Research in Community and Public Health Nursing

Original Articles

[English] Socio-Demographic and Psychological Factors Influencing the Happiness of Gyeongsangbuk-do Residents: Sung Jung Hong, See Jo Kim, Nam Hyun Cha; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(4):435-446. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01277

116 View
6 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study examined the effects of sociodemographic factors, health behavior, and psychological-emotional characteristics on stress, depression, and happiness among residents of Gyeongsangbuk-do and explored the relationships among these variables.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Korean Community Health Survey. The sample included 21,490 residents of Gyeongsangbuk-do. Multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to identify predictors of psychological well-being.
Results
Participants showed high prevalence of health risk behaviors, including alcohol consumption (76.4%) and smoking (15.7%), while a majority engaged in regular physical exercise (79.3%). Despite this, the proportion reporting good or very good subjective health was lower than the national average (34.0% vs. 53.1%). Stress was positively correlated with depression (r=.24, p<.001) and negatively correlated with happiness (r=-.25, p<.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that happiness was significantly associated with subjective health status (β=.07 to .27), stress (β=-.19), depression (β=-.17), suicidal thoughts (β=-.11), educational attainment (β=.03 to .10), smoking (β=-.08), physical exercise (β=.04), and income level (β=-.03 to .04). The final model explained 25.6% of the variance in happiness (adjusted R²=.256, F=337.76, p<.001).
Conclusion
Happiness among Gyeongsangbuk-do residents was influenced by a combination of sociodemographic, health behavioral, and psychological-emotional factors. These findings provide foundational evidence for developing regionally tailred strategies to improve community mental well-being.

[English] Effects of a Flipped Learning-Based Integrated Theory and Practice Educational Program on Excretion Care Robot: Yoo Jin Sim, Mi Young Kim; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(4):407-419. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01214

144 View
7 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to develop a flipped learning–based integrated education program that combines video-based prelearning, theoretical lectures, and hands-on training on excretion care robots. The program was applied to nurses to verify its effects on their knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to excretion care and the use of such robots. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 nurses working at a hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The experimental group received a flipped learning–based integrated education program, which included asynchronous pre-learning, in-person didactic session, and in-person hands-on session. The control group received basic education on the use of excretion care robots. Outcome variables included knowledge, attitudes (self-efficacy, perceived usefulness and ease of use, anxiety, intention to use), and skills (proficiency, accuracy of execution and outcomes). The data were analyzed using independent t-tests. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly higher scores in knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived usefulness and ease of use, intention to use, proficiency, and accuracy of the performance. Additionally, their level of anxiety regarding excretion care robots was significantly lower (p<.05). Conclusion: The integrated education program combining video, theoretical, and practical components was effective in enhancing nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and skills. These results suggest that such a program can serve as a valuable educational strategy to facilitate the clinical adoption of technology-based care devices like excretion care robots.

[English] Education Needs for Public Health Crisis Using an Importance-Performance Analysis and Borich Needs Assessment Model: Focused on Aircraft Quarantine Officials: Jiyun Park, Gye Joung Yeom, Seok Hwan Kim; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(4):361-372. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01193

174 View
8 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the importance and performance levels of the duties related to public health crisis response of the aircraft quarantine officials and to analyze their educational needs for public health crisis. Methods: The subjects were quarantine officials at Incheon airport in Korea, and data from a total of 121 individuals were utilized for analysis. Data were analyzed by an independent t-test, paired t-test, and one-way ANOVA for the importance and performance of duties regarding public health crisis according to general characteristics. An Importance-performance analysis (IPA) and Borich needs assessment model were used to analyze public health crisis education needs. Results: The IPA analysis revealed that the area requiring focused improvement efforts (concentrate here), where importance is high, but performance is low, primarily includes epidemiological investigation of emerging infectious diseases. The Borich needs assessment was used to identify the following priority items: epidemiological investigation of emerging infectious diseases, occurrence of social disaster after patient isolation, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), and epidemiological investigation of respiratory infectious diseases. Conclusion: Based on these results, it will be necessary to develop and implement practical education and training programs for aircraft quarantine officials.

