Earticle

Objectives: The study analyzed whether investment expenditure variables affecting hospital management performance differ by bed size, how these variables influence proxy variables for management performance, and the magnitude of their impact. Methods: Based on the number of beds, the analysis divided hospitals into three groups: hospitals with fewer than 200 beds, 200-299 beds, and 300 or more beds. Investment expenditure proxy variables included labor costs, welfare costs, education and training costs, and advertising costs, while management performance was represented by medical return ratio and medical profit ratio. Results: The analysis revealed that labor, education, and advertising costs varied by bed size, it was found that the variables of labor costs, education costs, and advertising costs differ by bed size. The rate of medical returns and medical profits also differed according to bed size. Contradictory results were observed : the average medical return was higher in larger hospitals, while another measure of average medical return was higher in smaller hospitals. Labor cost was found to have the greatest influence on hospital management performance. Conclusions: These results provide useful insights for hospital managers to make more efficient decisions regarding resource allocation and management strategies.

Objectives: Using Herzberg’s motivation and hygiene theory, this study examined the effect of nursing professionalism and job embeddedness on intention to stay among nurses working in tertiary hospitals. Methods: Data collected from 226 nurses at K Hospital, S City, through a structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, and Multiple Regression analysis using the SPSS Win 23.0 program. Results: Intention to stay in the job was significantly positively correlated with nursing professionalism (r=.518, p<.001) and job embeddedness (r=.595, p<.001). The sub-factors affecting nurses’ intention to stay in the job were age (β =.330, p<.001), seniority of the nurse (β=−.175, p=.005), urge to change jobs (β=−.152, p=.002), and desired length of employment (β=.328, p<.001). All of these variables were identified as statistically significant, and their explanatory power was 58.2%. Conclusions: Conclusions: This study underscores the need to develop and implement training programs differentiated by career and position to reduce the urge to change jobs and increase the desired length of service.

Objectives: This study explored the impact of the perceived medical cost burden on outpatient satisfaction. Methods: Using data from the 2023 Korean Health Care Experience Survey (n=8,906), we examined the associations between unmet medical needs owing to financial reasons, satisfaction with treatment, and overall care. Multiple regression and subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Only forgoing treatment due to cost significantly reduced treatment satisfaction (β=-0.030, p<0.05). Other unmet needs and cost-related factors had no significant effects on overall satisfaction. Longer wait times, higher education, regional choice factors, and extreme healthcare awareness were also associated with lower satisfaction. Conclusions: Actual treatment avoidance, and not just cost perception, reduces outpatient satisfaction. Targeted policy efforts should address financial barriers to essential care.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a standardized education program for civil servants newly transferred to a public hospital and explored the factors associated with its outcomes. Methods: Fifty civil servants recently transferred to a public hospital in Seoul participated in this program. Nursing competency was assessed before and after the training. Changes in career characteristics were analyzed using paired t-tests and a General Linear Model (GLM). Results: The program significantly improved nursing competency, with mean scores increasing from 2.54 ± 0.58 before training to 3.57 ± 0.33 after training. Participants with less than two years of private hospital experience showed greater improvement than those with three years or more, while prior employment at the same hospital showed no significant effect. Conclusions: The standardized education program was more effective for civil servants with less private hospital experience, eliminating competency gaps across experience levels after training.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the behavioral factors shaping patients’ intention to accept a co-payment system in Russian healthcare by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). It focuses on attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, contextual barriers, and facilitators. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 141 Russian patients. Based on the literature and TPB constructs, data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 to examine the relationships between behavioral variables and intention. Results: Attitude and perceived behavioral control had significant positive effects on intention, whereas subjective norms did not. Higher intentions were found among those with secondary-vocational education and an income of over 50,000 rubles. Age, gender, marital status, health status, and out-of-pocket expenses had no significant effects. Conclusions: Targeted education is needed to address misconceptions regarding co-payment. Clarifying cofinancing and service coverage may increase public acceptance and support sustainable cost containment in healthcare.

Objectives: This study examined the association between participation in economic activity and depression among older adults by dividing them into the young-old (65–74 years) and old-old (≥75 years). It also investigated the differential effects of related factors on depression with each age group. Methods: Using data from the 2022 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA), we analyzed data from 4,491 individuals aged 65 years and older. Multivariatle logistic regression was conducted based on the Social Determinants of Health framework to identify factors associated with depression. Results: Economic activity participation was not significantly associated with depression in either group. However, having ≥4 chronic diseases increased depression risk across both groups. Among the old-old, declines in IADL and smoking status were significantly associated with depression, whereas regular exercise was protective only in the young-old. Better subjective health consistently reduced depression risk in both groups. Conclusions: These findings have practical implications for mental health and welfare policies intended for older adults and highlight the importance of age-specific and tailored intervention strategies in a post-aged society.

