Analysis of Nursing Research Trend Associated with Breast Cancer in Korea

유방암 관련 국내 간호연구 동향

Purpose: This study was attempted to see the trends in breast cancer researches in Korea. Method: We collected a total of 94 articles associated with breast cancer and published in Korea from 1976 to August 2004 and analyzed the characteristics of those articles, the journals which published those articles in each year, the research designs, subjects, intervention effects in experimental studies, the subjects and concept distribution in comparative researches and themes of the articles. Result: 1. Articles published and associated with breast cancer have increased since 1990 and picked after 2000. 2. Most research designs are survey and correlation studies which are non-experimental research(70.2%) and next are experimental and qualitative researches. 3. In a total 17 articles which are experimental researches, intervention studies which use exercise programs are most(5 articles) and the next are education program, supportive nursing intervention, guided imagery, massage and rehabilitation programs. 4. In correlational researches, concepts such like social-psychological adaptation, partner support, health promotion behavior and family support are treated frequently. 5. Subjects in most comparative studies are patients with breast cancer and normal women. 6. Most nursing research themes are psycho/spiritual problems, 16 articles(17.0%). Conclusion: These results show that the researches related with breast cancer have actively increased and body functions and psycho-social variables have been improved through nursing intervention. Therefore, it seems that more systematic interdisciplinary studies and systematic complement are necessary for future breast cancer nursing researches.