[English] Impact of Leisure Activities on Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults: Gyeong-Suk Jeon, Kyungwon Choi; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(4):420-434. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01165

128 View
8 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
This study aimed to classify types of leisure activity and examine their associations with self-rated health, depression and cognitive function among older adults in Korea.
Methods
Data were drawn from 7,804 participants in the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans. Types of leisure activity were identified through K-means cluster analysis using respondents' first and second choices of leisure activities. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related covariates were conducted to assess the primary associations between leisure types and dichotomized health outcomes.
Results
Five distinct groups were identified: religious activity-oriented, varied physical activity-oriented, walking and rest-oriented, gardening and sedentary activity-oriented, and social activity-oriented. Compared to the religious activity-oriented group, the varied physical activity-oriented (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.59–0.85), walking and rest-oriented (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.39–0.77), and social activity-oriented groups (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.29–0.72) showed significantly lower odds of poor self-rated health. All four types exhibited significantly lower odds of depression; notably, the social activity-oriented (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.28–0.57) and walking and rest-oriented (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.28–0.57) groups showed the strongest protective effect. None of the leisure groups showed a significant link to cognitive function risk when compared with the religious activity-oriented group. Conclusions: Leisure patterns involving diverse physical activities and social engagement are strongly associated with favorable health outcomes. Health promotion strategies should prioritize accessible community-based programs that encourage diverse physical and socially engaging activities, while developing targeted interventions (e.g., combining cognitive stimulation with sedentary leisure) to reduce disparities and mitigate cognitive risk among older adults.

[Korean] Perceptions of Home-visit Care Helpers and Informal Caregivers on the Importance and Performance of Care Helper Duties: Jiyong Choi, Suyon Baek; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(4):373-385. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01074

195 View
6 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study examined differences in perceptions of the importance and performance of care helper duties between home-visit care helpers and informal caregivers, providing data to improve service quality in home-based care.
Method
This study employed a cross-sectional comparative descriptive design. A total of 128 participants (64 home-visit care helpers and 64 informal caregivers) completed a structured questionnaire assessing the perceived importance and performance of care duties across six domains. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. In addition, open-ended questions were included to identify reasons for gaps between perceived importance and performance, and the responses were analyzed through descriptive content analysis.
Results
Significant differences were found between the two groups. Caregivers perceived "special care assistance" as more important (t=-5.01, p<.001), whereas care helpers reported higher performance in "physical care assistance" (t=0.85, p=.041). Among the reasons identified exclusively by care helpers was “role confusion arising at the boundary of professional care.” In contrast, reasons identified only by informal caregivers included “insufficient care due to indifference” and “limited performance capacity due to lack of training.” Reasons commonly identified by both groups were “lack of balance between caregiving and household tasks” and “burden of care, an unbearable reality”
Conclusion
Discrepancies in perceived importance and performance between care helpers and caregivers highlight the need for clearer role definitions and targeted training. A dual-track system in care helper roles and the standardization of tasks may enhance service consistency and strengthen trust between home-visit care helpers and informal caregivers.

[English] Factors Influencing Care Coordination for Chronic Disease Patients with a Usual Source of Care: Hyunsang Kwon, Ju Young Yoon; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(3):339-351. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01186

508 View
19 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Care coordination is a key function that enables consistent and integrated care by connecting various medical, welfare, community resources throughout a patient’s healthcare journey. This study was aimed at examining the provision of care coordination and its associated factors among adult patients with hypertension or diabetes who have a usual source of care, using Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Methods: A total of 2,576 adults with hypertension or diabetes who reported having a usual source of care were analyzed by using data from the 2021 Korea Health Panel Survey. Both patient-level and provider-level variables were categorized into predisposing, enabling, and need factors based on Andersen’s model. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Only 44.7% of participants reported experiencing care coordination. The likelihood of receiving care coordination was significantly lower among females, and higher among those not currently employed, those not engaging in regular physical activity, individuals with multiple chronic conditions, and those whose usual source of care was a general practitioner. Conclusion: Care coordination is essential for ensuring continuity of care and effective management among patients with chronic conditions, and it is influenced by both patient and provider characteristics. As Korea prepares to launch a nationwide community-based integrated care system in 2026, care coordination will serve as a vital foundation for linking local resources and delivering comprehensive care. Based on the patient and provider factors identified in this study, effective support at the policy and system levels will be necessary to operate and sustain this function.

