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Background: South Korea is a country with a very low fertility rate and there is a tendency for young adults to postpone marriage and childbirth, which affects adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is important for young adults to predict and prepare in advance for future fertility-related issues, especially by identifying their willingness and thoughts about childbirth for both women and men. This study aimed to investigate gender differences in willingness for childbirth, fertility knowledge, and the value of motherhood or fatherhood among college students in South Korea and to explore the factors influencing willingness for childbirth. Methods: This was a cross sectional study among 286 unmarried college students who were recruited through a campus email and online communities for college student conducted from June 20, 2021 to July 19, 2021. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and t-test to identify gender differences in general characteristics, willingness for childbirth, fertility knowledge, and value of motherhood of fatherhood. The factors influencing willingness for childbirth were examined using multiple logistic regression. Results: Female students showed lower willingness for future childbirth than male students (χ2 = 26.85, p <.001). Women valued motherhood significantly less than men valued fatherhood (t = 6.34, p <.001). Women had a lower fertility knowledge score than men (t = 2.53 p =.012). The value of motherhood or fatherhood was an important influencing factor in both male and female college students (AOR = 8.57, 95% CI = 3.79–19.41 and AOR = 10.42, 95% CI = 3.65–29.80, respectively), whereas the monthly allowance was also an important influencing factor in female students (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01–1.03). Conclusion: The findings indicate the future direction to develop effective interventions considering gender differences which will promote healthy pregnancy and childbirth in the future for informed reproductive decision-making for college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interventions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy from an early age can ensure the health of both mother and child. This study aims to compare the factors associated with healthy pregnancy preparation behavior (HPPB) among male and female adolescents. Methods: A total of 690 Korean adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study from July 11 to August 24, 2018. Determinants of the likelihood of engaging in HPPB were described using hierarchical regression about the importance of and confidence in HPPB, the gender equality related to pregnancy and birth, and the health belief model (HBM) constructs about HPPB. Results: Smoking experience (β = − 0.18, p < 0.001 for boys, β = − 0.25, p < 0.001 for girls), and HBM constructs were identified as factors correlated with HPPB in both genders. The significant factors in boys were perceived susceptibility (β = − 0.13, p = 0.005), perceived severity (β = 0.12, p = 0.015), perceived benefits (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), and perceived barriers (β = − 0.18, p < 0.001), whereas the corresponding factors in girls were perceived severity (β = 0.20, p = 0.001), and perceived barriers (β = − 0.23, p < 0.001). The importance of HPPB was identified as a factor only among girls (β = 0.19, p = 0.005), while confidence in HPPB (β = 0.12, p = 0.401), gender equality related to pregnancy and childbirth (β = − 0.20, p = 0.001 for women's responsibility variable, β = 0.14, p = 0.018 for men's responsibility variable), and alcohol (β = − 0.10, p = 0.022) were factors identified only among boys. Conclusions: The gender differences in opinions on HPPB identified in this study can help nurses and community health care professionals recognize issues for which they can develop and implement preventive interventions. For healthy pregnancy preparation, interventions based on HBM constructs and smoking should be presented for both male and female adolescents. Imparting education to females on the importance of HPPB and to males on confidence in HPPB, gender equality related to pregnancy and childbirth, and alcohol consumption, should be emphasized. In addition, as perceived susceptibility may be low in a disease prevention model using the health belief model, it is necessary to prioritize increasing the perceived susceptibility of school-age children as an intervention. Plain Language Summary: In the context of pregnancy preparation, attention has recently shifted from the period just before pregnancy to the early years, or even throughout one's life. The World Health Organization identifies adolescents as requiring specific attention. Adolescents' health behaviors can impact their adulthood years and have significant repercussions on the health of the future generation. In addition, recent studies consistently report that the preparedness of both men and women is essential to pregnancy preparation. Therefore, it is now time to present a new strategy by identifying and grasping the different factors that influence the two genders. This study can raise awareness of healthy pregnancy preparation behavior from adolescence onwards of both genders. There were differences in factors affecting HPPB by gender. For healthy pregnancy preparation, interventions based on HBM constructs and smoking should be presented for both male and female adolescents. Imparting education to females on the importance of HPPB (β = 0.19, p = 0.005) and males on confidence in HPPB (β = 0.12, p = 0.401), gender equality related to pregnancy and childbirth (β = − 0.20, p = 0.001 for women's responsibility variable, β = 0.14, p = 0.018 for men's responsibility variable), and alcohol consumption (β = − 0.10, p = 0.022) should be emphasized; and effective healthy pregnancy preventive strategies should be developed based on these findings. Interventions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy from an early age can ensure the health of both mother and child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 < 0.001, male: β = 0.30, p < 0.001). The current level of depression was a significant factor for women only (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. Plain English summary: Starting in early adulthood, such as college students in the preconception stage, it is necessary to take care of one's mental health (including depression) in order to have a healthy pregnancy in the future. The early identification of adults needing depression management is also a major challenge. In this study, an online survey was conducted to investigate levels of depression among Korean college students and their intention to manage depression for a healthy future pregnancy, as well as to identify the influencing factors. Convenience recruitment was conducted by e-mail at one university in Korea, and 828 male and female