Earticle

Identifying bilingual children’s dyslexia can be challenging because teasing apart their L2 reading developmental progress from signals of dyslexia is not easy. Although Koreans rank as one of the largest immigrant groups in the U.S. and a greater number of Korean children has recently flowed into the country, only a handful of studies have examined Korean children’s English reading profiles and L2 dyslexic patterns. Thus, this paper reviews the literature on predictors of dyslexia for Korean-English bilingual children by discussing the characteristics of Korean and English, examining predictors of dyslexia in monolingual Korean and English speakers, and comparing and contrasting those predictors. This piece will help to: (a) understand potential challenges that Korean children learning English may face, (b) suggest more reliable ways to assess their reading performance and diagnose their dyslexia in L2 (i.e. English), and (c) envision ways to support them at the societal level.

본 연구는 제7기 3차년도 국민건강영양조사 결과를 토대로 우리나라 성인 남녀의 폭음을 예측하는 요인을 확인하기 위해 시도되었다. 연구자료는 국민건강영양조사의 인구사회학적 및 건강관련 특성, 음주 특성을 이용하였으며, 복합표본설계 교차분석 과 로지스틱 회귀분석 방법으로 분석되었다. 연구결과 연령(남:p=.003, 여:p<.001), 1년간 음주빈도(남:p<.001, 여:p<.001), 한 번에 마시는 음주량(남:p<.001, 여:p<.001), 가족/의사의 절주권고 여부(남:p<.001, 여:p<.001), 스트레스(남:p=.025, 여:p<.001), 흡연(남:p<.001, 여:p<.001)은 남녀 모두에서 폭음 예측요인으로 나타났다. 추가적으로 남자는 교육수준(p=.030)과 경제활동 상 태(p=.018), 여자는 소득수준(p<.001)과 결혼상태(p=.020)가 폭음 예측요인으로 확인되었으며, 변수들은 성인 남녀의 폭음을 각 각 72.4%(p < .001), 74.5%(p < .001) 설명하였다. 본 연구는 한국 성인의 폭음 위험요인이 남녀별로 다르다는 것을 규명하여 성 별로 특화된 폭음예방 정책 마련과 음주문화 재조성의 기초자료를 제공하였다는 데에 의의가 있다.

This study was conducted to identify the factors predicting binge drinking in men and women in Korea based on the results of the 7th year 3rd National Health and Nutrition Survey. The study data used the demographic and health-related characteristics and drinking characteristics of the National Health and Nutrition Survey, and were analyzed by cross-sample analysis and logistic regression analysis. As a result of the study, age (M:p=.003, F:p<.001), drinking frequency for one year (M:p<.001, F:p<.001), amount of alcohol consumed at a time (M:p<.001) 001, F:p<.001), family/doctor's recommendation for moderation (M:p<.001, F:p<.001), stress (M:p=.025, F:p<.001), Smoking (M:p<.001, F:p<.001) were predictors for binge drinking in both men and women. In addition, education level(p=.030) and economic activity status(p=.018) for men, income level(p<.001) and marital status(p=.020) for women were identified as predictors of binge drinking, and variables explained 72.4%(p < .001) and 74.5%(p < .001) of adult male and female binge drinking. This study is meaningful in that it provided basic data on the establishment of a gender-specific binge drinking prevention policy and the restructuring of drinking culture by clarifying that the risk factors of binge drinking in Korean adults differ by gender.

