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Evaluating the needs of colorectal cancer survivors is critical for developing and providing effective supportive services; however, little is known about the specific needs of the survivors.The aim of this study was to examine the types of social support that colorectal cancer survivors need at each treatment phase.Data were extracted using text-mining analysis from posts on an online self-help group for colorectal cancer survivors in Korea from 2011 to 2020. Classification analysis was performed based on the frequency of terms posted, and word clouds were created.In the pretreatment phase, support for pain and diagnostic testing were needed. In the treatment phase, needing support for colorectal cancer treatment and managing subsequent adverse events were frequently mentioned. In the posttreatment phase, informational interventions providing information on adjusting to changes in bowel functions and preventing cancer recurrence were needed.There were differences in the types of social support and the number of words frequently used across phases of treatment, highlighting the need for phase-specific supportive interventions. The highest identified needs, including colorectal cancer treatment and adverse events in the treatment phase, suggest that colorectal cancer survivors need additional information about treatment within the healthcare system.Colorectal cancer survivors have specific needs that vary by their treatment stage. Supportive services that reflect the needs of each treatment phase are needed to improve the physical and mental health and quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors.

Background Little research has examined the moderating influence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) on the relationship between social support and quality of life. Objectives This study examined the relationship between social support and quality of life by the level of PTG in colorectal cancer patients with ostomies. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, colorectal cancer patients with ostomies (n = 140) were recruited using convenience sampling. The City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy, the Multidimensional Scale of Social Support, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory measured quality of life, social support, and PTG, respectively. Results Social support and PTG were positively related to psychological and social well-being. Higher social support was associated with better psychological and social well-being. Posttraumatic growth moderated the relationship between psychological and social well-being. At a low and moderate level of PTG, social support was more strongly associated with psychological and social well-being, whereas at high levels, this association was not significant. Conclusions Findings highlight the significance of social support to improve the quality of life for colorectal cancer patients with an ostomy, particularly those with low levels of PTG. Implications for practice Screening for patients' positive cognitive adaptations while living with an ostomy could identify those who might need further social support to improve their quality of life. Further, intensive social support programs might promote the quality of life for colorectal patients with an ostomy, which was found to be effective for those with low levels of PTG.

To improve the quality of life and health outcomes of an increasing number of colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers, the specific needs of both should be understood across the cancer treatment trajectory. This study attempted to identify the supportive needs of patients and caregivers during each treatment phase.Using text mining, posts from a South Korean internet self-help support group for colorectal cancer were classified by assigning labels to the terms extracted according to the poster, treatment phase, and support type. The extracted terms were then classified based on term frequency, with higher term frequency indicating higher need.Both caregivers and patients showed the highest term frequencies during the treatment phase. Caregivers had more high-ranking terms that were ranked higher than patients, indicating high support needs. In addition, the terms regarding treatments and diseases were ranked high. In the pre-treatment phase, test-related needs were ranked higher for both caregivers and patients. Meanwhile, patients had more highly ranked terms in the post-treatment phase, showing their high need in this phase, especially terms related to post-treatment symptoms. Caregivers had higher term frequencies of food intake during the post-treatment phase.This study demonstrated that the needs of colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers were not always consistent in each treatment phase. Therefore, the needs of both patients and caregivers should be considered separately in each treatment phase and supportive interventions should be provided accordingly.

Background: Intimate partner violence is a serious global social problem. While intimate partner violence is highly prevalent, few studies have examined its negative outcomes among victims in South Korea. The aim was to clarify the mediating roles of interpersonal dependency and anger on the relationship between intimate partner violence victimization and suicidal ideation. Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 301 participants (203 women and 98 men) aged 18–65 yr completed an online questionnaire on a social networking site. Data were collected between Feb and Mar 2017 in South Korea. Structural equation modeling was used to test the fitness of the conceptual model of this study. Results: We found significant correlations between intimate partner violence victimization, interpersonal dependency, state-trait anger, and suicidal ideation. Intimate partner violence victimization influenced anger and suicidal ideation only when the victims had high interpersonal dependency. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop programs for reducing interpersonal dependency and improving anger management that are specifically targeted at intimate partner violence victims to prevent suicidal ideation.