Objectives: This study analyzed regional differences in healthcare expenditures among elderly persons across four Korean regions and explored associated factors. Methods: Data from a 2022 national survey of Koreans aged ≥65 (N=402) were analyzed using ANOVA to compare spending across regions and logistic regression to identify factors associated with higher spending in each region. Results: Capital region's annual expenditure (3,302,600 KRW) was 1,492,800 KRW higher than that of Gyeongsang. Young-old people were concentrated in Capital region (51.0%), whereas old-old people were prevalent in Jeolla (68.9%) and Gyeongsang (62.7%). Significant regional differences existed in subjective health, economic status, and quality of life. Associated factors varied by region. Conclusions: Substantial regional disparities exist in elderly healthcare expenditure, necessitating differentiated region-specific policies.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a magnesium chloride-containing moisturizer on skin health indicators and subjective symptoms in older adults with dry and itchy skin. Methods: A single-blind intervention study was conducted with 34 nursing home residents aged 65 and older in Daegu. The experimental cream was applied to the right calf and the control cream to the left calf twice daily for four weeks. Skin pH, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pruritus, and subjective skin symptoms were assessed at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks. Results: The experimental site showed significantly lower skin pH compared to the control site (p<.001), with trends of increased hydration and decreased TEWL. Repeated-measures analysis showed significant changes over time, but no interaction effect between time and group. Subjective symptoms such as moisture, scaling, roughness, itching, and scarring showed greater improvement in the experimental site compared to the control site. Conclusions: This study confirmed the positive subjective responses, maintenance of acidic skin pH, and potential alleviation of symptoms with a magnesium chloride-containing moisturizer, suggesting its viability as an adjunct ingredient to ceramide-based formulations.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine differences in obesity prevalence between self-reported and directly measured data and to explore how associated factors vary accordingly. Methods: Data from the 2020 Korea Community Health Survey (n=224,184) and Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n=5,826) were analyzed. Differences in obesity prevalence were assessed across sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, housing, etc.), health behaviors (walking, smoking, drinking, etc.), and health status variables (stress, hypertension, diabetes, etc.). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of underweight was similar between the self-reported and measured data; however, the former indicated higher rates of normal weight. In contrast, the measured data showed a higher prevalence of overweight or obesity. Self-reported data consistently underestimated obesity, with larger discrepancies observed among women and individuals in their 20s and 30s. Conclusions: When relying on self-reported obesity data, even individuals classified as having “normal weight” may benefit from tailored education that addresses unhealthy behaviors and promotes better health outcomes. Among younger adults, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, interventions should focus on improving awareness of actual body weight and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Factors that showed inconsistent associations with obesity in this study warrant further investigation in comparative research.

Objectives: Undocumented immigrant pregnant women in Korea face multiple structural barriers that limit timely and adequate prenatal care. This study explored prenatal care experiences and identified barriers and facilitators to inform practices and policies. Methods: This study used a qualitative phenomenological design. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 women (Vietnam, n=9; Thailand, n=3; Philippines, n=1) residing in Gyeongnam between July 14 and August 31, 2025. Data analysis was guided by Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Rigor was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and audit trails. Results: Seven themes emerged: financial burden and access constraints; language barriers and the absence of medical interpretation; discriminatory administrative encounters and emotional withdrawal; uncertainty and anxiety driven by information gaps; limited but important social support and unreliable alternative information sources; positive experiences such as relief from hearing the fetal heartbeat and compassionate explanations; and cultural and structural constraints including fear of status exposure and mobility risks. Conclusions: Prenatal care barriers reflect structural vulnerabilities rather than individual shortcomings. Policy implications include public coverage of prenatal and delivery costs, institutionalizing medical interpretation, university–NGO– public health collaboration models, and standardized multilingual guidance.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of the exercise program for COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Methods: A review was made of 13 studies reported in domestic journals. Riss4U, Scienceon, E-article database were searched using analysis criteria developed by the researchers. Results: Result of this study, the most articles are the nursing field. It has been applied to various exercise intervention. The most variable outcome is the pulmonary function and quality of life. Additionally, COPD patients applied various exercise interventions, including strength training and aerobic, resistance, respiratory, and virtual reality-based exercises. Conclusions: It has been applied to various exercise intervention. It is necessary to develop exercise intervention program for COPD patients.

Objectives: This study explored the postpartum care experiences of undocumented Vietnamese immigrant mothers living in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, and identified the keyaspects of their adaptation to structural and cultural constraints. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach using Colaizzi’s method was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven undocumented Vietnamese mothers who had given birth within the past year. Data were analyzed through Colaizzi’s seven-step procedure. Results: Five categories and ten subcategories were identified. Participants faced major barriers to postpartum healthcare due to lack of insurance and restricted access to services. The absence of family and social support led to physical exhaustion, emotional isolation, and delayed recovery. Language and cultural barriers, together with economic hardships, resulted in fragmented communication, limited understanding of medical information, and forced mothers to prioritize livelihoods over their health needs. Despite these challenges, strong maternal responsibility and resilience supported children’s adaptationand future-oriented aspirations. Conclusions: Participants faced multiple barriers to healthcare access stemming from language and cultural differences, economic hardship, and insecure legal status. These challenges reflect structural vulnerabilities and highlight the need for maternal health policies and clinical interventions—such as medical interpretation and culturally competent care—to reduce communication gaps and improve care.

Objectives: This study investigated how social isolation and social support influence emotional problems among multicultural adolescents, focusing on the mediating roles of bicultural experience and self-esteem. Methods: Using data from the 5th wave of the MAPS 2nd cohort, analyses were conducted using the SPSS and AMOS. Structural equation modeling was used to examined the direct and indirect relationships between social isolation, social support, bicultural experience, self-esteem, and emotional problems. Results: Social isolation positively affected bicultural experience and negatively affected self-esteem, whereas social support positively influenced both. Self-esteem had a significant negative effect on emotional problems, and served as a protective factor. Bicultural experiences also indirectly influenced emotional problems through self-esteem. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of social and psychological resources in reducing emotional difficulties and provide evidence for the development of targeted support programs for multicultural adolescents.