본 연구는 간호대학생의 대학생활 적응 및 하위 구성요소에 영향을 미치는 예측요인을 파악하기 위한 서술적 조사연구이다. 연구대상자는 간호학과 1학년 282명을 대상으로 하였고, 대학생활 적응, 심리적 안녕감, 감성지능, 자기효능감 정도를 설문지로 측정하였다. 자료수집기간은 2016년 9월 22일부터 10월 7일까지이었다. 수집된 자료는 SPSS 18.0 프로그램을 이용하여 분석하였다. 간호대학생의 대학생활 적응은 평균평점 3.36점이었고, 하위 구성요소는 학업진로가 가장 높았고, 개인심리, 사회체험, 대인관계, 진로준비 순이었다. 대학생활 적응 및 하위 구성요소는 심리적 안녕감, 감성지능 및 자기효능감과 유의한 정적인 상관관계를 보였다. 대학생활 적응을 예측하는 가장 강력한 변수는 자기효능감이었고, 하위 구성요소인 학업활동은 학교성적, 진로준비는 자기효능감, 개인심리와 사회체험은 감성지능, 대인관계는 심리적 안녕감으로 나타났다. 따라서 간호대학생의 대학생활 적응 및 하위 구성요소에 영향을 미치는 변수들을 충분히 반영하여 대학생활 적응 향상 프로그램을 개발해야 할 것이다.

This study was to identify the factors influencing college life adjustment and sub-scales of nursing students. Self- report questionnaire surveys were conducted toward 282 freshman nursing students to measure college life adjustment, psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy. Data were collected from September 22 through October 7, 2016. This study was analyzed using SPSS Win 18.0. The average mean of college life adjustment was 3.36 and academic activity was the highest, followed by individual psychology, social experience, Interpersonal relationship, and career preparation. A correlation of psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, college life adjustment and sub-scales showed positive correlation. The strongest predictor of college life adjustment was a self-efficacy. And sub-scales, the strongest predictor of academic activity was academic achievement, career preparation was self-efficacy, individual psychology and social experience was emotional intelligence, and Interpersonal relationship was psychological well-being. An intervention program which includes these significant variables of subjects is essential to improve of college life adjustment.

전통적으로 Anderson 모형은 의료 및 사회서비스 이용에 대한 예측요인을 분석하는데 적합하다는 평가를 받는다. 따라서 본 연구는 선행연구를 토대로 Anderson 모형의 선행요인(성별, 연령, 교육수준, 거주 지역, 결혼상태), 가능요인(경제상태, 건강정보 이해능력, 복지관 이용 여부), 욕구요인(만성질환 보유 여부, 도구적 일상생활수행능력, 우울) 등을 구성하여 노인들의 사회서비스 이용 예측요인을 탐색하였다. 본 연구를 위해 SPSS 18.0을 이용하였으며, 충북 지역에 거주하는 329명의 노인들을 대상으로 하였다. 본 연구의 주요 결과는 다음과 같다. 노인들의 사회서비스 이용에 가장 큰 영향을 미치는 요인은 가능요인의 건강정보 이해능력과 복지관 이용 여부로 나타났다. 그 다음으로는 욕구요인 중에서 우울 수준이 큰 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났으며, 선행요인 중에서는 성별이 큰 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 연구결과에 기초하여 노인들의 사회서비스 이용을 활성화하기 위한 몇 가지 방안을 제시하였다.

Traditionally, Anderson model is recognized as suitable for analysis of predictive factors for the use of medical and social services. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the predictors of the elderly's use of the social service based on previous studies by configuring Anderson model's predisposing factors(gender, age, education level, place of residence, marital status), enabling factors(economic status, health literacy, use of welfare center or not), and need factors(whether held chronic disease, IADL and depression). To this aim, SPSS 18.0 was used for the subject of 329 elderly living in Chungbuk region. The main findings of this study are as follows. The most influential factor on the social service use of the elderly turned out to be whether to use the welfare centers and health literacy of enabling factors. Next, the depressed levels showed the most significant impact among the need factors, and gender was the most influential among the predisposing factors. Based on the results of these studies, some measures were suggested to activate the elderly's use of social services.