Background Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve total mortality and colorectal-specific mortality risk; however, colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors have lower rates of PA compared with survivors with other types of cancers. Objective To examine the effect of PA interventions on CRC survivors. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria, which included an intervention designed to increase PA and more than 1 outcome of interest. Random effects of the meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Results Eight publications representing 7 randomized controlled trials of 803 participants were identified. All studies used a combination of behavioral change methods. Physical activity interventions significantly improved disease-specific quality of life, PA level, and maximum amount of oxygen and did not show significant improvements for fatigue and body mass index among CRC survivors. Conclusions We provided evidence that PA interventions were effective in improving disease-specific quality of life, PA level, and maximum amount of oxygen; however, they did not improve fatigue and body mass index. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the optimal mode of delivering PA intervention for CRC survivors. Implications for practice As the survival rate of patients with CRC increases, survivors of CRC need to increase PA in a community setting after completing primary treatments. Effective and efficient modes of PA intervention delivery could improve health-related outcomes and address specific barriers for CRC survivors.

This study examined the factors associated with triage competency among school nurses in South Korea. Using a convenience sampling method, 386 school nurses employed in elementary, middle, or high schools completed a cross-sectional survey that included a modified version of the Triage Competency Scale for emergency room nurses. Information regarding experience working in schools and hospitals, education level, school types, age, emergency nursing care certifications, school locations, and serious emergency experience at school was collected. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, independent t-tests, analyses of variance, Spearman’s correlation, and ordinal logistic regression. Triage competency was higher for school nurses who were employed in metropolitan regions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63, p = 0.017) and had serious emergency experience (OR = 1.76, p = 0.008). As the participants’ experience at schools or hospitals increased by one year, their triage competency score increased by 2% (OR = 1.02, p = 0.037) and 14% (OR = 1.14, p &lt, 0.001), respectively. These findings could be used to develop policies and educational programs that promote school nurses’ triage competency. Further, they suggest the importance of establishing an organizational support system to develop guidelines and a feedback system to improve school nurses’ triage competency.

Despite the adverse effects of negative coping after receiving a stoma, there is a lack of information on how patients cope with ostomies and on their families&rsquo, experiences throughout the coping process. We aimed to explore the coping experiences of individuals with ostomies throughout their illness, applying the Corbin and Strauss Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework, using exploratory qualitative methods involving focus group interviews. Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit 19 participants (split across three groups) through an ostomy association in South Korea. Two focus group interviews were separately conducted from March through to May 2017 until data saturation was achieved. Using qualitative content analysis, we analyzed the transcribed interviews and identified words and themes to interpret the results. The coping experiences of patients with ostomies were expressed through three interrelated themes: struggling and suffering, learning how to live with ostomy, and living with ostomy. We found gender differences in spousal support and a struggle among older patients regarding social coping. The themes identified suggest that gender should be considered when designing interventions to help patients cope with ostomies.

Little research has examined the pathways between psychological factors and fatigue in older adults with diabetes. This study explored the pathways between diet-related quality of life and depressive symptoms in predicting fatigue using a moderated-mediation model. A convenience sample of adults &ge, 65 years (n = 127) with diabetes completed a cross-sectional survey including measures of fatigue severity, diet-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms, and a moderated-mediation analysis assessed the relationships between them. Diet satisfaction was negatively related to fatigue, which was mediated by depressive symptoms. In the moderated-mediation model, diet satisfaction had a conditional effect on fatigue through the mediating effect of depressive symptoms, moderated by meal planning difficulty. At higher levels of perceived meal planning difficulty, lower diet satisfaction was indirectly associated with higher fatigue through depressive symptoms, but this pathway was non-significant at lower levels. Findings suggest that supportive care for diet therapy might improve psychological outcomes in older adults with diabetes, especially for those having difficulties with daily dietary practice. Meal planning difficulties in the dietary management of diabetes accompanied by low diet satisfaction may lead to negative psychological outcomes. Monitoring satisfaction and burdens associated with dietary practices could improve fatigue in this population.