[Korean] The Midwifery Training Program at Ilshin Women’s Hospital and Its Meaning: From 1953 to 1978: Eunyoung Kim, Jihyun Lee; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(3):292-303. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01109

1,279 View
28 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the meaning of the midwifery training program initiated by Australian missionaries at Ilshin Women’s Hospital in 1953. Methods: Historical methodology using the annual reports (1953-1970) published by Ilshin Women's Hospital and related newspapers, magazines, and books as the primary source. Results: The Ilshin Women’s Hospital was established in 1952 by Australian missionaries Helen P. Mackenzie and Catherine M. Mackenzie. In response to the exigencies of the Korean War, the hospital initiated a program to train midwives in 1953. The objective of midwifery training program was to improve the health of women and children by providing nurses with sufficient education and training to be responsible for prenatal care and normal delivery service. As of December 1978, a total of 1,037 nurses had received midwifery training over a period of 26 years. These midwives have advanced into urban and rural areas across the country to take charge of maternal and child health care, contributing to reducing the gap in maternal and child health practice. Conclusion: The midwifery training program at Ilshin Women's Hospital has had an impact on enhancing maternal and child health at the community and national levels by graduating professional healthcare personnel through hands-on training that can be put into practice. It has also improved the level of maternal and child health in Korea through its systematic midwifery education and management system.

[Korean] Korea’s First Manual of Public Health Nursing: A Foundation for Public Health Nursing Practice in Korea: Junho Jung, Kyunghee Yi; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(3):245-256. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01102

658 View
30 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aims to understand the functions and roles of public health nursing, which played a key role in public health center activities during the formative years of the organizations in Korea. It does so by analyzing the structure and content of Manual of Public Health Nursing, the first of its kind published in Korea, as well as its authors’ records—particularly the U.S. nurse advisors. Methods: Manual of public health nursing was investigated from the cover to the appendix with other related records from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Results: The manual was published in response to the expansion of health centers and the increasing need for standardized practice for public health nurses. It includes theoretical and practical guidelines on maternal and child health, communicable disease control, school health, health education, etc. as well as the qualifications of public health nurses. The manual was influenced by U.S. nursing education and international public health manuals. Conclusion: The manual played a critical role in shaping early public health nursing practices in Korea by providing essential knowledge and standardizing public health services. It reflected Korea’s evolving public health system, heavily influenced by U.S. aid and technical assistance. Despite its significance, challenges such as a shortage of trained public health nurses and an underdeveloped administrative structure remained unresolved.

[Korean] Exploring Future Directions for Multicultural-Friendly Health Education Programs: Peer Mentorship and Family-Centered Approach: Hyesun Jang, HyuKyoung Park, Sojung Lee, EunSeok Cha; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(3):257-267. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01095

627 View
26 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
With the growing number of immigrants in Korea, immigrant health has become a significant public health concern. This study aimed to explore immigrant women's motivations for and experiences of participating in a community-based prenatal pilot program, with the goal of informing the future development and expansion of multicultural-friendly educational content and effective delivery systems to promote health.
Methods
Among 19 participants in the program, six immigrant women who had lived in Korea for over three years were invited to participate in an exit group interview. The two-hour session was moderated by two qualitative research experts, digitally recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A content analysis was conducted using triangulation to ensure credibility and depth.
Results
Participants were motivated to join the program both to receive help and to offer help to others. Their experiences included a sense of comfort and joy from receiving accurate health information and forming new relationships, as well as building trust through educational and emotional support. They also expressed unmet needs, such as expanding health education content and including their family members as part of the target audience. Furthermore, they wished to be acknowledged as active contributors to Korean society by serving as peer mentors.
Conclusions
There is a need to develop culture-friendly health education programs for improving immigrant health. Bilingual and bicultural immigrant women can play vital roles as community health workers, promoting public health and health equity. This approach may also support their social reintegration and empowerment.