본 연구는 위계적 선형모형을 활용하여 고등학교 교사 직무만족도의 예측요인을 다층적으 로 탐색하는 데 목적이 있다. 분석자료는 한국교육개발원의 학교교육실태 및 수준분석(2012년 도 4주기 고등학교) 자료이다. 해당 자료는 SPSS 21.0과 HLM 8.2 프로그램을 사용하여 분석 되었다. 연구결과, 첫째, 교사 수준 배경변인 중 교사 직위는 교사 직무만족도를 정적으로 예 측했고, 교사 교직경력, 담임여부는 부적으로 예측했다. 즉 부장교사일수록, 교직경력이 짧을 수록, 비담임 교사일수록 교사 직무만족도가 올라갔다. 둘째, 교사 수준 과정변인인 교사 사 기열의, 교사 효능감, 교사가 인식하는 학교장 리더십, 수업공개변화, 동료교사 간 의사소통은 교사 직무만족도의 예측요인이었다. 즉 교사 사기열의와 교사 효능감이 높을수록, 학교장이 리더십을 잘 발휘한다고 교사가 인식할수록, 수업공개 후 변화정도가 클수록, 동료교사 간 의 사소통이 활발할수록 교사 직무만족도가 올라갔다. 셋째, 학교 수준 배경변인 중 학교장 교육 전문직경험여부의 부적 효과는 주목할 만하다. 즉 교사협력과 학교교육목표의 적합성이 같은 학교에서는 교육전문직경험을 한 학교장의 학교가 교사 직무만족도 수준이 낮았다. 넷째, 학교 수준 과정변인 중 교사협력, 학교교육목표의 적합성은 교사 직무만족도의 주요 예측요인 이었다. 교사들이 가치와 신념을 공유하고, 학교교육활동과 업무를 서로가 도와주는 학교일수 록, 학교교육목표에 학교 교육주체의 요구가 반영되고, 그 목표가 학교가 당면한 실제적인 문제와 관련된 학교일수록 교사 직무만족도가 올라간다. 다섯째, 교사가 인식한 학교장 리더십 (개별 교사의 인식 점수)은 교사 직무만족도를 예측하였지만, 단위학교가 인식한 학교장 리더 십(학교 평균 점수)은 교사 직무만족도를 예측하지 못했다. 연구결과에 터해 고등학교 교사 직무만족도 제고를 위한 정책적 시사점을 제시하였다.

The purpose of this study is to explore the predictors of high school teacher’s job satisfaction in multiple layers using a hierarchical linear model. The data analyzed are data from the Korea Educational Development Institute's school education status and level analysis (4th cycle high school in 2012). The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 and HLM 8.2 programs. The study results are as follows. First, among the background variables at the teacher level, the teacher position positively predicted teacher’s job satisfaction, and the teaching career and whether the homeroom teacher was or not negatively predicted teacher’s job satisfaction. The higher the head teacher, the shorter the teaching career, and the non-homeroom teacher, the higher the teacher's job satisfaction. Second, the process variables at the teacher level such as teacher morale, teacher efficacy, principal leadership recognized by teachers, change in class openings, and communication among fellow teachers were predictors of teacher’s job satisfaction. The higher the teacher morale and teacher efficacy, the higher the teacher's perception that the principal demonstrates leadership, the greater the degree of change after class openings, and the more active communication among fellow teachers, the higher the teacher's job satisfaction. Third, among the background variables at the school level, the negative effect of whether or not the school principal has experience as a school inspector is significant. In schools where the teacher cooperation and suitability of school educational goals were the same, the level of teacher’s job satisfaction was lower in schools with principal who had school inspector experience. Fourth, among the process variables at the school level, teacher cooperation and suitability of school educational goals were major predictors of teacher’s job satisfaction. Teacher’s job satisfaction increases in schools where teachers help each other with school educational activities and tasks, share values and beliefs, and cooperate well, and schools whose educational goals reflect the needs of school educational subjects and are related to practical problems faced by schools. Fifth, the principal's leadership perceived by teachers (individual teacher's perception score) predicted teacher’s job satisfaction, but the principal's leadership perceived by unit schools (school average score) did not predict teacher’s job satisfaction. Based on the study results, policy implications for improving high school teacher’s job satisfaction were presented.

