This study was done to develop and evaluate a drug dosage calculation training program using cognitive loading theory based on a smartphone application. Calculation ability, dosage calculation related self-efficacy and anxiety were measured.

A nonequivalent control group design was used. Smartphone application and a handout for self-study were developed and administered to the experimental group and only a handout was provided for control group. Intervention period was 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, χ²-test, t-test, and ANCOVA with the SPSS 18.0.

The experimental group showed more ‘self-efficacy for drug dosage calculation’ than the control group (t= 3.82, p< .001). Experimental group students had higher ability to perform drug dosage calculations than control group students (t= 3.98, p< .001), with regard to ‘metric conversion’ (t= 2.25, p = .027), ‘table dosage calculation’ (t= 2.20, p = .031) and ‘drop rate calculation’ (t= 4.60, p< .001). There was no difference in improvement in ‘anxiety for drug dosage calculation’. Mean satisfaction score for the program was 86.1.

These results indicate that this drug dosage calculation training program using smart-phone application is effective in improving dosage calculation related self-efficacy and calculation ability. Further study should be done to develop additional interventions for reducing anxiety.

The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating effect of depression in the relationship between muscle strength of extremities and falls among community-dwelling elderly.

Two hundred forty-seven participants were recruited from a public health center, a hall for the aged and a school for the aged in B city. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using questionnaires from May to September of 2007. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression using the SPSS WIN 14.0 program.

There was a significantly negative relationship between muscle strength of lower extremities and falls, muscle strength of left upper extremity and falls, and muscle strength of right upper extremity and falls. Depression positively correlated with falls. Depression showed mediating effects between muscle strength of extremities and falls. Weakness of muscle strength of extremities increased depression and the increased depression increased the frequencies of falls.

For the effective management and prevention of community-dwelling older adults’ falls, exercise programs including depression-decreasing strategies should be established. These exercise programs can decrease depression which is the mediator role between the degrees of muscle strength of extremities and falls.