As the number of older adults with dementia increases, early diagnosis and intervention are crucially important. The purpose of this study was to conduct dementia screening on older adults to determine whether there are differences in daily activities of living, depression, loneliness, social support, and life satisfaction between older adults at high-risk for dementia compared with low-risk older adults. We hypothesized a negative relationship between high-risk older adults and these factors. This study also hypothesized a moderating effect for social support on the relationship between daily living activities and life satisfaction. This study used a cross-sectional design with survey data. Participants were recruited at 15 public community health centers in South Korea. A total of 609 older adults (male 208, female 401) living in the community were screened for early dementia, and 113 participants (18.9 %) were assigned to the high-risk group. As hypothesized, participants in the high-risk group showed significantly more negative results ​​in terms of activities of daily living, depression, loneliness, social support, and life satisfaction compared with participants in the low-risk group. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for the importance of early screening for dementia and policies for effective dementia prevention.

Background Technological advances in the monitoring, intervention, and rehabilitation of Parkinson's disease have increased dramatically in recent decades. Integrating such technologies into free-living environments ensures continuous monitoring of patients' symptomatic movement for better assessment and provision of quality care. Aim To review studies testing the feasibility and usability of technology for continuous mobility monitoring among patients with Parkinson's disease in free-living environments. Methods Using electronic databases, 31 original studies were identified. We classified the mobility monitoring devices and systems used in the feasibility tests for monitoring Parkinson's disease during daily activities in free-living environments. Findings The choice of technology for Parkinson's disease management varied in its advantages, including cost, usability, design and functionality, or quality of information. The major developments in home monitoring approaches can be classified as: (1) wearable sensors only; (2) smartphone applications; (3) web-based applications combined with wearable devices; and (4) ambient sensors combined with wearable devices. The findings from this review suggest that mobility monitoring devices are highly feasible for monitoring the daily activities of patients in a habitual free-living environment. However, there are still relatively few studies testing the feasibility and effectiveness of such devices in free-living environments. Conclusions Experimental studies seeking to validate monitoring systems in unstructured real-life environments remain limited. However, the major findings of this study indicate that new technologies can be useful and supportive tools for Parkinson's disease related mobility monitoring. The use of these technologies for Parkinson's disease management may provide qualified clinical evidence and improve clinical decision-making and quality of care.

困難に直面した新人ソーシャルワーカーは，他者の有する経験から導き出した判断や対処を，自分が直面している状況に意図的に関連づけ，実践の中での振り返りを行っていた。その過程は，新人ソーシャルワーカーの内面的変化に至る過程であり，それによって意識的に生成された知は，新たな状況に対する自己の行動様式として再構築され，より洗練された実践へと移行していることが示唆された。, Novice Social Workers with neither enough empirical knowledge nor skills were puzzled by "the deviation from the image originally held" and were unable to stand the "imposition of different values," and they thus felt frustrated with the "lack of good experience." They were trying to resolve the anxiety arising from their immaturity and weak minds by "compromising with the thoughts of different perspectives." and "relying on others." However, if they encountered difficult circumstances again without having the opportunity to compensate for the "lack of experience sharing" or the "lack of the ability to reflect" due to the "absence of someone to consult or who can be a support," they became exhausted mentally and physically, thus causing a vicious circle of "negative self-evaluation.", 論文(Article)

困難に直面した新人ソーシャルワーカーは，他者の有する経験から導き出した判断や対処を，自分が直面している状況に意図的に関連づけ，実践の中での振り返りを行っていた。その過程は，新人ソーシャルワーカーの内面的変化に至る過程であり，それによって意識的に生成された知は，新たな状況に対する自己の行動様式として再構築され，より洗練された実践へと移行していることが示唆された。, This study is in the qualitative analysis of reflection of new face social workers are difficult to overcome. New face social workers consciously connected judgments and actions acquired from other people's experiences to the problems that they were having and reconstructed these as their own behavioral patterns. In doing so, they transformed how they perceived problems and their attitude in dealing with them in practice. It was suggested that reflection in the process of overcoming difficulties is discovering a new self and working as a process that leads to realistic confidence., 論文(Article)

Background Colon and/or rectum cancer (CRC) patients use various strategies to cope with their condition, and these can vary between age groups. Objectives The aims of this study were to investigate differences between psychosocial/spiritual variables and coping strategies in CRC patients of different age groups (younger vs older) and to identify the predictors of coping for both age groups. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at 3 outpatient clinics in Korea. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Support Scale, and Self-Transcendence Scale were used to measure psychosocial and spiritual variables; the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale was used to assess cancer-specific coping strategies. Results Both younger and older patients who were psychologically distressed used more maladaptive coping. Individuals who received less social support from healthcare providers used more maladaptive coping strategies. For younger patients, self-transcendence was the only significant predictor of both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies; for older patients, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score was the only significant predictor of maladaptive coping. Conclusion Differences in psychological distress, social support, and self-transcendence due to age are important protective or risk factors for the use of coping strategies among CRC patients. Implications for practice Considering our findings, we encourage healthcare professionals to be aware of patients' coping strategies and take them into account when planning age-specific interventions related to coping, before hospital discharge.