본 연구는 독거 노인의 인지 기능에 영향을 미치는 요인을 사회 참여 중심으로 분석했다. 2020년 노인실태 조사 자료를 활용, AdaBoost-SAMME.R 알고리즘으로 인지 기능을 예측했으며, 교육 수준, 연령, 사회 참여, 우울, 지역사회 만족도가 주요 예측 변수로 확인되었다. 특히 사회 참여는 인지 기능에 중요한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 연구 결과는 독거 노인의 인지 건강을 위해 평생 교육, 사회 활동, 정신 건강 지원 및 지역사회 만족도 향상의 중요성을 강조하며, 맞춤형 정책 수립의 근거를 제시한다.

This study investigated factors affecting cognitive function in single elderly households, focusing on social participation. Using 2020 survey data and the AdaBoost-SAMME.R algorithm, key predictors of cognitive function were identified as education, age, social participation, depression, and community satisfaction. Social participation emerged as a significant factor. The findings underscore the importance of lifelong learning, social engagement, mental health support, and community satisfaction for promoting cognitive health in this population, guiding targeted interventions and policies.

This study is designed to examine antecedents and consequences of mobile advertising avoidance. However, to date, research on mobile advertising avoidance has been scarce. Thus, this study makes significant contributions by addressing understudied areas in mobile advertising. Study results show that the perceived mobile advertising risk is positively related to mobile advertising avoidance. This study found that the perceived trust in mobile advertising is negatively linked to mobile advertising avoidance. The study results show that the perceived Internet users' data privacy concerns is positively linked to mobile advertising avoidance. Finally, study results suggest that mobile advertising avoidance is positively linked to intention to delete the ad.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing maternal identity of Korean primiparas. Methods: The data were collected by a self-report questionnaire in 2006. The participants were 210 healthy primiparous women who delivered at one of three medical centers and revisited the outpatient department for follow up between 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. Data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 17.0 program with descriptive statistics, t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Maternal identity was significantly correlated with Taekyo accomplishment, the culturally based prenatal preparation (p<.001). Transitional gratification to motherhood (p<.001), postpartum depression (p<.001), childcare stress (p<.001), infant temperament (p<.001), and social support (p<.001) were also significantly correlated with maternal identity. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that maternal identity was significantly predicted by transitional gratification to motherhood, infant temperament, childcare stress, and Taekyo accomplishment. These variables explained 31.0% of the variance of maternal identity. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that postpartum nursing interventions to promote maternal identity should focus on reinforcing education and support for reducing childcare stress and infant difficulty, and increasing transitional gratification to motherhood. Also, prenatal encouragement and education for improving Taekyo accomplishment may be helpful to promote maternal identity after birth.

Purpose. The purposes of this study were 1) to examine the differences in suicidal ideation and psychological variables by gender, 2) compare the contribution of demographic-behavioral variables and psychosocial variables in explaining the variance in suicidal ideation, and 3) identify the most important predictors of suicidal ideation for male adolescents and female adolescents. Methods. The subjects consisted of 271 male adolescents and 230 female adolescents. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, which were constructed to include SSI-C, DEP subscale of the SCL-90-R, PACI, and SWLS. The data were analyzed by the SPSS/WIN program. Results. Suicidal ideation differed by gender. Depression and family communication differed by gender. The unique contribution of demographic-behavioral variables and psychosocial variables in explaining the variance in suicidal ideation differed between male adolescents and female adolescents. The significant predictors of suicidal ideation for male adolescents were life satisfaction, depression, and family communication, explaining $28\%$ of the variance in suicidal ideation. The significant predictors of suicidal ideation for female adolescents were depression, smoking, and life satisfaction, explaining $38\%$ of the variance in suicidal ideation. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that the approach to effective suicide prevention program for adolescents should consider gender differences.

