COVID-19 vaccination rates among Korean adults.

Development of a mobile-based self-management health alarm program for obese children in South Korea and a test of its feasibility for metabolic outcomes: A study based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a mobile-based self-management health alarm (MSHA) program for modifying obese children's lifestyle based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model and to test its feasibility. METHODS: A methodological study for the development of the MSHA program and pilot study with a one-group pretest-posttest design for feasibility testing was conducted. The MSHA program was designed to provide obesity-related information (I), monitor daily diet and exercise, provide motivational text messages (M), and enhance healthy diet and exercise skills (B) via a mobile-based web platform. In the feasibility test, six obese children participated in the 4-week program, and the number of days per week that they achieved their goals and differences in metabolic components were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Participants successfully achieved their diet and exercise goals ≥ 5 days per week. Body mass index (z=-1.99, p=.046), waist circumference (z=-2.20, p=.028), and triglyceride levels (z=-2.21, p=.027) significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: The MSHA program showed positive effects on health behaviors and metabolic syndrome risk. The program may be effective in improving metabolic syndrome in obese children by promoting self-health management behaviors.

Gender and age differences in the prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents in South Korea.

PURPOSE: This study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in South Korean children and adolescents by gender and age and analyzed gender-specific factors associated with MetS. METHODS: This study used data on children aged 10-18 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2015. Analyses included descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, the x 2 test, and univariate logistic regression analysis (p<.050). RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 4.8% in boys and 3.4% in girls. The prevalence was higher in girls up to the age of 12, but higher in boys who were 13 or older. Abdominal obesity was frequent in girls, whereas low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and elevated blood pressure were more common in boys. Higher body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-C, perceived "fat" body shape, and weight loss efforts were associated with MetS in both genders. Increasing age, having one meal per day, and weight maintenance were associated factors unique to boys. Fasting plasma glucose, familial medical history of low HDL-C, and perceived "thin" body shape were associated factors in girls. CONCLUSION: Gender and age differences should be considered in the risk assessment and prevention of MetS.

Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Energy Drink Consumption in Korean Nursing Students: Never-consumers versus Ever-consumers.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the status of caffeine-containing energy drink consumption among Korean nursing students and to identify associated psychological factors. METHODS: In total, 187 Korean nursing students participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to identify participants' general characteristics and psychosocial factors (self-esteem, academic stress, depression, and college adjustment) associated with energy drink consumption. Data were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics, the x 2 test, the t-test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: More than two-thirds (73.3%) of the participants had consumed energy drinks. Among the investigated psychological factors, depression appeared to most strongly influence energy drink consumption behaviors in this population. CONCLUSION: The consumption of caffeine-containing energy drinks was found to be common among nursing students preparing to become health care professionals; depressed nursing students were more likely to have consumed energy drinks than non-depressed students. Nursing educators should emphasize the early detection of unhealthy beverage consumption habits and provide appropriate education to enhance healthy behaviors in future health care professionals.

Incivility experiences in clinical practicum education among nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students' incivility experiences not only cause stress and burnout but also have other negative effects on general clinical training, hindering their learning or even affecting their career decisions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively and thoroughly examine the specific phenomena and implications of incivility experienced by nursing students during clinical practicum. DESIGN: Based on the hermeneutical philosophy, this study utilizes an exploratory and qualitative design to describe the incivility experiences among nursing students undertaking clinical practicum. SETTING: This study was conducted at Y nursing college located in W city of South Korea. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were nursing students attending nursing colleges who were able to describe, in detail, their incivility experiences in clinical practice. These 32 senior-year students completed an entire course of clinical practice. METHODS: Data were collected through focus group interviews from September to November 2017. The focus group comprised 6 subgroups, with four to seven individuals each. For data analysis, the research manager compared the transcriptions with the recordings to confirm their accuracy. Qualitative content analysis methods were used to analyze the transcription contents. RESULTS: Based on the data analysis, 5 themes and 12 subheadings were derived from 131 significant statements. The derived themes included lack of respect, lack of role models, excessive demands, hostile behavior, and mean behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students felt neglected and disrespected during clinical practicum, and clinical practice guides made unreasonable demands rather than presenting examples as role models during the learning process. The students also experienced mean behaviors such as refusal and hostile acts. The findings of this study imply the necessity to promote clinical practicum environments that can reduce incivility experiences and empower nursing students undertaking clinical practicum education.

A PPARγ-dependent miR-424/503-CD40 axis regulates inflammation mediated angiogenesis.