The rate of and factors influencing colorectal cancer screening differs by gender. We aimed to determine the behaviors for and predict the factors influencing self-reported colorectal cancer screening in Korean adults. Secondary analysis was performed with data from the cross-sectional 2012 Community Health Survey. We examined the relationship between gender and self-reported screening using data for 115 045 adults aged ≥50 years; 62.4% of men and 65.5% of women underwent colorectal cancer screening. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, men with private insurance and who attended regular health checkups were more likely to undergo screening; men who were employed, ate salty food, were older, or smoked were less likely. Women with private insurance, who lived with a spouse, were more educated, were housewives, or attended regular health checkups were more likely, and older women were less likely to undergo screening. Therefore, gender-specific interventions are needed to encourage colorectal cancer screening.

We aimed to examine the association between shift work types and participation in breast cancer screening (BCS) programs by comparing rates of participation for BCS among regular daytime workers and alternative shift workers using data from a nationally representative, population-based survey conducted in Korea. In addition, the results were analyzed according to sociodemographic factors, including occupation, education, income, private health insurance, age, and number of working hours a week. This secondary cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2012 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The target population included women aged ≥ 40 years who responded as to whether they had undergone BCS in the previous year. Accordingly, we analyzed survey data for a total of 1,193 women and used a multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the differences in factors affecting BCS between regular daytime and alternative shift workers. A logistic regression analysis was performed considering private health insurance as a significant sociodemographic factor for BCS among regular daytime shift workers. In contrast, none of the tested variables could significantly predict adherence to BCS among alternative shift workers. The results of this study suggest the need for the development of comprehensive workplace breast cancer prevention programs by considering shift work types. More attention should be given to female workers with low education levels, those who are uninsured, and young workers to improve the participation rate for BCS at the workplace.

Older adults with diabetes appear more susceptible to fatigue compared to younger adults with diabetes or healthy older adults, since aging and diabetes independently and synergistically influence fatigue. Few studies have investigated fatigue in older adults with diabetes using a multidimensional approach. This study explored the influences of physical, psychological, interpersonal, and contextual factors on diabetes fatigue using a dynamic biopsychosocial model. Face-to-face surveys were administered to community-dwelling older adults with diabetes and included variables across four domains (i.e., physical, psychological, interpersonal, and contextual factors). Univariate analyses and multiple linear regression were used. The mean fatigue score was 3.94 (standard deviation (SD) = 1.81) out of 7, and the prevalence of fatigue was 48.8%. Significant differences in fatigue severity by psychological, interpersonal, and contextual factors were found. Comorbidity and psychological factors were significant predictors of fatigue in the model, explaining 31.9% of the variance. As nearly half the sample experienced moderate or severe fatigue, which was significantly influenced by both comorbidity and psychological factors, including depression, sleep quality, and diet-related psychological characteristics, assessing patients&rsquo, psychological status may be important. Awareness of fatigue could be incorporated into dietary interventions for older adults with diabetes.

Data from the Patients and Families Psychological Response to the Home Automated External Defibrillator Trial were used to examine the relationship between biopsychosocial variables and patients' coping strategies postmyocardial infarction. This study is the secondary data analysis of longitudinal observational study. A total of 460 patient-spouse pairs were recruited in January 2003 to October 2005. Hierarchical linear regression analysis examined biological/demographic, psychological and social variables regarding patients' coping scores using the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale. Lower social support and social support satisfaction predicted lower total coping scores. Being younger, male gender and time since the myocardial infarction predicted lower positive coping strategy use. Higher anxiety and lower social support were related to fewer positive coping methods. Lower educational levels were related to increased use of negative coping strategies. Reduced social support predicted lower total coping scores and positive coping strategy use and greater passive coping style use. Social support from a broad network assisted with better coping; those living alone may need additional support. Social support and coping strategies should be taken into consideration for patients who have experienced a cardiac event.