Purpose. The study was conducted to identify predictors of mammography screening for rural Korean women according to 'Stage of Change' from the Transtheoretical Model which, along with the Health Belief Model, formed the theoretical basis for this study. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. Through convenience sampling 432 women were selected from 2 rural areas. Data were collected by survey. Health beliefs constructs were measured with Champion's HBM Scale-Korea version. Mammography participation was measured using the Stage of Mammography Adoption Scale developed. by Rakowski, et al.(1992). Results. The most frequent stage of mammography adoption was 'contemplation' ($40.5\%$). Predictors of stage of mammography adoption included 'mammogram recommended by health professional' (beta==0.59, t=16.12, p=.000), 'perceived benefits' (beta=0.09, t=2.21, p=.050), 'perceived susceptibility' (beta=0.09, t=1.98, p=.050), and 'perceived barriers' (beta=-0.07, t=-2.05, p=.041). 'Mammogram recommended by health professional' demonstrated the greatest association with having a mammogram. Conclusion. Health professionals play key roles in improving mammography participation and should recognize the importance of their role in cancer prevention and be more actively involved in education and counseling on prevention of breast cancer.

The involvement of health-care professionals in tobacco-control activities is essential to prevent smoking-related morbidity and mortality. The purposes of this predictive correlational study were to examine tobacco-control activities and to identify the predictors of such activities of community health practitioners (CHPs). Of the 1,813 members of the Korean Association of CHP, 1,247 participated in this study. A mailed survey was conducted to collect data. The majority of CHPs supported tobacco-control policies and recognized tobacco-control activities as an important role for them. Only $44.3\%$ of CHPs were confident in their knowledge and skills regarding tobacco-control activities, and only $30.8\%$ had received professional tobacco-control education. While the majority of the CHPs 'asked, advised, and assessed' their clients, only a small number 'assisted or arranged'. The tobacco-control activities of CHPs were predicted by their attitude toward it, age, experience of tobacco-control education, educational level, and general perception of the risk of smoking; these variables accounted $13.5\%$ of variance in the tobacco-control activities of CHPs. These findings provide the basis for developing a continuing education program for CHPs. CHPs should be encouraged to integrate tobacco-control activities into their routine practice, and CHP education programs should be adjusted to increase the time spent on the tobacco-control intervention techniques.

Purpose. This study examined the predictive factors enabling access to children's oral health care at the level of financial barriers, beliefs, and the provider. Methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with 320 immigrant mothers of low-income families regarding their use of oral health services for children aged four to eight years old. Access to oral health care was measured with frequency of planned dental visits, continuity of care, and age at first visit to dentist. Results. The mother took her child to the dentist at a younger age if she received referrals to a dentist from pediatrician. Regular dental visits were significantly related to household income, provider availability on week-ends, and insurance coverage. The extended clinic hours in the evenings, and the belief in the importance of the child's regular dentist visits increased the likelihood of continuing care. The mothers perceiving a cost burden for the child's dental care were also less likely to return to the dentist. Conclusion. The available care delivery system, coordinated medical care, and health beliefs were among important predictors of the health service use. The study findings suggest need for culturally competent dental health interventions to enhance access to oral health care among particularly vulnerable populations such as low-income children in Korean communities.

Objective: To explore factors affecting the paid employment of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in South Korea.Methods: Data collected from previously and currently community-dwelling adults with SCI (n=538) who responded to the 125-item self-reported International Spinal Cord Injury Survey questionnaire were analyzed using random forest and decision tree modeling.Results: In total, 75.1% responders were male, 53.9% were unmarried, 90.1% lived with family, and 84.8% received daily living assistance; the most frequent education level was high school or below (56.1%), and the percentage of participants with paraplegia and complete injuries was 57.2% and 58.7%, respectively. Average age and mean SCI duration were 46.31 and 15.25 years, respectively. Factors with a positive effect on engaging in paid employment included greater total monthly household income, younger age, higher self-efficacy, better quality of life and satisfaction, access to vocational rehabilitation services, absence of disability benefits, no need for daily living assistance, greater independence, no difficulties engaging in activities, absence of sleep disturbances, higher education level, and being unmarried.Conclusion: Employing the random forest method and a large dataset, we identified key predictors of paid employment, corroborating previous findings and establishing a foundation for policy development for employment opportunities.

