The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a global long-term education crisis, which has negatively affected the psychological well-being of nursing students. This study aims to determine the effect of academic stress and upward comparison on depression among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sample of 271 junior and senior nursing students from four universities in South Korea was selected. The SPSS/WIN 28.0 program was employed for the data analysis, and multiple regression analysis was performed to confirm the effect of academic stress and stress from upward comparison on depression. The study results show that the regression model was significant (F = 7.60, p < 0.001). Moreover, age over 25 (β = 0.15, p = 0.006), academic stress (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and upward comparison (β = 0.18, p = 0.002) explained 19.0% of depression among the participants. Developing and testing the effect of programs that address academic stress and upward comparison may be necessary to control depression in nursing students. Furthermore, in response to COVID-19, efforts must be made to include these interventions in the curriculum for nursing students on a consistent basis.

In South Korea, access to reliable and developmentally appropriate sexual and menstrual health education tailored to the specific needs of university students remains limited. This study sought to address this gap by developing and evaluating student co-designed, mobile-based educational modules focused on these crucial health topics. A mixed-methods design was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed educational modules. Eighty unmarried university students in South Korea were randomly assigned to either a PDF group (n = 40) or a Video group (n = 40). The modules provided instruction on both sexual and menstrual health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in each group to explore their experiences with the modules. The Video group showed a notable improvement in sexual health knowledge (t = -2.657, p =.010) following the intervention. Similarly, the PDF group exhibited a statistically significant increase in menstrual health knowledge (t = -2.608, p =.011) compared to their pre-intervention knowledge levels. However, the total quiz scores of the PDF group were significantly higher than those of the Video group (t = 2.69, p =.009). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants in both groups perceived video-based education as more effective than the PDF. While overall knowledge gain didn’t significantly differ between groups (except for quiz results), the findings offer valuable insights for developing mobile-based sexual and menstrual health education. Qualitative data suggests a preference for video learning, informing future module development. Further research should explore optimal format and content for maximizing intervention impact. This trial was registered in a Clinical Research Information Service in Korea linked with the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (WHO’s ICTRP) (30/11/2023, no. KCT0009006).

Background: Nursing handoffs are communicative routines in most nursing units. The handoff is critical to the continuity and safety of patient care. Negative perceptions of handoffs could hinder efficient communication between nurses. Aims: This study identified the perceptions of nurses’ handoffs in Korea. Design: A descriptive survey was employed. The population included nurses who worked in a general ward in 201 hospitals with more than 300 beds. Results: 27.9% responded that the current handoff method needed to be changed and 75.8% had no handoff-related guideline. “Handoffs are frequently interrupted by outsiders’ visits” was the most frequent problem expressed. Variables associated with a perceived need for change in handoff methods were age, handoff method, and preparation time for handoffs. Conclusion: Nurses recognized that handoffs were frequently interrupted by external factors and consumed too much time. Therefore, a standardized handoff method is needed to ensure the accuracy of information.

The current qualitative study explored perceptions and experiences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Korean male older adults. Six older adults participated in a narrative group interview. Responses were analyzed to describe perceptions and experiences of COPD. Social stigma, blaming others and the environment, stress to bear alone, and adaptation and management emerged as relevant themes for adaptation to COPD. In relation to obstacles to healthy behaviors after adapting to COPD, emergent themes were adapting to symptoms, external environmental factors, alternative treatments, and insufficient resources. Facilitators of healthy behaviors were past symptom experience, personal volition, and advice from health professionals. Older adult men with COPD trying to adapt to the disease need sufficient resources and social support from families, social networks, and health professionals. Development of interventions for older adults with COPD should include knowledge and understanding of experience and needs. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46 (2), 49–56.]