This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of compassion competence on the relationship between caring behaviors and the quality of nursing services. Participants included nurses working in South Korean hospitals. Data collected from 1 November to 31 December 2020 were analyzed using a t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression. We found that caring behavior had a positive correlation with the quality of nursing services and compassion competence. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the quality of nursing services and compassion competence. Compassion competence had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between caring behaviors and quality of nursing services. This suggests that nurses’ caring behaviors can enable high-quality nursing services influenced by compassion. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of nursing services, repeated and continuous implementation of training programs including education that can improve compassion competence is necessary.

The present study aimed to confirm latent classes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults and investigate the characteristics of participants in each class. It aimed to provide basic data to develop interventions for each quality-of-life class by analysing the predictors of each class. Secondary data from a community health survey in G province since 2019 found a total of 41,872 participants. Of them, 9027 were 65 years or older and residing in G Province in 2019, participated in this study. Mplus 8.5 was used to conduct a latent class analysis of five domains of HRQOL. Four latent classes in the HRQOL of older adults, namely, stable type, physical disability type, emotional disability type, and crisis type were found. Certain variables predicted these classes. Based on the findings of the present study, training on functional mobility and balance to prevent falls in older populations and individualised programmes to promote mental health in them should be provided. Moreover, policies should increase medical accessibility and provide social support for older people with low-incomes. Additionally, since physical, psychological, and social health in older adults are inter-connected, a comprehensive care plan is needed to improve their HRQOL.

This study evaluated the recognition and attitude toward microplastic and zero waste among college students and investigated the factors influencing their zero-waste behaviours. The study was conducted from 20 August 2021 to 10 September 2021, including students at a university in G metropolitan city, Republic of Korea. A total of 196 data were analysed. Statements were developed to verify how the use of disposables and the recognition, attitude, and behaviours related to zero waste were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family type and usage of disposables were the factors affecting zero-waste behaviour in Model 1. In Model 2, which included the subcategory of zero-waste recognition, the health effects of microplastics and environmental preservation were significant factors. In Model 3, which included the subcategory of zero-waste attitude, the health effects of microplastics (β = 0.149, p = 0.016), use of eco-friendly products (β = 0.342, p < 0.001), and environmental preservation (β = 0.317, p < 0.001) were significant factors. The use of plastic products increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research and education are needed to promote zero-waste behaviours with a focus on microplastics. Raising awareness of the health effects of microplastics can enhance the effectiveness of education.

Millennial and Generation Z (MZ generation) nurses, the core of the Republic of Korean nursing workforce, are leaving hospitals. We, therefore, aimed to determine the mediating role of communication competence between nursing professionalism and job satisfaction of MZ generation nurses in Republic of Korea. A total of 188 nurses aged 20–39 years belonging to the MZ generation, who had been working in a general hospital for over six months, participated in an online survey from 27 October 2022 to 11 January 2023. Data analysis was conducted using the bootstrapping method with the SPSS PROCESS macro program to confirm the mediating role of communication competence. Job satisfaction, professionalism, and communication skills were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.36–0.72, p < 0.001). Communication competence was found to be a mediating factor in the relationship between professionalism and job satisfaction. The results showed that when professionalism related to job satisfaction, good communication further enhanced job satisfaction. In order to enhance MZ generation nurses’ job satisfaction, it is necessary to improve nursing professionalism and implement training programs to improve communication skills considering generation-specific characteristics.

Background: Individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) who have poor health behaviors are at a greater risk for various health outcomes. This study compared the health behaviors and health literacy between individuals with non-IFG and IFG; factors that were associated with IFG were identified by sex. Methods: This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) that used a stratified, multi-stage, cluster-sampling design to obtain a nationally representative sample. This study analyzed the KNHANES Health Examination Survey and Health Behavior Survey from 2016 to 2018 (N=9919). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to compute the odds ratios of health behaviors and health literacy to identify the risk factors for IFG. Results: The prevalence of IFG among the total was 29.0% (weighted n=2826, 95% CI 27.8–30.2). In the IFG group, 63.6% were male and 36.4% were female (X²=320.57, p<.001). In multiple logistic regression by sex, the factors associated with IFG in male were as follows: age (50s; OR=2.36, 95% CI 1.79–3.13), high BMI (OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.78–2.90), frequent drinking (OR=1.83, 95% CI 1.23–2.72), and using nutrition fact labels (OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.05–1.75). Low economic status (OR=4.18, 95% CI 1.57–11.15) and high BMI (OR=2.35, 95% CI 1.29–4.28) were the affecting factors in female. On the other hand, employment status, perceived stress, and job type were not related to IFG in both male and female. Conclusions: Strategies should be targeted to improve health behaviors and health literacy for those in their 40s and 60s, male in shift work, those who frequently dine out, overweight male, female with low economic statuses, and frequent drinkers. Moreover, healthcare providers should understand the barriers to health behaviors and literacy to effectively deliver healthcare service.