• Title/Summary/Keyword: Mixed Methods Research

Search Result 1,024, Processing Time 0.035 seconds

The Role of Pharmacists' Interventions in Increasing Medication Adherence of Patients With Epilepsy: A Scoping Review

  • Iin Ernawati;Nanang Munif Yasin;Ismail Setyopranoto;Zullies Ikawati
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.57 no.3
    • /
    • pp.212-222
    • /
    • 2024
  • Objectives: Epilepsy is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment and intervention from health workers. Medication adherence is a factor that influences the success of therapy for patients with epilepsy. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of pharmacists in improving the clinical outcomes of epilepsy patients, focusing on medication adherence. Methods: A scoping literature search was conducted through the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The literature search included all original articles published in English until August 2023 for which the full text was available. This scoping review was carried out by a team consisting of pharmacists and neurologists following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, including 5 steps: identifying research questions, finding relevant articles, selecting articles, presenting data, and compiling the results. Results: The literature search yielded 10 studies that discussed pharmacist interventions for patients with epilepsy. Five articles described educational interventions involving drug-related counseling with pharmacists. Two articles focused on similar pharmacist interventions through patient education, both verbal and written. Three articles discussed an epilepsy review service, a multidisciplinary intervention program involving pharmacists and other health workers, and a mixed intervention combining education and training with therapy-based behavioral interventions. Conclusions: Pharmacist interventions have been shown to be effective in improving medication adherence in patients with epilepsy. Furthermore, these interventions play a crucial role in improving other therapeutic outcomes, including patients' knowledge of self-management, perceptions of illness, the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in controlling seizures, and overall quality of life.

Total sugar intake and its contributed foods by age groups in Koreans using the 8th (2019-2021) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: a cross-sectional study

  • Hyejin Yu;Sang-Jin Chung
    • Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
    • /
    • v.29 no.3
    • /
    • pp.222-233
    • /
    • 2024
  • Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the status of total sugar intake and contributing foods in Korea according to age groups. Methods: This study used 24-hour dietary recall data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021) to investigate the nutritional and total sugar intake status among Koreans. A total of 18,338 research participants (≥3 years old) were included in this study. To analyze the types of foods contributing to total sugar intake, these foods were categorized into 15 types. Moreover, we examined the total sugar intake and ranked the most consumed foods by age groups (3-11 years, 12-18 years, 19-34 years, 35-49 years, 50-64 years, over 65 years). A survey procedure was employed for statistical analysis. Results: The energy intake ratio from total sugars was approximately 12%-15%, which was within the recommended range. However, the proportion of individuals consuming total sugar exceeding 20% of their total caloric intake is nearly 20%, raising concerns about excessive sugar consumption. Furthermore, the percentage of participants whose intake of sugar from processed foods exceeded 10% of their total calories was highest in the 12-18 age group at 37.1%, followed by the 3-11 age group at 35.2%, and the 19-34 age group at 34.0%. Carbonated drinks, cola, and cider were the primary foods consumed by children and adolescents (3-18 years old) and young adults (19-34 years old). For middle-aged and older adults, mixed coffee with sugar and cream was a prominent contributor to sugar intake. Conclusions: This study investigated sugar consumption patterns among Koreans, finding the principal foods contributing to this intake. Identifying these contributors is pivotal, given their potential impact on public health.

Effectiveness of head-up tilt test for the diagnosis of syncope in children and adolescents (소아청소년 실신 환자에서 기립 경사 검사의 유용성)