Purpose: To identify the predictors of dietary behaviors and health outcomes in middle-aged men usingsocial cognitive theory (SCT) as a framework. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data on 244 middle-aged men in South Korea betweenNovember 2022 and January 2023. The data were collected using structured online questionnaires thatassessed self-efficacy, outcome expectations, self-regulation, social support, dietary behaviors, bodymass index (BMI), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Analyses included descriptive statistics,Pearson's correlation analysis, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance with Scheffe's post-hoctest, and path analysis. Results: The findings indicate that self-efficacy and negative outcome expectations significantly influencedietary behaviors, which in turn affect BMI and HRQoL. Moreover, autonomous motivation,controlled motivation, and social support were identified as direct determinants of HRQoL. The modelaccounted for 24% of the variance in dietary behaviors and 38% in HRQoL. Conclusion: To improve dietary behaviors and health outcomes in middle-aged men, it is imperative tobuild self-efficacy and address perceived barriers to healthy eating. Additionally, comprehensive andtailored interventions that foster self-regulation and social support can improve the HRQoL of middleagedmen

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the level of depression among older adults experiencing tinnitus and to identify predictive factors of depression through an analysis of secondary data. Methods: Data from the ninth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2022 were utilized for this analysis. We examined individuals aged 60 years or older who had experienced tinnitus for more than 6 months. Complex sample analysis techniques were conducted, and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of depression. Results: The study included 231 participants. Significant differences in depression levels were observed across several demographics and health factors, including gender, education level, self-rated health status, living alone, and stress level. Depression levels were significantly correlated with self-rated health status, stress levels, and average sleep duration. Additionally, significant correlations were found between self-rated health and stress levels, self-rated health and the number of chronic diseases, as well as between stress levels and the number of chronic diseases. Multiple regression analysis indicated that self-rated health status (p<.001), stress level (p<.001), and average sleep duration (p=.042) were significantly associated with depression. Specifically, poorer self-rated health, higher stress levels, and shorter sleep duration were associated with higher levels of depression. Conclusion: In older patients with tinnitus, self-rated health status, stress level, and average sleep duration significantly impact depression levels. These findings provide an important foundation for developing interventions to reduce depression in individuals with tinnitus.

Purpose: Drug use during adolescence can have lasting health consequences, and understanding thefactors that contribute to drug use is essential for effective prevention. This study aimed to identify thefactors influencing habitual drug use among South Korean adolescents. It employed Bronfenbrenner'secological model to examine personal, familial, school-related, and social factors. Methods: The study analyzed data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey for 41,928 studentsfrom 1st grade of middle school to 3rd grade of high school. Data analysis involved cross-tabulation andlogistic regression for complex samples. Results: The prevalence of habitual drug use was 1.4%. Significant personal factors included smoking[adjusted odds ratio (aOR) ¼ 2.61], alcohol consumption (aOR ¼ 1.55), sexual intercourse (aOR ¼ 1.45),smartphone overdependence (high-risk group aOR ¼ 2.04, potential risk group aOR ¼ 1.31), suicidalideation (aOR ¼ 2.66), depressed mood (aOR ¼ 1.87), and loneliness (aOR ¼ 1.88). Significant familyfactors included non-cohabitation with family (aOR ¼ 1.86) and both parents being foreign-born(aOR ¼ 3.36). Experience of violence (aOR ¼ 2.95) was also a significant factor. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for an integrated approach to prevent adolescent drug use byaddressing adolescents’ personal behaviors, family dynamics, and school environments. Preventionprograms should account for the influence of multiple systems on habitual drug use. School and communitynurses should adopt a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy that involves families, schools,and communities to prevent adolescent drug use. Additionally, there is a need to develop familycenteredand culturally sensitive drug prevention programs for adolescents.