Aims To examine the individual determinants that influence satisfaction with medical services at the emergency department and to compare the factors that influence satisfaction for the patients, compared with their companions. Methods Using data from the 2009 Korea Health Panel Survey, Andersen's behavioral model was used to examine the factors that affect satisfaction with service. A logistic regression analysis was conducted with the data. Results Patients who were older, female, and employed were more satisfied with the service, as were patients who visited more frequently and those who had non-surgical treatment. Companions who had less education, were accompanying non-Medicaid-holders, and spent a longer time in the emergency department were less likely to be satisfied. This was in contrast to those who spent a shorter amount of time in the emergency department and who visited due to illness, rather than injury; these companions were more satisfied with the service. When all the factors were analyzed simultaneously, they differed significantly between the two groups of patients and companions. Conclusions Different factors contributed to the satisfaction with the services for the patients and their companions. In order to increase the satisfaction levels and improve the quality of care in emergency departments, it is necessary to consider more specific approaches that reflect the different perspectives of the visitors to the emergency department.

Aim This study compared health-related quality of life in patients with early to mid-stage chronic kidney disease. Methods This study utilized a comparative descriptive design. Patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were recruited from a hospital in Korea. Information from patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease was obtained from Korean national survey data. A total of 75 pairs were matched using the propensity score method. Health-related quality of life was compared using the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions questionnaire. Results Only 4% of patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease are aware of their disease. These patients have decreased mobility and ability to perform their usual activities (χ2 = 10.77, P = 0.001; χ2 = 7.22, P = 0.007, respectively). However, they have lower levels of anxiety and depression than patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (χ2 = 13.37, P

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This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between health literacy, cancer-related knowledge, and preventive health behaviors among community-dwelling adults in Korea. Data were collected from 542 adults aged ≥ 18 years living in five big provinces in Korea (Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsang-do, Chungcheong-do, and Gangwon-do). Socio-demographic and health-related characteristics were determined using structured questionnaires. Health literacy, cancer-related knowledge, and engagement in preventive health behaviors were measured using validated instruments. These three variables differed according to socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, such as education, sex, age, and marital status. In the hierarchical regression analysis, health literacy (β = 0.26, p .001) and cancer-related knowledge (β = 0.21, p .001) were significant predictors of preventive health behavior after adjusting for confounding variables. Cancer-related knowledge partially mediated the effect of health literacy on preventive health behaviors. Health literacy can play a key role in cancer prevention. It is important for healthcare providers to know how to deliver cancer-related knowledge and how to help people with low health literacy to engage in preventive health behaviors, using a variety of health information resources. Further research is needed to develop the instruments to assess comprehension of spoken and written health messages for cancer prevention and screening.

Technology enables home-based personalized care through continuous, automated, real-time monitoring of a participant&rsquo, s health condition and remote communication between health care providers and participants. Technology has been implemented in a variety of nursing practices. However, little is known about the use of home mobility monitoring systems in visiting nursing practice. Therefore, the current study tested the feasibility of a home mobility monitoring system as a supportive tool for monitoring daily activities in community-dwelling older adults. Daily mobility data were collected for 15 months via home-based mobility monitoring sensors among eight older adults living alone. Indoor sensor outputs were categorized into sleeping, indoor activities, and going out. Atypical patterns were identified with reference to baseline activity. Daily indoor activities were clearly differentiated by sensor outputs and sensor outputs discriminated atypical activity patterns. During the year of monitoring, a health-related issue was identified in a participant. Our findings indicate the feasibility of a home mobility monitoring system for remote, continuous, and automated assessment of a participant&rsquo, s health-related mobility patterns. Such a system could be used as a supportive tool to detect and intervene in the case of problematic health issues.