college students responded to the survey. An analysis of the factors affecting the intention to manage depression for a healthy future pregnancy identified the components of the Theory of Planned Behavior as influencing factors in both men and women. In particular, self-efficacy had the greatest influence. However, the current level of depression was only a significant factor among women. These findings could help nurses recognize differences in gender characteristics for the intention of preventive depression management for a healthy pregnancy, and provide evidence to develop and implement the intervention. These efforts will ultimately reduce high-risk pregnancies due to poor mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular calcification (VC) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). However, evidence is still insufficient about the association between dialysis parameters and VC. Thus, this study was to evaluate association of dialysis parameters with VC.Methods: We enrolled 297 ESRD patients undergoing MHD at six distinct centers in Korea. Study participants were categorized into 3 groups by the scoring system of abdominal aortic calcification based on lateral lumbar radiography (no VC group: 0, mild VC group: 1-7 and advanced VC group: 8-24). We compared the features of dialysis parameters according to the severity of VC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for mild and advanced VC in each haemodialysis parameter (adjusted OR [95% CI]).Results: Pooled Kt/V (spKt/V), equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V), standard Kt/V (stdKt/V) and the proportion of haemodiafiltration were increased along with the severity of VC. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that advanced VC was positively associated with spKt/V (5.27 [1.51-18.41]), eKt/V (6.16 [1.45-26.10]), stdKt/V (10.67 [1.74-65.52]) and haemodiafiltration (3.27 [1.74 to 6.16]).Conclusion: High dose dialysis and haemodiafiltration were significantly associated with advanced VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In June 2016, the Republic of Korea included free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations for all 12-year-old girls in its national immunization program. Purpose: This study investigated perceptions of nurses on HPV vaccination and their intent to vaccinate preteens at the best ages. Methods: Recruited for the survey were 514 health teachers (181, 35.2%), public health nurses (168, 32.7%), and clinical nurses (165, 32.1%). Factor-analysis was conducted to validate the Vaccine-Hesitancy Scale for Korean nurses. Related variables associated with vaccine-acceptance were examined using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman’s rho coefficients, due to lack of normalization. Results: Factor-analysis results showed that two factors of positive acceptance (7 items) and negative acceptance (3 items) accounted for 67.46% of the total variance, and explained 47.4% and 20.1%, respectively. Nurses who positively accepted HPV vaccine differed significantly in agreement to vaccinate girls or boys. For the proper vaccination age, a significant difference emerged between answers for girls and vaccine-acceptance scores, whereas no difference emerged between answers for boys and the scores. The vaccinated status of respondents significantly related to higher HPV vaccine acceptance, although age, religion, marital status, education, and working duration did not. Conclusions: This study showed that vaccine-acceptance levels reflect nurses’ attitudes and opinions about HPV vaccination for girls and boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: This study was conducted in order to examine the effects of community‐based education on cervical cancer prevention in relation to South Korean mothers’ knowledge about the Papanicolau (Pap) test and human papillomavirus, self‐confidence in communication with their daughters, and health‐related beliefs about their daughters. Methods: A quasi‐experimental pre–post design was used. For the experimental group, face‐to‐face education was administered to 35 participants for 60 min. For the control group, 35 participants were taught by using standardized materials for 20 min. Results: The experimental group showed a significant increase in Pap test knowledge, cervical cancer knowledge, and self‐confidence in communication with their daughters, compared to the control group. In the post‐test, the mothers in the experimental group also perceived cervical cancer as more threatening, their daughter as more susceptible to cervical cancer, Pap tests as being recommended for their daughters, and they showed a significant increase in their self‐efficacy of recommending the Pap test to their daughter. Conclusion: Community‐based education for mothers is effective in increasing their human papillomavirus knowledge, Pap test knowledge, improving their confidence in communication with their daughters, and in some of the health‐related beliefs regarding their daughters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To develop a nurse-led psychological intervention programme and to evaluate its effects on psychological distress and quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and at a high risk of depression. Background: Depression is common among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Psychological intervention programmes that improve psychological distress and quality of life have previously been lacking in South Korea. Design: This was a pre- and post-test randomised controlled trial. Methods: The nurse-led psychological intervention programme comprised seven weekly counselling sessions delivered face to face and telephonically. These aimed to provide emotional support to patients and to enable them to express their feelings. Patients at a high risk of depression were recruited from an oncology outpatient clinic in a university hospital. Sixty participants were evenly and randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. The effects of the intervention on psychological distress (mood disturbance, anxiety and depression) and quality of life were examined using linear mixed models. Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported significantly lower mood disturbance, anxiety and depression and showed an improved global health status and physical, role and emotional functions. They also reported fewer symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain and insomnia. Conclusions: Our nurse-led psychological intervention programme might reduce patients’ uncertainty and encourage them to be proactive and self-controllable. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurse-led psychological intervention programmes should be implemented to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life in patients with breast cancer, particularly those at a high risk of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Sasang constitutional medicine is a component of traditional Korean medicine that classifies individuals into four Sasang constitutional types (SCTs) by their physical and psychological traits. Each SCT is known to show different susceptibilities to disorders. This systematic review investigated the effect of SCT as a risk factor for various disorders. Methods: A systematic literature survey was conducted by searching seven databases for all articles on the prevalence rates of disorders according to SCT and sex. Results: From 14,272 relevant articles, 15 studies (13 disorders) were ultimately identified to verify different prevalence rates by SCT. Of the 13 disorders, 6 (prehypertension, general obesity, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]) had a significantly different prevalence by SCT. Metabolic syndrome and its associated disorders showed the highest prevalence in Taeumin-type individuals, whereas IBS was most prevalent in Soeumin-type individuals. In general, these findings were consistent with the results obtained in an analysis of male and female participants. Conclusions: This study revealed that susceptibility to disorders was affected by SCT to some extent. Further studies are needed to determine the concrete features of SCT-related susceptibility, which may be helpful in preventive medicine with Sasang constitutional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mothers have a primary role in the prevention of cervical cancer in Korea. This study aimed to determine the awareness and health beliefs of mothers about preventing cervical cancer in their daughters, their intention to recommend the Pap test to their daughters, and the factors influencing this intention.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and the study enrolled mothers (n = 1,581) of pubescent girls aged 13 to 18 years who were living nationwide in Korea. The six health-beliefs variables related to preventing cervical cancer in their daughters, awareness of the importance of cervical cancer prevention methods, and the intention to recommend the Pap test to daughters were investigated. The impacts of these health beliefs of the mothers and the sociodemographic factors influencing their intention to recommend the Pap test to their daughters were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: Almost one-quarter (23.7 %) of the mothers had talked about the Pap test, 69.2 % were intending to recommend the Pap test to their daughters, and 38.5 % considered that the Pap test could be necessary if their daughters became sexually active. The significant health beliefs influencing the intention to recommend the Pap test were the perceived barriers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) = 1.03-2.11] and benefits (OR = 2.25, 95 % CI = 1.55-3.25). The significant sociodemographic factors of mothers were their education (OR = 1.52, 95 % CI = 1.08-2.13), their experience of talking about the Pap test with their daughters (OR = 2.11, 95 % CI = 1.23-3.64), their regularity of undergoing the Pap test themselves (OR = 1.98, 95 % CI = 1.30-3.03), and their age when they first underwent the Pap test (OR = 1.60, 95 % CI = 1.43-0.82).Conclusions: The mothers perceived HPV vaccination as the most important of the five methods for preventing cervical cancer in their daughters. Mothers perceived the importance of their daughters undergoing the Pap test regardless of the presence of HPV vaccination, and most of the mothers had an intention of recommending the Pap test to their daughters. Strategies for increasing the intention of mothers to recommend the Pap test to their adolescent daughters could be promoted by increasing their perceptions of the benefits while reducing their perceptions of barriers toward their daughters undergoing the Pap test, and by empowering active communication about the Pap test between mothers and daughters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed gender differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness (including knowledge), health beliefs, and behavioral intentions to prevent infection. The participants comprised 763 and 905 sexually active men and women, respectively. Gender differences were observed in HPV knowledge, health beliefs, and sociodemographics that were significantly correlated with behavioral intentions to prevent infection. There were gender differences in the factors related to behavioral intentions to prevent HPV. In multiple regression analysis, HPV knowledge was not related to behavioral intentions, whereas perceived benefits were related to behavioral intentions consistently among men and women, while the effects of perceived barriers were inconsistent. HPV awareness was very low regardless of gender. While HPV education is urgently required for men, enhancing HPV awareness, reinforcing positive perceptions of HPV prevention, and reducing unhealthy sexual behaviors are necessary for the entire Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Backgrounds: As HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, men are crucial in the prevention of cervical cancer, but research about men's awareness on cervical cancer is limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated men's awareness toward women's cervical cancer, to thoroughly understand the viewpoints of men, and to emphasize the centrality of the role of men in the prevention of cervical cancer.Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was chosen to explore men's awareness of women's cervical cancer. Twelve men aged 20-58 were interviewed. Snowball sampling was conducted to recruit participants.Results: Most participants stated that they were not interested in women's health, and that they did not have much knowledge about cause and prevention of cervical cancer. They acknowledged that cervical cancer was different from other cancers, based on cause and prognosis of disease. The recognition of cervical cancer in participants varied widely depending on their relationship with women. Respondents' recognition of cervical cancer was classified into four types based on a Situational Awareness (SA) model including individual factors (knowledge about cervical cancer, interest in women's health) and system/task factors (relationship with women, men's responsibility).Conclusion: This study is one of the few studies describing men's awareness on cervical cancer. Korean men's awareness level was low, and their concern and knowledge were not good. Some participants thought that cervical cancer can be treated, can be prevented, and is recognized as a disease of a female with men intervening. Our participants perceived that the role of men is necessary for the prevention of cervical cancer. Therefore, a strategy is needed to develop the awareness and knowledge of men on cervical cancer prevention. When planning cervical cancer education for men, phase and type-specific approaches are required, depending on perception level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]