  • Yu, Ka-Young;Choi, Ji-Hye;Yoo, Chun Ja;Rhee, Kyoung Suk;Joo, Chan Uhng
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
    • /
    • v.52 no.7
    • /
    • pp.798-803
    • /
    • 2009
  • Purpose : We aimed to examine the effectiveness of the head-up tilt test (HUT) for the diagnosis of syncope or presyncope in children and adolescents. Methods : HUT results and clinical features of 160 children and adolescents with syncope or presyncope were studied from May 2003 through March 2008 at the Chonbuk National University Hospital. The children and adolescents were subjected to $70^{\circ}$ HUT for 45 minutes. The testees were divided into 2 groups: group I (children) comprising 39 children in the age range 7-12 years (mean, $10.59{\pm}1.60$ years) and group II (adolescents) comprising 121 adolescents in the age range 13-20 years (mean, $15.93{\pm}2.28$ years). Positive result rates of the HUT and types of hemodynamic response to the test in the 2 groups were compared. Results : Of the 160 testees, 92 (57.5%) showed positive HUT results; they showed 3 patterns of response to tilting. Twelve patients showed a predominantly vasodepressor response; 10 patients showed a cardioinhibitory response; and 70 patients showed a mixed response. The positive result rates were 43.6% (17/39) and 62.0% (75/121) in groups I and II, respectively. Mixed response was the predominant positive hemodynamic response in both the groups. Conclusion : The HUT is a useful diagnostic tool for evaluating the condition of pediatric patients, including adolescents, with syncope. Further, it may be considered as the first step for evaluating the condition of such patients.

Evaluation of Continuing Education Program to Enhance Competency for Hospice Volunteers: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Design (호스피스 자원봉사자 역량강화를 위한 지속교육의 효과: 혼합연구방법의 적용)

  • Seo, Minjeong;Cho, Han-A;Han, Sang Mi;Ko, Youngshim;Gil, Cho-Rong
    • Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
    • /
    • v.22 no.4
    • /
    • pp.185-197
    • /
    • 2019
  • Purpose: Hospice volunteers are serving an invisible yet pivotal role in the hospice and palliative care team. This study investigated how effectively a continuing education program could enhance hospice volunteers' competency. Methods: A total of 20 hours (four hours per week) of training was provided to 30 hospice volunteers who participated in the continuing education for hospice volunteers. Efficiency of the education was analyzed with an exploratory mixed-methods design. For quantitative analysis, the volunteers were asked, before and after the training, about their attitudes towards hospice care, what makes a meaningful life, self-efficacy and satisfaction with their volunteer service. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were performed using SPSS Window 20.0. For qualitative research, participants were placed in three groups for a focus group interview, and data were analyzed by content analysis. Results: A quantitative study result shows that this training can significantly affect hospice volunteers' attitudes and improve their self-efficacy. A qualitative study result shows that participants wanted to receive continuous education from the physical/psychosocial/spiritual aspects to better serve end-of-life patients and their family members even though they have to spare significant time for the volunteer service. They wanted to know how to take good care of patients without getting themselves injured and how to provide spiritual care. Conclusion: The continuing education program reflecting volunteers' requests is strongly needed to improve their competency. An effective continuing education requires continuous training and support in areas where hospice volunteers are interested in. A good alternative is to combine web-based and hands-on training, thereby allowing hospice volunteers freely take training that suits their interest.

Effect of Broussonetia papyrifera L. silage on blood biochemical parameters, growth performance, meat amino acids and fatty acids compositions in beef cattle

  • Tao, Hui;Si, Bingwen;Xu, Wencai;Tu, Yan;Diao, Qiyu
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
    • /
    • v.33 no.5
    • /
    • pp.732-741
    • /
    • 2020
  • Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the effects of Broussonetia papyrifera L. (B. papyrifera) silage on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, meat quality, and meat amino acids and fatty acids compositions in beef cattle. Methods: Sixty-four male Angus beef cattle were assigned to 4 groups with 4 pens in each group and 4 beef cattle in each pen, and fed with the total mixed ration supplemented with 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% B. papyrifera silage for 100 days (control group, 5% group, 10% group and 15% group) separately. Results: Beef cattle had significantly higher final body weight (BW) in 15% group, higher average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) in 5% group, 10% group and 15% group, and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 10% group and 15% group. Significantly higher blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration was noted in 15% group, higher blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in 10% group and 15% group, lower 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 15% group. Meat had lower pH in 15% group, higher Commission International DeI'Eclairage (CIE) L in 5% group, 10% group, and 15% group, and lower drip loss in 15% group. Greater concentration of meat polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was observed in 10% group and 15% group, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 15% group. Conclusion: Diet with 15% B. papyrifera silage could improve performance and increase final BW, ADG, DMI, and FCR, enhance the antioxidant functions by decreasing blood 8-OHdG and MDA and increasing blood SOD and TAC, improve the meat quality by lowing pH and drip loss and increasing CIE L, increase the meat PUFA and DHA concentration. Polyphenols and flavonoids might be the main components responsible for the antioxidant activity and anti-biohydrogenation in the B. papyrifera silage. And B. papyrifera silage could be used as a new feedstuff in beef cattle nutrition.