[English] Path Analysis of Factors Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life for Community-Dwelling Vulnerable Older Adults with Chronic Diseases in Korea: Hyun-Ju Lee; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(3):315-327. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01067

668 View
22 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aims to construct and verify a path model for the factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling vulnerable older adults with chronic diseases in Korea. Methods: The sample included 195 community-dwelling vulnerable adults aged 65 years and above with chronic diseases in Korea. Structured questionnaires were collected from April to June 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 28.0 programs. Results: The hypothesized path model significantly explained HRQoL in community-dwelling vulnerable older adults with chronic diseases, with a high explanatory power (48.0%). Self-rated health (SRH) and self-efficacy for managing chronic disease (SEMCD) had a significant direct effect on HRQoL. The number of diseases, depressive symptoms, social support, and digital literacy indirectly affected HRQoL. Conclusion: To improve HRQoL in community-dwelling vulnerable older adults with chronic diseases, integrated community health-management programs should focus on enhancing SEMCD and SRH, while incorporating depression screening, social support, and digital literacy education.

[English] The Effects of Health Care Empowerment Program for Vulnerable Elderly Women with Hypertension: Yunkyoung Jung; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(3):281-291. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01039

1,533 View
53 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to develop and apply a self-management competency enhancement program based on Johnson’s Model of Health Care Empowerment for vulnerable elderly women with hypertension. Methods: A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design was used. Participants were 38 elderly women aged 65 and older receiving customized home visiting health care in G city. They were assigned to either the intervention or control group. The program consisted of eight 60-minute sessions, and was held twice a week for four weeks. Blood pressure (BP) and lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were measured at three time points: before, immediately after, and four weeks after the intervention. Health literacy, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms were assessed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t-tests, the Friedman test, and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The program significantly improved health literacy (p<0.01) and self-efficacy (p<0.01). However, no significant differences were observed between groups in blood pressure, lipid levels, or depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The health care empowerment program is a viable community health nursing intervention for enhancing health literacy and self-efficacy in vulnerable elderly women with hypertension.

[English] The Effects of Self Care Capacity of Elderly People in Rural Areas Diagnosed with Chronic Disease on Health-Related Quality of Life: A Two-Mediator Serial Mediation Effect of Social Support and Health Literacy: Sanguk Kim, Minjeong Seo; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(2):165-178. Published online June 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00941

6,658 View
206 Download
1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Purpose
The aim of this study was to identify the serial mediation effect of social support and health literacy in the relationship between self care capacity and health-related quality of life.
Methods
Participants were 169 elderly people who lived in rural areas and were diagnosed with chronic diseases. Data collection was conducted from July 10, 2024 to August 30, 2024 through self-reported questionnaires. The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics 27 and SPSS PROCESS Macro 4.2 program.
Results
The direct effect of self care capacity on health-related quality of life was significant (β = .21, p = .023). The indirect effect of self care capacity on health-related quality of life was β = .14 (95% confidence interval [CI] = =0.01~0.29). The double mediating effect of social support and health literacy in the relationship between self care capacity and health-related quality of life was β = .02 (95% CI=0.01~0.06).
Conclusion
It was found that the social support and health literacy of the elderly diagnosed with chronic diseases living in rural areas were affected by self care capacity, which in turn affected health-related quality of life. It is necessary to approach successful aging by improving health-related quality of life through a system that can improve self care capacity, social support, and health literacy by efficiently utilizing community resources.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Predictors of psychological symptom risk in older adults in Türkiye: the role of mental health literacy and demographic-clinical factors
Nazan Turan, Selcen Babaoğlu Aydaş, Şahinde Canbulat
BMC Geriatrics.2026;[Epub] CrossRef

