Earticle

Objectives: This study assessed the effect of COVID-19 on the profitability and employment of regional hub public hospitals and its variation by hospital location. Methods: Data from 35 public hospitals operating between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed using a generalized linear regression model. Profitability was assessed as a financial measure, while employment measures included the number of doctors, nurses, healthworkers, administrators, and new employees per 100 beds, and the average doctor's salary. Results: Operating revenues declined while expenses increased, reducing operating income and margins. The number of nurses per 100 beds increased, whereas the number of other staff members did not change significantly. Hospitals in the capital region experienced a greater decline in profitability. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively influenced the profitability of regional hub public hospitals without reducing employment. The effects also varied between hospital locations.

Objectives: This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the financial performance of Korean hospitals, focusing on the differences between public and private institutions. Methods: Profit and loss data from 257 Korean hospitals (2016-2022) were analyzed. Key indicators, including Operating Margin (OM) and Net Profit, were calculated to assess pre- and post-pandemic changes. A hybrid panel model was used in this study. Results: Significant financial differences were observed between public and private hospitals during the pandemic. Public hospitals saw a major drop in OM, over 30% in 2020, which was 26.0% lower than that in 2022. However, net profits increased because of government support. Private hospitals experienced a smaller decline, and recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2021, indicating better revenue recovery and cost control. Conclusions: This study highlights the different financial responses of public and private hospitals to the pandemic, shaped by structural characteristics, government support, and strategies.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the underlying of effect between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution and postpartum depression. Methods: Maternal somatic types and postpartum depression scores were collected through questionnaires and statistically analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. Results: The detection rates of postpartum depression with scores above 10,12, and 13 were 35.0%, 27.9% and 21.6%, respectively. Postpartum depression indirectly affected qi deficiency constitution through the balanced constitution, with the balanced constitution playing a fully mediating role (.428; p<.05). Postpartum depression indirectly affected the qi stagnation constitution through the balanced constitution, with the balanced constitution playing a partial mediating role (.318; p<.05). Conclusions: Postpartum depression has a significant effect on the quality of TCM. A comprehensive health assessment system should be established to emphasize constitutional management, early warning of stressful events, and prevention of psychological problems to promote health fundamentally.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors related to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among older adults. Methods: We analyzed 1,392 older adults (aged≥65) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021. Participants were divided into two age groups: early (aged<75) and late (aged≥75) older adults. The GAD was measured using the GAD-7. We performed multiple linear regression analysis using the stepwise selection method to identify factors associated with GAD. Results: Chewing discomfort and lower subjective health perception were associated with GAD in the early group (p<.05). In the late group, female sex was associated with GAD (p<.05). Higher perceived stress levels were associated with GAD in both the early and late groups (p<.001). Conclusions: Chewing discomfort, subjective health perception, and stress levels were associated with GAD in the early age group, while female sex and stress levels significantly influenced GAD in the late age group.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the factors influencing awareness of Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Methods: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were used. The analysis employed chi-square tests, t-tests, Cochran-Armitage trend tests, and generalized linear mixed models. Results: Demographic and socio-economic variables significantly impacted LTCI awareness. Additionally, factors such as social functioning, health status, and health behaviors were influential play a role. Conclusions: Strateges to enhance LTCI awareness, should consider various factors, including age, education, economic status, and social network characteristics.

Objectives: We studied the effect of grip strength on the subjective oral health status and mental health in of elderly population persons. Methods: In this study, Ffrequency analysis analysis, cross-analysis analysis, and multiple regression analyseis analysis of the research tools were perform analyzed conducted using the the SPSS12.0 statistical package program. Results: General characteristics and subjective oral health status according to grip strength were below average for women and above average for men for both the right and left hands;, age ranged from above average to above average for those aged 654 to 74 years. The Subjective oral health status was average overall, but above average in the right hand and below average to high in the left hand. Conclusions: There is a well-demonstrated relationship between subjective oral health status and mental health according to the grip strength inofamong the elderly has been demonstratedshown persons., Therefore, multifaceted research should that be conducted by activating draws on research studies in related fields is essential to reduce the rate of decline in grip strength and emphasize the importance of muscle strength.

Objectives: This study explored the impact of secondary trauma care levels on compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress among disaster mental health support personnel. Methods: Data were collected from 149 disaster response personnel at 37 mental health and welfare centers between from May andto July 2022. Results: Meaning making significantly influenced compassion satisfaction (B=1.186, p<.001), while physical regulation (B=-0.574, p<.001) and meaning making (B=-0.697 p<.001) were significant factors affecting burnout. Additionally, gender (B=-3.144, p<.001), activity experience in the mental health field (B=2.665, p=.016), physical regulation (B=-0.600, p=005), and psychological boundary setting (B=-0.770, p<.001) on secondary trauma stress were shown to be effective. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop secondary trauma prevention programs that focus on enhancing skills in meaning making, psychological boundary setting, and physical regulation.

Objectives: This study aimed was to identify the effects of forest therapy program on older adults. Methods: A literature search was performed using Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, riss4U, E-article and ScienceON. to analyze literature the literature published from January 2014 to February 2024. A total of 1,380 studies were identified and 5 studies matched the selection criteria in the final analysis. Five studies were analysed using Cochrane’s RoB 2.0. Results: The forest therapy improved participants’ mood, lung function, muscle strength, bone mineral density, oxidative stress and profile of mood state through forest walking. Forest therapy may play an important role in promoting older adults’ physical and pyschological healthy. However, A lack of studies limits the strength of the results and calls, for further trials. Conclusions: This study provides information on effective forest therapy for older adults, highlighting the necessity of developing various forest programs.

Objectives: This study evaluated parental satisfaction at the National Children's Hospital of the Lao PDR. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 208 parents at the National Children's Hospital. Furthermore, One-on-one interviews were conducted by four trained interviewers using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18), which assessed communication with healthcare providers, explanation of illness, and financial satisfaction. Results: Parents had a high overall satisfaction rate (72.6%), with strong communication and service satisfaction scores, but relatively lower financial satisfaction. Satisfaction levels were higher among men, those with lower educational levels, and those who traveled longer distances to the hospital. Conclusions: Tailored healthcare strategies are needed to better meet parental needs at the National Children's Hospital of Lao PDR. Future research should use larger, more diverse samples and mixed -methods to enhance the understanding of parental satisfaction.