Activation of the endothelium by pro-inflammatory stimuli plays a key role in the pathogenesis of a multitude of vascular diseases. Angiogenesis is a crucial component of the vascular response associated with inflammatory signaling. The CD40/CD40 ligand dyad in endothelial cells (EC) has a central role in promoting vascular inflammatory response; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this component of inflammation and angiogenesis is not fully understood. Here we report a novel microRNA mediated suppression of endothelial CD40 expression. We found that CD40 is closely regulated by miR-424 and miR-503, which directly target its 3' untranslated region. Pro-inflammatory stimuli led to increased endothelial CD40 expression, at least in part due to decreased miR-424 and miR-503 expression. In addition, miR-424 and miR-503 reduced LPS induced EC sprouting, migration and tube formation. Moreover, we found that miR-424 and miR-503 expression is directly regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), whose endothelial expression and activity are decreased in response to inflammatory factors. Finally, we demonstrate that mice with endothelial-specific deletion of miR-322 (miR-424 ortholog) and miR-503 have augmented angiogenic response to LPS in a Matrigel plug assay. Overall, these studies identify a PPARγ-dependent miR-424/503-CD40 signaling axis that is critical for regulation of inflammation mediated angiogenesis.

Endothelial miR-26a regulates VEGF-Nogo-B receptor-mediated angiogenesis.

The Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) is necessary for not only Nogo-B-mediated angiogenesis but also vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -induced angiogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory role of the VEGF-NgBR axis in angiogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we report that miR-26a serves as a critical regulator of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis through directly targeting NgBR in endothelial cells (ECs). Stimulation of ECs by VEGF increased the expression of NgBR and decreased the expression of miR-26a. In addition, miR-26a decreased the VEGF-induced migration and proliferation of ECs. Moreover, miR-26a overexpression in ECs decreased the VEGF-induced phosphorylation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the production of nitric oxide, which is important for angiogenesis. Overall, our data suggest that miR-26a plays a key role in VEGF-mediated angiogenesis through the modulation of eNOS activity, which is mediated by its ability to regulate NgBR expression by directly targeting the NgBR 3'-UTR. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(7): 384-389].

Influence of Leisure Competence and Level of Leisure Activity on Life Satisfaction in Low-Income Older Adults in Rural South Korea.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationships among leisure competence, level of leisure activity, and life satisfaction in low-income older adults in rural South Korea. A sample of 137 older adults answered the study questionnaire, and significant differences in leisure competence were noted depending on age, religion, and perceived health status as well as level of leisure activity based on perceived health status and type of leisure activities. There were also notable differences in life satisfaction regarding religion and perceived health status, and a correlation among leisure competence, level of leisure activity, and life satisfaction; the influencing power of leisure competence and level of leisure activity on life satisfaction was 47%. The findings suggest that enhancement of older adults' leisure competence may increase participation in leisure activities. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(2):67-75.].

Trends in new species discovery of Orthoptera (Insecta) from Southeast Asia.

The orthopterans are diverse insects and play important roles in the ecosystem as well as having "love-hate relationship" with humans. Documentation of diversity in Southeast Asia has long history but remains incomplete. Using information of type specimens and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, we investigated the following questions on new species discovery for the region, specifically: (1) How are new species discoveries of orthopterans distributed in Southeast Asia? (2) How have new species discoveries changed with time? (3) How do new species discoveries relate to the countries of the type depositories? We found that new species discoveries, relative to sampling, are fragmentary in Southeast Asia and changes with different time periods. We also find type depositories tightly linked to the human (colonial) history of Southeast Asian countries. We provide some recommendations and hope that this can help to accelerate the study of orthopteran diversity in the region.

Psychometric evaluation of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Revised questionnaire among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Revised (SRS-22r) questionnaire among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Of the initial 122 adolescents surveyed, 87 adolescents returned the second questionnaire, which assessed test-retest reliability between SRS-22r and the pediatric quality of life inventory questionnaire (PedsQL 4.0). The results were found to be reliable and valid, with acceptable internal consistency, intraclass correlation, and moderate correlation with a similar questionnaire. The SRS-22r can be used to assess health-related quality of life internationally among adolescents with scoliosis.

Negative regulation of NOD1 mediated angiogenesis by PPARγ-regulated miR-125a.