Effects of a Self-management Program for Metabolic Syndrome - A Metabolic Syndrome Management Program in Seoul - (지역사회 대상의 대사증후군 자가관리 프로그램 중재 효과 - 서울특별시 대사증후군 관리 시범사업 -)

  • Kim, Hee-Sun;Yoon, Seok-Jun;Lee, Kun-Sei;Kim, Hyeong-Su;Oh, Sang-Woo;Ryu, Ho-Sihn;Choo, Jin-A;Lee, Kye-Heui;Ryu, Byung-Wook;Lee, Dong-Ok;Park, Dong-Rim
    • Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
    • /
    • v.28 no.2
    • /
    • pp.51-62
    • /
    • 2011
  • Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify the effects of a community-level metabolic syndrome self-care management program. Methods: Data included baseline demographics, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol collected at 15 public health centers in Seoul from January to March, 2010. A data obtained(584 men and 410 women) from Metabolic Syndrome Management Program in Seoul was analyzed using Paired t-test and Linear mixed model. Results: The group with 6-month intervention resulted in significant decrease in abdominal circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglyceride. In moderate intervention group with 3-month follow-up showed tendency that abdominal circumference(-1.27(${\beta}$)) and diastolic blood pressure(-1.66(${\beta}$)) are significantly reduced. In the group with aggressive intervention, the more counseling led to significant reduction in abdominal circumference(-0.22(${\beta}$)). Conclusions: These results indicate that a self-care for metabolic syndrome management can improve metabolic syndrome status over a short-term period. Further structured research is needed to develop a systematic program on health behaviors focusing on exercise, diet, and intervention.

Diagnosis of Coloration Status and Scientific Analysis for Pigments to Used Large Buddhist Painting(Gwaebultaeng) in Tongdosa Temple (통도사 괘불탱의 채색상태 및 사용 안료의 과학적 분석)

  • Lee, Jang Jon;Ahn, Ji Yoon;Yoo, Young Mi;Lee, Kyeong Min;Han, Min Su
    • Journal of Conservation Science
    • /
    • v.33 no.6
    • /
    • pp.431-442
    • /
    • 2017
  • The purpose of this study is to reveal that coloring status and the degree of damage and the kinds of pigments used in large buddhist painting (Gwaebultaeng) of Tongdosa temple using a scientific analysis methods. It was observed that the physical damage patterns of the Gwaebultaeng were folding, lifting, fading, and peeling. Lead red, cinnabar and organic pigments were used as red pigments. Malachite and atacamite were used as green pigments, azulite and lazulite were blue pigments, lead white and talc were white pigment. It is estimated that overlapping organic pigments on the lead white were used as the yellow pigment and carbon was the black pigment. Through the analysis of the particle status of the pigments, it was confirmed that different types of raw materials were used for the green pigment, and the crystal form was easily distinguishable. Also, the dark blue color and the light blue color differed from each other depending on the size and shape of the raw material particles. Yellow and purple colors were organic pigments which did not have a graininess. The yellow and purple colors were organic pigments free from the graininess, and the pigments of dark red pigments was found to be mixed with the orange color pigments and carbon particles.

