Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Experience of Women Living with Lymphedema: Myoung Ok Cho; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2002;32(7):1049-1053. Published online March 29, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2002.32.7.1049

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE: The object of this study was to explore and describe the experience of women living with lymphedema within a socio-medical context in Korea.
METHODS
Research data was collected through interviews and participant observation with 9 informants between February 2000 and July 2002. Data was examined using Spradley's taxonomy analyzing techniques.
RESULTS
5 themes were identified; 'overwhelming and despair over the ailment condition', 'distrust and abandonment of conventional medicine' 'shaming of losing maternity and femineity', 'returning to the permanent safe shelter', and 'struggling for reconstruction of one's self'. The 'chaotic' state of knowledge and health care system for lymphedmea patient affected the experiences of informants.
CONCLUSIONS
This result will be a basic understanding of psychosocial impact of lymphedema for the women and to develop the comprehensive nursing program including counseling program.

Effects of Educational Program of Manual Lymph Massage on the Arm Functioning and the Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: Eun Sook Lee, Sung Hyo Kim, Sun Mi Kim, Jeong Ju Sun; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2005;35(7):1390-1400. Published online March 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2005.35.7.1390

Abstract PDF: Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of EPMLM(educational program of manual lymph massage) on the arm functioning and QOL(quality of life) in breast cancer patients with lymphedema.
Method
Subjects in the experimental group(n=20) participated in EPMLM for 6 weeks from June to July, 2005. The EPMLM consisted of training of lymph massage for 2 weeks and encourage and support of self-care using lymph massage for 4 weeks. The arm functioning assessed at pre-treatment, 2weeks, and 6weeks using Arm functioning questionnaire. The QOL assessed at pre-treatment and 6 weeks using SF-36. The outcome data of experimental group was compared with control group(n=20). The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS 10.0 statistical program.
Result
The arm functioning of experimental group was increased from 2 weeks after(W=.224, p=.011) and statistically differenced with control group at 2 weeks(Z=-2.241, p=.024) and 6 weeks(Z=-2.453, p=.013). Physical function of QOL domain increased in experimental group(Z=-1.162, p=.050), also statistically differenced with control group(Z=-2.182, p= .030) at 6weeks.
Conclusion
The results suggest that the educational program of manual lymph massage can improve arm functioning and physical function of QOL domain in breast cancer patients with lymphedema.

Factors Influencing the Emotional State of Patients with Lymphedema: Hyang Mi Jung, Myung Ok Cho; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2006;36(5):845-852. Published online August 31, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2006.36.5.845

Abstract PDF: Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the emotional state and related factors in patients with lymphedema.
Methods
The subjects of this study consisted of 95 patients with lymphedema at 8 hospitals in Busan and Seoul. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire between March 2001 to December 2001. Data was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression using SPSS Win 12.0.
Results
The mean score of the emotional state of the subjects was 3.06; of their physical symptoms, 1.84; of their Activities of Daily Living(ADLs), 2.30; and of their social activities, 3.67. The emotional states of lymphedema patients correlated with their physical symptoms, their ADLs, and their social activities. The Factor influencing the emotional state of the subjects was social activities.
Conclusion
These results suggest that a negative emotional state is very common in patients with lymphedema, to which appropriate attention should be given. Rehabilitation programs must be implemented to improve lymphedema patients' emotional state, physical symptoms, ADLs, and social activities.

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