Infection with pathogens activates the endothelial cell and its sustained activation may result in impaired endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the pathologic angiogenesis that is characteristic of infection-induced inflammatory pathway activation. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1) is a protein receptor which recognizes bacterial molecules and stimulates an immune reaction in various cells; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms in the regulation of inflammation-triggered angiogenesis are not fully understood. Here we report that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-mediated miR-125a serves as an important regulator of NOD1 agonist-mediated angiogenesis in endothelial cells by directly targeting NOD1. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with natural PPARγ ligand, 15-Deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2, led to inhibition of NOD1 expression; contrarily, protein levels of NOD1 were significantly increased by PPARγ knockdown. We report that PPARγ regulation of NOD1 expression is a novel microRNA-mediated regulation in endothelial cells. MiR-125a expression was markedly decreased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to PPARγ knockdown while 15-Deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 treatment increased the level of miR-125a. In addition, NOD1 is closely regulated by miR-125a, which directly targets the 3' untranslated region of NOD1. Moreover, both overexpression of miR-125a and PPARγ activation led to inhibition of NOD1 agonist-induced tube formation in endothelial cells. Finally, NOD1 agonist increased the formation of cranial and subintestinal vessel plexus in zebrafish, and this effect was abrogated by concurrent PPARγ activation. Overall, these findings identify a PPARγ-miR-125a-NOD1 signaling axis in endothelial cells that is critical in the regulation of inflammation-mediated angiogenesis.

Health-related quality of life of adolescents conservatively treated for idiopathic scoliosis in Korea: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Young adolescents with scoliosis are more likely than adults to experience psychological distress affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Adolescence is a sensitive period of psychological development, and thus physical deformity from scoliosis can negatively affect body image and appearance of adolescents. The present study evaluated HRQoL in young Korean adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and identified related factors. METHODS: One hundred and ten adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis were recruited from two tertiary hospital outpatient clinics over one year. HRQoL was measured using the Korean version of the Scoliosis Research Society 22 revision (SRS-22r) questionnaire. In addition, participant medical records were reviewed to collect data on severity of scoliosis, type of treatment and age at which they were first diagnosed with the disease. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 14.2 years and 48.2 % were first diagnosed at 9-12 years. Most participants (61.8 %) were under observation to follow up the curvature progression and 20.9 % received regular physiotherapy. Almost half the participants (47.3 %) had mild (10°-25°), 41.8 % moderate (25°-40°), and 10.9 % severe (>40°) scoliosis. The total score of the SRS-22r differed significantly between the groups of age at diagnosis (p = 0.033) and type of treatment (p = 0.025). Self-image, a sub-domain of the SRS 22r, was significantly lower in the severe curve deformity group than in the other groups (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: An earlier age of scoliosis diagnosis and conservative treatment were related to higher HRQoL scores of Korean adolescents with scoliosis. Although the overall HRQoL did not significantly differ by severity of disease, self-image was significantly decreased in adolescents with severe spinal deformity. HRQoL of adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis can be affected by several factors that medical staff needs to consider in order to produce the best and most effective treatment outcomes.

Factors affecting Korean nursing student empowerment in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the phenomenon of nursing student empowerment in clinical practice is important. Investigating the cognition of empowerment and identifying predictors are necessary to enhance nursing student empowerment in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To identify empowerment predictors for Korean nursing students in clinical practice based on studies by Bradbury-Jones et al. and Spreitzer. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used for this study. SETTING: This study was performed in three nursing colleges in Korea, all of which had similar baccalaureate nursing curricula. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred seven junior or senior nursing students completed a survey designed to measure factors that were hypothesized to influence nursing student empowerment in clinical practice. METHODS: Data were collected from November to December 2011. Study variables included self-esteem, clinical decision making, being valued as a learner, satisfaction regarding practice with a team member, perception on professor/instructor/clinical preceptor attitude, and total number of clinical practice fields. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: All of the hypothesized study variables were significantly correlated to nursing student empowerment. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that clinical decision making in nursing (t=7.59, p<0.001), being valued as a learner (t=6.24, p<0.001), self-esteem (t=3.62, p<0.001), and total number of clinical practice fields (t=2.06, p=0.040). The explanatory power of these predictors was 35% (F=40.71, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Enhancing nursing student empowerment in clinical practice will be possible by using educational strategies to improve nursing student clinical decision making. Simultaneously, attitudes of nurse educators are also important to ensure that nursing students are treated as valued learners and to increase student self-esteem in clinical practice. Finally, diverse clinical practice field environments should be considered to enhance experience.

