Earticle

Purpose : This study aimed to examine the differences in ego-resilience, academic self-efficacy, and job stress depending on academic engagement among physical therapists, and to identify the influencing factors on psychological resources. Methods : A total of 227 licensed physical therapists working in the Seoul metropolitan area participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized into two groups: the academic engagement group (n = 115) and the non-engagement group (n = 112). Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess ego-resilience, academic self-efficacy, and job stress. The data were analyzed using independent t-tests or ANOVA to compare group differences and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of ego-resilience and academic self-efficacy. Results : The academic engagement group showed significantly higher scores in ego-resilience (M=3.61, SD=0.43) and academic self-efficacy (M=3.76, SD=0.58) compared to the non-engaged group (p <.001). There was no significant difference in total job stress (p =.085), but sub-domains such as interpersonal conflict (p =.008) and work environment (p =.008) revealed the group differences. In multiple regression analysis, ego-resilience was significantly predicted by age (≥30), job position, and academic engagement (F(6, 220)=6.54, p <.001, Adjusted R² =.151). Academic self-efficacy was predicted by age and academic engagement (F(6, 220)=7.13, p <.001, Adjusted R² =.189). Conclusion : These findings suggest that academic engagement may positively influence psychological resources among physical therapists. Systematic support for self-directed learning and academic development is needed to enhance professional growth and resilience in clinical settings.

Purpose : This study aimed to examine the association between shift work and metabolic syndrome and to assess the effects of shift work on the individual components of metabolic syndrome among workers in the electronic materials manufacturing industry. Methods : A total of 650 workers were classified into shift and non-shift (daytime) groups based on their 2023 health examination data. And a cross-sectional analysis was conducted. The differences in metabolic syndrome components such as waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, were analyzed using independent t-tests. The influence of shift work on each component was examined through logistic regression, and the association between shift work and metabolic syndrome prevalence was assessed using the chi-square test. Results : Shift workers had significantly higher systolic & diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels (p < 0.01), and significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.009) compared to non-shift workers. No significant differences were observed in waist circumference or fasting glucose. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome between the two groups (p = 0.147). Conclusion : Although shift work did not significantly affect the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome, it was found to negatively influence specific metabolic risk factors. These results suggest the need for workplace-level interventions, including regular health checkups and tailored health management programs. Furthermore, longitudinal studies are needed to establish evidence- based occupational health policies for workers exposed to long-term shift work.

Purpose : This study was conducted to assess the effects of a shift system improvement pilot project on nurses' work-related quality of life(WRQoL), sleep disorders, fatigue, and turnover intention. Methods : It was designed as a comparative research study, and the responses of a total of 353 nurses were analyzed. Data were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA with SPSS/WIN 25.0. Results : The group of nurses who participated in the pilot project for improving the nurse shift system showed significant differences compared to the control group in WRQoL (p<.001), sleep disorders (p=.008), acute fatigue (p=.047), and turnover intention (p=.009). Conclusion : According to the results of this study, a predictable work schedule that reflects individual preferences had a positive effect on improving WRQoL and reducing acute fatigue and sleep disorders. Therefore, expanding pilot programs for shift system reform may be effective in reducing nurses’ turnover intention.

목적 : 본 연구는 간호사의 직장 내 괴롭힘을 예방하기 위하여 상호존중프로그램를 개발하고 그 효과를 검증하기 위해 시도되었다. 방법 : 프로그램은 ADDIE모형에 근거하여 분석, 설계, 개발, 실행, 평가의 단계로 월 1회, 60분, 총 4회기의 프로그램으로 구성되어 있다. 연구에 참여를 원하는 부서 중 업무특성과 환경이 비슷한 두 부서를 편의 표집 할당하였고, 해당 부서 구성원 중 자발적으로 참여를 원하는 간호사 48명을 실험군과 대조군으로 할당하여 비동등성 대조군 전후 유사실험설계로 효과를 평가하였다. 자료수집 기간은 2018년 7월 25일부터 2018년 10월 29까지 이루어졌으며 실험군과 대조군에게 사전조사, 프로그램 진행 후 1주일 뒤 사후조사를 실시하였다. 프로그램의 효과측정을 위하여 t-test, 반복측정 분산분석, 공분산분석으로 분석하였다. 결과 : 실험군과 대조군의 직장 내 괴롭힘 정도, 괴롭힘 반응, 스트레스, 소진, 조직몰입에 유의한 차이가 있어 효과가 검증되었다. 결론 : 본 프로그램은 간호사들의 괴롭힘 예방을 위해 개발되었으며 효과가 검증되었으므로 임상에서 중재방안으로 사용될 수 있을 것이다.

Purpose : Mental well-being is a critical component of occupational health, particularly for skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries who face unique physical and environmental stressors. This study aimed to identify key determinants of mental well-being for this workforce in South Korea. Methods : Using the data from the 7th Korean Working Conditions Survey, this study analyzed a nationally representative sample of skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations among mental well-being and a range of demographic, occupational, and health-related variables. Results : Mental well-being was significantly positively associated with being female, higher monthly income, better subjective health, greater satisfaction with the work environment, higher exposure to physical demands at work, and increased job enthusiasm. Conversely, working on Sundays and experiencing sleep disturbances were negatively associated with mental well-being. Among all variables, job enthusiasm showed the strongest positive association. The regression model accounted for a statistically significant proportion of the variance in mental well-being. Conclusions : Mental well-being among skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries is shaped by a complex interplay of personal, occupational, and health-related factors. Targeted interventions that enhance the work environment, support health management, and foster job engagement are essential to promote mental well-being of this population. These findings provide actionable insights for developing tailored occupational health policies and workforce training programs.

Purpose : This study aimed to identify the factors influencing core competencies of disaster nursing among radiation emergency medical response nurses, focusing on nursing professional values, disaster perception, and radiation exposure anxiety. A descriptive cross-sectional design was selected. Methods : The participants were 174 radiation emergency medical response nurses working at radiation emergency medical institutions in South Korea who had completed mandatory education or refresher training and voluntarily agreed to participate. The data were collected using an anonymous online survey conducted from June 4 to June 28, 2024. The survey measured nursing professional values, disaster perception, radiation exposure anxiety, and core competencies of disaster nursing using validated tools. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple regression. Results : The mean scores (out of 5) were 3.55±0.52 for nursing professional values, 3.68±0.40 for disaster perception, 3.73±0.90 for radiation exposure anxiety, and 3.63±0.62 for core competencies of disaster nursing. Core competencies of disaster nursing were positively correlated with nursing professional values (r=.37, p<.001) and disaster perception (r=.37, p<.001). Multiple regression revealed that disaster perception (β=.30, p<.001), participation in radiation emergency exercises (β=.27, p<.001), nursing professional values (β=.24, p=.001), and having a religion (β=.14, p=.034) significantly influenced core competencies of disaster nursing, explaining 27.8% of the variance (adjusted R²=.278, F=14.32, p<.001). Conclusion : The study’s results suggest that beyond simple technical education, enhancing disaster perception, fostering nursing professional values, and systematic participation in exercises can better and effectively improve radiation emergency medical response nurses’ core competencies of disaster nursing.