Earticle

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the mental health-related quality of life (MHQoL) of Korean workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 192 Korean pay workers who worked in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk Province, Korea. Data were collected from May 15 to July 2, 2019, through selfreported questionnaires. The survey had a total of 87 questions including individual, organizational, and psychosocial factors. MHQoL was measured using short form-36 version 1. Data were divided into four domains of MHQoL and analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression model. Results: From the hierarchical linear regression analysis, when the psychosocial factors were included in the regression model, the R2 change in the four domains of MHQoL increased significantly by 19~47%. A common predicting factor associated with the four domains of MHQoL was identified as perceived stress symptoms. Other factors affecting MHQoL showed slight differences in each domain. Conclusion: Based on the study results, it is necessary to monitor the psychosocial symptoms to improve MHQoL of Korean workers. Considering each factor affecting the four areas of MHQoL, workplace-based interventions to improve MHQoL should be provided to workers.

Purpose: This study aims to compare the general characteristics, life-style, health examination results, and sick leave days by airmen medical examination decision and to investigate factors affecting sick leave days. Methods: We obtained data from 2,361 Korean pilots who worked for a commercial airline. Comparison of the results by airmen medical examination decision (Fit or waver) was conducted using the x2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Factors affecting sick leave days were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Age, smoking history, blood pressure, obesity, and fasting blood sugar level were significantly different between the Fit and Waver groups. Rate of using sick leave long-term was higher in the Waver than in the Fit. Sick leave days were significantly associated with age, habits of drinking, and smoking in the Fit group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the health risk factors that affect the number of sick leave days. By providing basic data for the health care of workers, it is expected to be applicable to the provision of health promotion and disease prevention programs for workers.

Purpose: This study aims to conduct an integrated literature review of infection control studies conducted by nursing care workers in long-term care facilities in Korea. Methods: Through the domestic search engines RISS and KISS, seven articles were selected by searching for theses and academic journals published in Korea from 2008 to January 2020. Results: In total, six research studies and one intervention study out of seven studies were analyzed. Measurement tools for examining the knowledge and performance of infection-related care workers consisted of skin infection, aspiration pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and hand hygiene. Factors affecting nursing care workers’ infection management performance were infection management knowledge, education level, health status, and importance awareness. Conclusion: This study showed it is necessary to develop a tool that can accurately measure nursing care workers’ infection management knowledge and performance. In addition, it is necessary to develop an intervention program for nursing care workers’ infection control.

Purpose: COVID-19 infections have been erupting in places of worship, long-term care facilities, and call centers in Korea since January 2020. This study aims to diagnose and present an infection control system solution for long-term care facilities where at-risk elderly individuals are actively engaged in communal life. Methods: We conducted comparative analyses of infection control systems between long-term care facilities and medical institutions respective of relevant laws and this study’s evaluation system. Results: To prepare for future infectious diseases, it is necessary to establish a long-term care facility infection control system and strengthen the standards thereof, to strengthen long-term care facility evaluation standards and to newly establish medical charges for infection control. Conclusion: Systematic procedure fortification and financial support provisions are necessary for infection control at long-term care facilities.

Purpose: Nurses’ job satisfaction corresponds with personal intrinsic value, and is the strongest predicting turnover and job retention intention. This study identified the effectiveness of job satisfaction interventions related to reinforcing intrinsic motivation (JSI-RIM) for hospital nurses. Methods: This study used four core non-Korean databases (Cochrane Library, CHINHL, EMBASE, PubMed), and five Korean databases to search for RCT and NRCT articles published in English and Korean from inception to June 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3.5 program. Results: Thirteen studies featuring 645 hospital nurses were selected for final analysis. A significant large effect was noted on self-efficacy. The effect size on perceived stress and job satisfaction were moderate; however, the effect on resilience outcomes was not significant. Conclusion: This study generated scientific evidence that would facilitate efficient job adaptation for nurses. Additionally, intrinsic factors, including job identity and meaning of work, need to be included in JSI-RIM.