Exploring factors influencing health-related quality of life in adult females with injuries: a cross-sectional nationwide study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the types of injury experiences affecting adult females and the associations between injury experiences and health-related quality of life.MethodsThis study used a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which employed a stratified multistage probability sampling design to obtain nationally representative data. Health-related quality of life was measured with the EuroQol Five-Dimension and consisted of mobility, self-care, usual activity, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression.ResultsAmong women aged 19–64, the prevalence of injury experience was 5.9%. Women’s injury experience varied by age, subjective health perception, menstruation details, osteoporosis status, and osteoarthritis status. The following injury experience–related factors were significantly associated with health-related quality of life: self-care (odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–0.60), usual activity (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27–0.70), and pain/discomfort (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44–0.72).ConclusionHealth-related quality of life among adult women was significantly associated with injury experience. The results of this study highlight risk factors for injury that are associated with aging, such as menopause, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Accurate assessments of pain and discomfort, as well as daily activities, are essential for designing effective interventions for injured women. Tailored training and education can promote self-management and improve outcomes for recovery

Prevalence of irregular menstruation according to socioeconomic status: A population-based nationwide cross-sectional study.

Irregular menstruation is an important indicator of current and potential health problems. A woman's health is greatly influenced by her socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of irregular menstruation by socioeconomic status among South Korean women. Secondary data analyses were conducted among 4,709 women, aged 19-54 years, using raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010-2012), a nationally representative survey. Compared to women who graduated from university, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for those who graduated from elementary school or lower, middle school, and high school were 3.256 (1.969-5.385), 2.857 (1.866-4.376), and 1.607 (1.261-2.048), respectively. Compared to women with a medium-high income level, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for women with the highest household income level was 1.409 (1.091-1.819). Irregular menstruation was prevalent among adult women and appeared to be associated with socioeconomic status, especially in terms of education and household income. This study's findings suggest that attention must be paid to women with low educational levels or high household incomes, to ensure early diagnosis and the provision of medical attention for irregular menstruation

Nursing students’ clinical practice education experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Nursing education, including some elements of clinical practice, has largely been conducted online during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Numerous studies have examined the experiences of nursing students in academia during the pandemic. However, research on nursing students’ clinical practice experiences is limited. This study aimed to analyze nursing students’ clinical practice experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study used a qualitative research design and performed thematic analysis. Participants comprised 13 nursing university students with clinical practice experience at a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted either online or face-to-face. Data were collected during June‒July 2021. Results Four themes and eight subthemes were generated through thematic analysis. Theme 1 was “Nursing students’ anxiety and strict adherence to quarantine practices,” with the subthemes of “Fear of infection” and “Protecting themselves.” Theme 2 was “Nursing students’ belief that their organization is protecting them,” with the subthemes of “Strict quarantine rules at hospitals and universities” and “The nursing students regretted the limited scope of practice but felt safe.” Theme 3 was “Learning through valuable practice,” with the subthemes of “Recognizing the importance of practice” and “Realizing the benefits of practice.” Theme 4 was “A sense of duty as a prospective nurse,” with the subthemes of “Accepting a sense of duty as a nurse” and “Establishing the expanded role of a nurse.” Conclusions The nursing students recognized the importance of nursing practice during the pandemic and worked harder. A better understanding of the experiences of nursing university students who completed their clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic can help nursing professors and managers more effectively train students during times of high stress

Difficulties faced by university students with self-reported symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persists into adolescence and adulthood; however, few studies have analyzed the experiences of university students with ADHD. This study explored the difficulties experienced by university students with ADHD symptoms. Methods Between December 2015 and February 2016, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 university students with self-reported ADHD symptoms. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Difficulties in university life were classified into four main themes (lack of daily routine, unsatisfactory academic performance and achievement, reduced interpersonal skills, and continuing worries) and analyzed. University students with ADHD symptoms had difficulties coping with repeated cycles of negative thoughts and worries, irregular lifestyles due to poor time management, dissatisfaction with academic performance and interpersonal relationships, self-dissatisfaction, and decreased self-esteem. Conclusion To improve their university experience, students with ADHD should receive education about ways to stop worrying, to express emotions healthily, and to manage time efficiently

Mental Health Status of Adults with Cardiovascular or Metabolic Diseases by Gender

This study aimed to compare mental health in people with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases and the general adult population in each gender. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases affect mental health, and the prognosis and incidence rates of these diseases differ by age. To date, studies comparing mental health in adults with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases by gender and with the general population have been insufficient. This work is a cross-sectional study. Data from 9828 men and 13,389 women aged 19 years or older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V and VI (2010–2013) were used. Men and women with cardiovascular diseases showed high risks of stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Men with metabolic diseases had worse mental health in relation to depression and suicidal ideation, and women with metabolic diseases in relation to stress and depression, indicating a need for intervention and management of mental health by gender for these individuals. There is a need to develop a clear perception and understanding, both among practitioners and the general population, of mental health issues associated with having cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Active, specific health improvement and training programmes considering gender differences are necessary