Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Research Paper

Lived Experience of Middle-Aged Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Seo, Young-suk , Lee, Sunhee; J Korean Acad Nurs 2022;52(6):598-607. Published online December 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.22086

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived and true meaning of experiences of middle-aged patients with complex regional pain syndrome.
Methods
The participants were 10 men and women aged 40 to 60 years who received outpatient treatment at a university hospital, could communicate, and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through individual interviews using open and semi-structured questions from September 2019 to July 2021 and were analyzed using the content analysis method suggested by Hsieh and Shannon (2005).
Results
As a result of this study, 42 summarized semantic units related to life experience, 15 subthemes, and seven themes were derived. The seven themes were “pressed by severe pain,” “frustrated because I cannot be part of the community,” “distressed because people do not recognize my disease,” “sad about conflicts with family,” “unmotivated because of desperate life,” “appreciating for support,” and “putting oneself together and living daily life.” Conclusion: The vivid experiences of the participants derived in this study are the basic data for developing treatment guidelines. In the future, we propose a study on life and family care experiences according to the developmental characteristics of the life cycle of patients with complex regional pain syndrome and develop and apply programs to support patients and their families.

Original Article

A Comparison of Stress Levels of Elementary Students by Geographical Regions: Chung Yul Lee, Gyu Young Lee, Yang Heui Ahn, Hyeon Kyeong Lee; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2007;37(6):986-993. Published online March 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2007.37.6.986

Abstract PDF: Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare stress levels of elementary students according to three regional levels: a large city, a medium-sized city, and a rural area.
Methods
This was a descriptive comparative survey using a convenience sample of 1,161 5th-and 6th-grade students. The stress level was measured by a stress scale that consisted of 65 items regarding personal characteristics, family, school, and peer factors. The data were analyzed by χ²-test, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression using the SPSS 10.0 statistical program.
Results
Overall, the mean stress scores reported by the participants were near the middle of a 5-point scale and the level of familyrelated stress was highest, followed by peer, school, and individual-related stress. Sixth-graders and female students showed higher stress levels than 5th-graders and male students, respectively. The participants reporting unsatisfaction with their lives and those living in large cities tended to have significantly higher stress levels.
Conclusion
Grade, gender, life satisfaction, and regional levels were all significant factors associated with high stress levels among elementary students. Development of stress management programs for this specific population, especially targeting students who are female and living in large cities, is needed.

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