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Background Early adulthood is a significant period for preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy. However, previous public health initiatives have not yet emphasized preparation for a healthy pregnancy in this population. In addition, pregnancy planning has traditionally been regarded as women’s responsibility, so intervention strategies may differ by gender. This study explored intentions of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy among unmarried college students, as well as factors influencing those intentions, by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. Methods For this cross-sectional survey, 828 unmarried college students aged 18–29 were recruited from a national university in Korea from July to September 2019. The chi-square test and t-test were used to compare gender differences in general characteristics, the current level of depression, and constructs of the extended TPB. Hierarchical regression was performed to identify factors influencing the intention of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy. Results The intention to manage depression was significantly higher in men than in women (t = 2.36, p = 0.019). The factors affecting the intention of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy were components of TPB in both women and men, of which self-efficacy had the greatest effect (female: β = 0.34, p β = 0.30, p β = 0.10, p = 0.014). Conclusions Our study results underscore the need for nurses to perform preventive interventions and provide directions to develop interventions to improve the intention of depression management for unmarried college students. It is necessary to intervene with all the constructs of the TPB, especially self-efficacy, for both men and women. It is also important to check and address the current depression status of unmarried female college students.

This study aimed to identify the sexual information requirements and related factors according to gender to improve sexual health in cancer patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 687 cancer patients from a single cancer center in Korea completed a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare the sexual information requirements and related factors among cancer patients. The results showed that male cancer patients had higher demands for sexual information than female cancer patients (t = 27.11, p &lt, 0.001). Men appeared to have a greater need than women in the need for sexual information (t = 30.41, p &lt, 0.001) and professional sexual intervention (t = 21.97, p &lt, 0.001). Regarding sexual information needs, income (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.73) was a significant factor in men. In women, age (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.86), alcohol consumption (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.12–3.16), and chemotherapy (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.12–3.12) were significant factors. Significant differences in the overall sexual information needs and related factors were observed between male and female cancer patients. Therefore, a strategy needs to be established to improve the sexual health of cancer patients considering gender differences.

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing college students&rsquo, self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning by gender using the health belief model (HBM). Utilizing a comparative descriptive design, a total of 819 college students were recruited. A survey was administered to gather information on health beliefs related to pregnancy planning, self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning, fertility knowledge, and general characteristics. The main variables were compared by gender. The factors influencing self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning were identified using hierarchical regression analysis. Female students (476) had lower self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning than male students (343). The significant factors influencing self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning in female students were: depression (&beta, = &minus, 0.09, p = 0.030), fertility knowledge (&beta, = 0.08, p = 0.025), barriers (&beta, 0.57, p &lt, 0.001), and cues to action (&beta, = 0.16, p &lt, 0.001), whereas the corresponding factors in male students were benefits (&beta, = 0.12, p = 0.020), barriers (&beta, 0.44, p &lt, = 0.16, p = 0.001). The present study confirmed the suitability of the HBM as a conceptual framework for identifying factors influencing self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning. Based on the findings of this study, gender-based similarities and differences in factors influencing self-efficacy should be considered when taking steps to promote self-efficacy toward pregnancy planning among college students.

Background and objective: This study examined the relationships between the perceived severity of unwanted pregnancy and attitudes toward four contraceptive methods (condoms, oral contraceptive pills, the withdrawal method, and the rhythm method) according to gender and sexual experience among unmarried university students in Korea. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 1,372 unmarried university students (men, n = 755; women, n = 617). This was a secondary analysis based on a prior online survey. Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, pairwise comparisons using the Mann-Whitney U test with the Bonferroni correction, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data in this study. Results: Female students with sexual experience had the highest scores for the perceived severity of unwanted pregnancy. In each group defined according to gender and sexual experience, differences in attitudes toward contraceptive methods significantly influenced the perceived severity of unwanted pregnancy. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to increase the perceived severity of unwanted pregnancy among female students who have favorable attitudes toward the rhythm and withdrawal methods. Students with sexual experience who use the rhythm and withdrawal methods should be targeted for educational interventions aiming to strengthen the perceived severity of unwanted pregnancy.

Background More than half of the adult population worldwide is overweight or obese, while excess adiposity has been linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, contributing to the development of chronic diseases. Recent studies have showed that diet-induced alterations to the gut microbiota composition play a pivotal role in the development of obesity. However, the cause-effect relationship between obesity and gut microbiota composition is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the short-term responses of gut microbiota composition to diets with different fat contents and their associations with inflammatory biomarkers. Results Sixty male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a normal diet (ND; 15% fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD; 45% fat) for 10 or 20 weeks. The relative proportion of the phylum Actinobacteria was elevated by the HFD and was positively associated with body weight and proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The proportion of the phylum Firmicutes increased with aging and was also positively correlated with proinflammatory cytokines. The proportions of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were inversely associated with tight junction proteins claudin-1 and E-cadherin, respectively. The proportions of the class Clostridia and the family Ruminococcaceae within the phylum Firmicutes were affected by both diet and age. In addition, the proportions of the phylum Bacteroidetes, the family Bacteroidaceae, and the genus Bacteroides decreased with aging and were inversely correlated with colonic proinflammatory cytokines representing a positive association with tight junction proteins. Conclusions Host age and dietary fat intake are important elements that induce proportional changes in gut microbiota, and these changes are also associated with systemic inflammation. This study provides evidence that diet affects the gut microbiota composition within a short period of time.