Purpose: Despite a rapid increase in male older adults living alone, relatively little is known about their life satisfaction and related factors. Based on Levine’s conservation model, this study aimed to explore predictors of life satisfaction among older men living alone in South Korea. Methods: Using logistic regression, a cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted among male older adults living alone (N=548) from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans. Results: The factors associated with a risk of lower life satisfaction in older men living alone were income lower than the standard median income, unemployment, living in rural areas, moderate-high nutritional risk, declined sensory function, depression, and social isolation. Conclusion: To enhance the life satisfaction of older men living alone, customized interventions are required, including comprehensive health assessment with a holistic perspective. Addressing economic stability alongside prevention and multidimensional interventions is needed to mitigate nutritional risks, sensory function decline, depression, and social isolation. Healthcare providers and policymakers in local communities should understand the sociocultural characteristics of older Korean men living alone and provide well-suited formal and informal support programs to address these needs.

Objective: To construct a prognostic model for unsuccessful removal of nasogastric tube (NGT) was the aim of our study.Methods: This study examined patients with swallowing disorders receiving NGT feeding due to stroke or traumatic brain injury in a regional hospital. Clinical data was collected, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), level of activities of daily living (ADLs) dependence. Additionally, gather information regarding the enhancement in Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) levels and the increase in food types according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) after one month of swallowing training. A stepwise logistic regression analysis model was employed to predict NGT removal failure using these parameters.Results: Out of 203 patients, 53 patients (26.1%) had experienced a failed removal of NGT after six months of follow-up. The strongest predictors for failed removal were age over 60 years, underweight BMI, total dependence in ADLs, and ischemic stroke. The admission prediction model categorized patients into high, moderate, and low-risk groups for removal failure. The failure rate of NGT removal was high not only in the high-risk group but also in the moderate-risk groups when there was no improvement in FOIS levels and IDDSI food types.Conclusion: Our predictive model categorizes patients with brain insults into risk groups for swallowing disorders, enabling advanced interventions such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for high-risk patients struggling with NGT removal, while follow-up assessments using FOIS and IDDSI aid in guiding rehabilitation decisions for those at moderate risk.

Objective To identify the variables of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) that are useful for predicting the risk of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with dysphagia. Methods A total of 251 patients (aged 65 years or more) were included and divided into a pneumonia group (n=133) and a non-pneumonia group (n=118). The pneumonia group included patients who had been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, and individuals in the non-pneumonia group did not have pneumonia but were referred for VFSS. The medical records and results of VFSS were reviewed and compared between the groups retrospectively. Results The pneumonia group exhibited a male preponderance and a higher 8-point Penetration-Aspiration Scale (8PPAS) score. The mean values of 8PPAS score for swallowing thick liquid and rice porridge was significantly higher in the pneumonia group. The pharyngeal delay time (PDT) and pharyngeal transit time (PTT) were significantly longer in the pneumonia group. The amounts of vallecular and pyriform sinus residue were increased in the pneumonia group. The delay in swallowing reflex and the decrease in laryngeal elevation were more frequently observed in the pneumonia group. Among those variables, PDT and PTT were identified as significant predictors of aspiration pneumonia based on logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The present study delineated the findings of VFSS, suggesting an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with dysphagia. The results demonstrate that prolonged PDT and PTT are significant predictors of aspiration pneumonia.

Purpose: To identify the factors influencing Quality of Life (QoL) in rectal cancer patients and to examine whetherperceived social support mediates the relationship between defecation function and QoL. Methods: Usingself-report questionnaires, a descriptive survey was conducted with 131 rectal cancer patients who underwent analsphincter-saving resection, in a large medical center in Korea. Data were collected between September andNovember, 2014, using research instruments validated in the Korean language. The data were analyzed usingSPSS/WIN 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. Results: The mean age and post-surgical follow-up period of the participantswere 59.0±10.2 years and 15.9±9.8 months, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that, afteradjusting for age and gender, defecation function, perceived social support, and employment status predicted QoL. Path analysis showed that perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between defecation functionand QoL with a significant indirect effect. Conclusion: These results suggest that a positive perception of socialsupport from family and healthcare providers is necessary to improve the QoL of patients experiencing defecationdysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. To this end, periodic counseling and education from outpatient healthcareproviders, during the postoperative follow-up period, could encourage patients to perceive higher social support.