Epigenetic modulation as a therapeutic approach for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive and currently incurable disease, which is characterized by vascular remodeling in association with muscularization of the arterioles, medial thickening and plexiform lesion formation. Despite our advanced understanding of the pathogenesis of PAH and the recent therapeutic advances, PAH still remains a fatal disease. In addition, the susceptibility to PAH has not yet been adequately explained. Much evidence points to the involvement of epigenetic changes in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases including cancer, peripheral hypertension and asthma. The knowledge gained from the epigenetic study of various human diseases can also be applied to PAH. Thus, the pursuit of novel therapeutic targets via understanding the epigenetic alterations involved in the pathogenesis of PAH, such as DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA, might be an attractive therapeutic avenue for the development of a novel and more effective treatment. This review provides a general overview of the current advances in epigenetics associated with PAH, and discusses the potential for improved treatment through understanding the role of epigenetics in the development of PAH.

Factors affecting aggression in South Korean middle school students.

PURPOSE: The study was undertaken to assess levels of aggression, and to determine factors affecting aggression among South Korean middle school students. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using self-report questionnaires. The participants were 340 girls and boys from two middle schools and 302 questionnaires were used for the final data analysis. Aggression, academic stress, depression, self esteem, decision-making competency, and happiness were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including t tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple regressions. RESULTS: Aggression had significant correlations with academic stress (r = .21, p < .001), depression (r = .43, p < .001), self esteem (r = -.25, p < .001), decision-making competency (r = -.25, p < .001), and happiness (r = -.21, p < .001). Mean score for aggression was 2.49 out of 5. Significant explanatory variables for aggression were grade (t = 4.39, p < .001), academic stress (t = 2.78, p = .006), and depression (t = 5.03, p < .001). The explanatory power of these factors was 26.9%, and this was statistically significant (F = 16.06, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that depression, academic stress, and grade (second grade) influence aggression. To decrease aggressive behavior, it is necessary to provide systematic and political programs in schools and local communities that can ameliorate negative emotional factors like depression and academic stress. Additionally, development of positive factors such as self esteem, decision-making skills, and happiness in middle school students is important to reduce aggression.

Therapeutic implications of microRNAs in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that play critical posttranscriptional regulatory roles typically through targeting of the 3'-untranslated region of messenger RNA (mRNA). Mature miRNAs are known to be involved in global cellular processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and organogenesis, due to their capacity to target multiple mRNAs. Thus, imbalances in the expression and/or activity of miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a progressive disease characterized by vascular remodeling due to excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Recently, studies have evaluated the roles of miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of PAH in these pulmonary vascular cells. This review provides an overview of recent discoveries on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PAH and discusses the potential for miRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers of PAH.

Posture management program based on theory of planned behavior for adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a devised posture management program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. It involved a nonequivalent comparison group design with pretest and posttest. Forty-four female adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis participated; data from 35 participants (20 for the test group, 15 for the control group) were used for the final analyses. The devised posture management program ran for 6 weeks. Posture management behavioral determinants (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention) as cognitive outcomes and muscular strength and flexibility as physical outcomes were measured three times: at baseline, week 6 and week 8. Cobb's angle as another physical outcome was measured twice: at baseline and week 8. Descriptive analysis, repeated measures analysis of variance and t test were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Attitude, perceived control, and behavioral intention were consistently enhanced by the posture management program. The intervention increased flexibility and muscular strength and decreased Cobb's angle, which reduced spinal curvature. Frequency of posture management exercise showed a gradual increase in the test group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the posture management program is effective in maintaining posture management behavior in adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis for both cognitive and physical outcomes. The posture management program should be helpful in expanding the role of school nurses in improving the health status of adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis.

Factors Affecting the Perception of Importance and Practice of Patient Safety Management among Hospital Employees in Korea.

PURPOSE: The study was undertaken to identify factors affecting perception of the importance and practice of patient safety management (PSM) among hospital employees in Korea. METHODS: This study was conducted using a descriptive design and a self-report questionnaire. Two hundred and eighty employees were recruited from three hospitals using a convenience sampling method. Measures were perception of the importance, practice, and characteristics of PSM. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression. RESULTS: Factors affecting perception of the importance of PSM were whether hospital employees were in contact with patients while on duty, weekly working hours, education on PSM, and perceived adequacy of PSM system construction. Factors affecting the practice of PSM were perceived adequacy of work load, perceived adequacy of PSM system construction and perception of its importance. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate a need for developing strategies to improve perception of the importance and practice of PSM among all hospital employees, and provide a reference for future experimental studies.