BACKGROUND Constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder and its etiology is multifactorial. Growing evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development of constipation. Prebiotics are subjected to bacterial fermentation in the gut to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can help relieve constipation symptoms. The prebiotic UG1601 consists of inulin, lactitol, and aloe vera gel, which are known laxatives, but randomized, controlled clinical trials that examine the effects of this supplement on gut microbiota composition are lacking. AIM To assess the efficacy of the prebiotic UG1601 in suppressing constipation-related adverse events in subjects with mild constipation. METHODS Adults with a stool frequency of less than thrice a week were randomized to receive either prebiotics or a placebo supplement for 4 wk. All participants provided their fecal and blood samples at baseline and at the end of intervention. Gastrointestinal symptoms and stool frequency were evaluated. The concentrations of serum endotoxemia markers and fecal SCFAs were determined. The relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and the gut microbial community in the responders and non-responders in the prebiotics supplementation group were evaluated. RESULTS There were no significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between groups, although the prebiotic group showed greater symptom improvement. However, after prebiotic usage, serum cluster of differentiation (CD) 14 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations were significantly decreased (CD14, P = 0.012; LPS, P < 0.001). The change in LPS concentration was significantly larger in the prebiotic group than in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Fecal SCFAs concentrations did not differ between groups, while the relative abundance of Roseburia hominis, a major butyrate producer, was significantly increased in the prebiotic group (P = 0.045). The abundances of the phylum Firmicutes and the family Lachnospiraceae (phylum Firmicutes, class Clostridia) (P = 0.009) were decreased in the responders within the prebiotic group. In addition, the proportions of the phylum Firmicutes, the class Clostridia, and the order Clostridiales were inversely correlated with several fecal SCFAs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Alterations in gut microbiota composition, including a decrease in the phylum Firmicutes and an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria, following prebiotic UG1601 supplementation might help alleviate symptom scores and endotoxemia.

To determine the degree to which nurses are aware of cervical cancer and to describe nurses' experiences of caring for patients with cervical cancer. To promote quality of nursing care of cervical cancer, we need to explore their perceptions and nursing experience in doing cervical-cancer care. This study was a qualitative descriptive design. Interviews were conducted with 14 registered nurses. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed. Content analysis was performed. Fourteen nurses who had been working at wards and cancer education centers were recruited in this study. Nine key themes emerged from three categories such as nurses’ awareness of cervical cancer, awareness of cervical cancer patient and caring experience. Nurses expressed fear of cervical cancer and helplessness in the face of a life-threatening prognosis. Nurses stated that they might have prejudice about cervical cancer, since it is caused by a sexually transmitted disease. They also recalled that patients with cervical cancer were more sensitive and demanding. Our findings provide a comprehensive and in-depth perspective in understanding the experience of caring for cervical cancer patients. Clinical nurses showed complex emotional reactions to cervical cancer, and expressed prejudice against the sex life of cervical-cancer patients. More education is required to ensure that clinical nurses can provide a nurse-led intervention with patients by managing nurses’ fear, prejudice, and the care burden.

Background and objective The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is usually asymptomatic, may affect both sexes, and is easily transmitted. Providing male adolescents with information about HPV prevention before sexually active state is important. This study was designed to gain a better understanding of the perceptions on HPV severity, knowledge on ways to prevent HPV infection, and influencing factors toward preventive measures in male adolescents. Materials and methods A self-administered questionnaire was completed by students aged 13–17 years from six schools in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, from October to December 2014. A total of 615 male adolescents participated in this cross-sectional survey. Results Only 58 (9.5%) boys had heard of HPV. They perceived HPV infection as a disease more severe in girls. Perceptions of HPV as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in boys (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–3.19, p

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy and factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy by drinking levels. METHODS Utilizing a comparative descriptive design, a total of 359 female college students were recruited. Measurements were Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables related awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy, Korean Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, knowledge about alcohol use during pregnancy, and socio-demographic factors. Main variables were compared by drinking levels. The factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were identified using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS Non-problematic alcohol behavior group (n=185) had higher the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy than problematic alcohol behavior group (n=174) (t=3.13, p=.002). The significant TPB variables influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were that attitudes (β =-.44, p

PURPOSE: To analyze articles published in the Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing from 2013 to 2017 to determine the latest research trends and understand how 2013 Korea Women's Health Statistics were reflected in journal articles. METHODS: A total of 130 studies were analyzed. Research design, types of research, research framework, research subjects, characteristics of quantitative research, characteristics of qualitative research, and keywords were analyzed using a structured analysis format. RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative research accounted for 83.8% and 13% of these 130 studies analyzed, respectively. Non-experimental and experimental research accounted for 70.7% and 13.1% of these studies, respectively. The most frequent study subjects were childbearing women (62.8%), including college students, mothers, and adults. A total of 69.1% of non-experimental research and 88.2% of experimental research used convenience sampling. Questionnaires were most frequently used for data collection. The most frequent keyword domain involved health-related concepts (41%) among nine domains and the most frequently used keyword was “women.” CONCLUSION: This study suggest that further experimental research should be conducted in the future. Also, adolescent and the elderly women should be focused on as subjects in future studies based on results of 2013 Korean Women's Health Statistics.