Selective Separation of Zr(IV) and Th(IV) by (polystyrene-divinylbenzene)-thiazolylazo Chelating Resins(I) ((Polystyrene-divinylbenzene)-thiazolylazo형 킬레이트 수지에 의한 Zr(IV) 및 Th(IV)의 선택적인 분리(I))

  • Lee, Won;Yook, Jin-Kyung;Lee, Si-Eun;Lee, Chang-Heon
    • Analytical Science and Technology
    • /
    • v.13 no.3
    • /
    • pp.323-331
    • /
    • 2000
  • Two chelating resins, XAD-16-TAC and XAD-16-TAO were synthesized by Amberlite XAD-16 macroreticular resin with 2-(2-thiazolylazo)-p-cresol (TAC) and 4-(2-thiazolylazo)-orcinol (TAO) as functional groups. The sorption behaviour of Zr(IV), Th(IV) and U(VI) with two chelating resins were examined with respect to the effect of pH and masking agent by batch methods. It was obtained that the optimum pH was in the range of 5-6, and two chelating resins showed good separation efficiency of Zr(IV) or Th(IV) by using $NH_4F$ as a masking agent. Characteristics of desorption were investigated with 0.1-2 M $HNO_3$ as desorption agent. It was found that 2 M $HNO_3$ showed high desorption efficiency to most of metal ions except Zr(IV). XAD-16-TAC resin is applied to separation and preconcentration of trace Zr(IV) from mixed metal ions. Also, Th(IV) ion can be successfully separated from U(VI) and Zr(IV) ion by using XAD-16- TAO resin.

  • PDF

TBM risk management system considering predicted ground condition ahead of tunnel face: methodology development and application (막장전방 예측기법에 근거한 TBM 터널의 리스크 관리 시스템 개발 및 현장적용)

  • Chung, Heeyoung;Park, Jeongjun;Lee, Kang-Hyun;Park, Jinho;Lee, In-Mo
    • Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
    • /
    • v.18 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-12
    • /
    • 2016
  • When utilizing a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for tunnelling work, unexpected ground conditions can be encountered that are not predicted in the design stage. These include fractured zones or mixed ground conditions that are likely to reduce the stability of TBM excavation, and result in considerable economic losses such as construction delays or increases in costs. Minimizing these potential risks during tunnel construction is therefore a crucial issue in any mechanized tunneling project. This paper proposed the potential risk events that may occur due to risky ground conditions. A resistivity survey is utilized to predict the risky ground conditions ahead of the tunnel face during construction. The potential risk events are then evaluated based on their occurrence probability and impact. A TBM risk management system that can suggest proper solution methods (measures) for potential risk events is also developed. Multi-Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) is utilized to determine the optimal solution method (optimal measure) to handle risk events. Lastly, an actual construction site, at which there was a risk event during Earth Pressure-Balance (EPB) Shield TBM construction, is analyzed to verify the efficacy of the proposed system.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Korean Cancer Survivors Who Return to the Workplace

  • Han, Kyu-Tae;Park, Eun-Cheol;Kim, Sun Jung;Jang, Sung-In;Shin, Jaeyong;Kim, Chan Ok;Choi, Jaw Woo;Lee, Sang Gyu
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
    • /
    • v.15 no.20
    • /
    • pp.8783-8788
    • /
    • 2014
  • Background: Although the prevalence of cancer is increasing, it is no longer synonymous with death. The number of cancer survivors is estimated to be increasing due to development in medical treatments and social programs; cancer survivors are increasingly returning to work after long-term unemployment. Thus, we examined the quality of life (QOL) and the factors associated with return of cancer survivors to the workplace. Materials and Methods: This study was performed using the 2008 Community Health Survey administered by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (N=548). We used Chi-square tests to compare demographic variables based on self-perceived health status, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare QOL scores among groups. We also performed a mixed-model analysis of the relationship between QOL and factors at the workplaces of cancer survivors. Results: Based on the results of our study, the overall QOL of cancer survivors was associated with 'mutual respect', 'free emotional expression', occupation, and age. Moreover, different trends of QOL according to self-perceived health were identified on additional analysis. In the 'bad' self-perceived health group, QOL was significantly different according to income. The QOL of cancer survivors in the low-income group was lower than in the other groups. Conversely, the 'normal' group had a lower QOL caused by 'no mutual respect' and "no free emotional expression" in the workplace. The QOL in the 'good' group based on self-perceived health was higher in the younger age group. Conclusions: There may be a significant relationship between QOL and workplace factors for cancer survivors, although further study is needed to investigate this relationship in detail. This may facilitate formulation of policy and efforts to prevent and manage the decline in the QOL of cancer survivors returning to work.