[English] Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation among Korean Workers: Myeong Hwa Lee, Eun Suk Choi; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(2):179-191. Published online June 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00864

3,243 View
66 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to identify factors influencing suicidal ideation among workers using data from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VIII-3), providing foundational data for workplace suicide prevention programs.
Methods
This descriptive correlational study analyzed data from 2,287 employed workers using hierarchical logistic regression to examine relationships between general characteristics, health behaviors, physical and mental health, and suicidal ideation.
Results
The prevalence of suicidal ideation among workers was 3.6%. The primary influencing factors were lower educational level (≤ middle school; OR = 3.33), depression (OR = 10.77), generalized anxiety disorder (OR = 4.63), mild anxiety (OR = 2.51), and stress (OR = 1.82). Mental health variables significantly increased explanatory power from 8% to 37%.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the critical role of mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, in predicting suicidal ideation among workers. Workplace mental health management programs should include comprehensive mental health assessments and early intervention strategies addressing not only severe conditions but also mild anxiety symptoms.

[English] Impact of Marital Dissolution Timing and Duration on Self-Rated Health of Marriage Immigrants in Single-Person Households in South Korea: Duckhee Chae, Kyeong Hwa Kang, Nakyung Kim, Keiko Asami, Jongdae Kim; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(1):122-129. Published online March 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2025.01011

8,243 View
33 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study examined associations between timing of marital dissolution, duration since marital dissolution, and self-rated health among marriage immigrants in South Korea who live in single-person households.
Methods
This cross-sectional study employed a secondary analysis of data from the 2021 Korean National Multicultural Family Survey. We performed binary logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships between the variables of interest while controlling for social support, economic well-being, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic characteristics. Data from 407 marriage immigrant single-person households were included in the analyses.
Results
Marriage immigrants’ self-rated health fluctuated over time but generally exhibited a downward trend following marital dissolution. After controlling for confounders, marital dissolution after age 50 and longer duration since dissolution (e.g., 3-6 years and 9+ years) were associated with increased odds of poor self-rated health. Unemployment and depressive symptoms significantly increased the odds of poor self-rated health, while higher social support had a protective effect.
Conclusion
Transitioning to singlehood after marital dissolution may have long-term negative health consequences, particularly for those experiencing this transition later in life. Proactive interventions focusing on social support and health resource acquisition within the initial 3 years of separation may be crucial to mitigate health decline.

[English] Job Analysis of Nurses Working at Dementia Care Centers Using DACUM: Yong-Sun Shin, Jong-Eun Lee; Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2025;36(1):21-34. Published online March 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2024.00927

1,363 View
67 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct job analysis of nurses at dementia care centers and to identify the importance, frequency, and difficulty of each duty and task.
Methods
Through Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) Committee workshop, the committee members developed a job analysis tool using DACUM, and the nurses working at dementia care centers evaluated the importance, frequency, and difficulty of each duty and task.
Results
The jobs of the nurses were derived from 10 duties and 66 tasks, and each duty consisted of 3 to 10 tasks. The important duties were ‘public guardianship project for dementia’ and ‘dementia diagnosis screening,’ the most frequent duties were ‘consultation and registration management,’ and ‘dementia diagnosis screening,’ and the most difficult duties were ‘public guardianship project for dementia’ and ‘project planning and evaluation.’ Based on these results, the core duties and tasks were derived, and the top priority duties were ‘consultation and registration management,’ ‘case management,’ and ‘support for families and carers of dementia patients’.
Conclusion
The most recent duties of nurses, who have the largest proportion of workers at dementia care centers, were identified, and the core duties that should be given priority in selecting the direction of education for job performance and professional improvement were presented. Based on the application method of education and training presented in this study, it is important to detail education and training that is appropriate for and applicable to each duty to support the professionalism of nurses at dementia care centers.

First
Prev
Page of 22
Next
Last

Search