Studies on the relationships between health, different living arrangements, and eating behaviors across age groups are limited. Therefore, we investigated these associations, focusing on metabolic syndrome, among 16,015 South Koreans aged &ge, 19 years who completed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013&ndash, 2016). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that younger adults (&lt, 65 years) who lived and ate alone consumed more carbohydrates than those who lived and ate with others (p &lt, 0.01). The odds of metabolic syndrome in younger adults increased with eating alone (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10&ndash, 4.02) and living and eating alone (2.39, 1.25&ndash, 4.58). Older adults (&ge, 65 years) did not differ in dietary intake or prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to their living and eating situations. Younger adults living and eating alone may benefit from customized nutrition and health management programs to reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUNDDelirium is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, hospital costs, and postdischarge cognitive dysfunction. Most research focuses on nontrauma patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.OBJECTIVESTo determine the prevalence and predictors of delirium in trauma patients residing in intensive and intermediate care units of an academic medical center.METHODSTrauma patients were screened for delirium by using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. Exclusion criteria included documented brain injury, history of psychosis or cognitive impairment, not speaking English, and hearing or vision loss.RESULTSOf the 215 study patients, 24% were positive for delirium; 36% of patients in the intensive care unit and 11% of patients in the intermediate care unit. Delirium-positive patients were older (mean age, 53.4 years) than patients who were not (mean age, 44 years; P = .004). Although mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 4.73, P = .004) was the strongest independent risk factor for delirium, 12% of delirium-positive patients were not receiving mechanical ventilation. Other predictors of delirium were use of antipsychotic medications, higher scores on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III, and lower scores on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.CONCLUSIONSPatients in both the intermediate and intensive care units, whether mechanical ventilation was used or not, were positive for delirium. Delirium prevention protocols may benefit trauma patients regardless of their inpatient location.

Data from the Patients and Families Psychological Response to the Home Automated External Defibrillator Trial were used to examine the relationship between biopsychosocial variables and patients' coping strategies postmyocardial infarction. This study is the secondary data analysis of longitudinal observational study. A total of 460 patient-spouse pairs were recruited in January 2003 to October 2005. Hierarchical linear regression analysis examined biological/demographic, psychological and social variables regarding patients' coping scores using the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale. Lower social support and social support satisfaction predicted lower total coping scores. Being younger, male gender and time since the myocardial infarction predicted lower positive coping strategy use. Higher anxiety and lower social support were related to fewer positive coping methods. Lower educational levels were related to increased use of negative coping strategies. Reduced social support predicted lower total coping scores and positive coping strategy use and greater passive coping style use. Social support from a broad network assisted with better coping; those living alone may need additional support. Social support and coping strategies should be taken into consideration for patients who have experienced a cardiac event.

To examine the individual determinants that influence satisfaction with medical services at the emergency department and to compare the factors that influence satisfaction for the patients, compared with their companions.Using data from the 2009 Korea Health Panel Survey, Andersen's behavioral model was used to examine the factors that affect satisfaction with service. A logistic regression analysis was conducted with the data.Patients who were older, female, and employed were more satisfied with the service, as were patients who visited more frequently and those who had non-surgical treatment. Companions who had less education, were accompanying non-Medicaid-holders, and spent a longer time in the emergency department were less likely to be satisfied. This was in contrast to those who spent a shorter amount of time in the emergency department and who visited due to illness, rather than injury; these companions were more satisfied with the service. When all the factors were analyzed simultaneously, they differed significantly between the two groups of patients and companions.Different factors contributed to the satisfaction with the services for the patients and their companions. In order to increase the satisfaction levels and improve the quality of care in emergency departments, it is necessary to consider more specific approaches that reflect the different perspectives of the visitors to the emergency department.

This study compared health-related quality of life in patients with early to mid-stage chronic kidney disease.This study utilized a comparative descriptive design. Patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were recruited from a hospital in Korea. Information from patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease was obtained from Korean national survey data. A total of 75 pairs were matched using the propensity score method. Health-related quality of life was compared using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire.Only 4% of patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease are aware of their disease. These patients have decreased mobility and ability to perform their usual activities (χ(2) = 10.77, P = 0.001; χ(2) = 7.22, P = 0.007, respectively). However, they have lower levels of anxiety and depression than patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (χ(2) = 13.37, P 0.001). The European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions utility scores do not differ between the two patient groups.The results of this study suggest that more effective management programs are needed to improve health-related quality of life in patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease. Educational intervention in asymptomatic patients is important to increase awareness and early detection of chronic kidney disease.