[Objective] More than two decades have passed since the situation-specific theory (SST) was proposed. This literature review analyzes changes in the number of SST-related articles, their contents, methodologies, and sources for the construction. This study aimed to clarify the developing process and prospects in future SST constructions. [Methods] Using the CINAHL, PubMed, and ICHUSHI databases, we searched for papers in English with the key words of “situation-specific theory” and “situation-specific theories” and those words translated in Japanese. Eighty-eight articles were found and screened. At the end, fifty articles were to be reviewed, and they were sorted by year of publication and contents. Additionally, articles reporting SST construction were analyzed for the theory constructing methodologies and sources used for the constructions. [Results] All articles were classified into the following six categories: theory development, concept analysis, clarification of theory sub-concepts, theory testing, research based on theoretical framework, and review/commentary. The number of published articles is increased every year. The review of these articles revealed that constructions of SST were validated and utilized as research frameworks, and SST has been contributing to the construction of knowledge in the field of nursing science. SSTs were constructed in 23 articles, all of which focused on restricted phenomena in particular fields or subjects. The integrative approach was the most commonly employed for construction methods; however, other methods were found in some articles. The sources frequently used for the constructions were preexisting theories, research findings, and literature reviews, whereas practical experiences were rarely used as the sources. [Conclusion] Based on the increase in constructions of STT, utilization of SST as frameworks, and validation of the theory, the awareness of SST will grow in the field of nursing science. As construction methods other than the integrative approach are emerging, additional SSTs should be constructed with a broader range of approaches.

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[Purpose] This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the kinds of thermometers used by elderly individuals living in City A and whether they are able to 1) insert an axillary thermometer correctly, 2) wipe axillary sweat before inserting a thermometer, and 3) clean the thermometer after measuring their body temperature. [Methods] We collected data from July to September 2015 and recruited participants from senior centers managed by City A. Questionnaires were primarily collected by the placement method and by postal mail. We performed chi-square tests to determine the differences in thermometer use by sex and age group (young-elderly and old-elderly) and the relationship between participants’ sources of health information and thermometer use. [Results] We recruited 745 participants and obtained 627 responses (response rate 84.2%). After cleaning, data from 515 seniors (39.6% male, 73.7±5.4 years, 65–91 years) were used. The analyses showed that among seniors in the final sample, 416 (80.8%) used a digital axillary thermometer and 78 (15.1%) used a mercury thermometer. A total of 88 seniors (19.6%) answered the question on how to insert a thermometer, correctly. Significantly more seniors who answered the question correctly obtained health information at health seminars than those who answered incorrectly. We found that 78.6% of respondents wiped armpit sweat before measuring their temperature and 34.6% cleaned the thermometer after use; the rate of implementation of these actions was significantly lower among men aged 65–74 years (young-elderly) than among men or women aged ≥75 years (old-elderly). [Conclusion] These results show that less than 20% of seniors use a thermometer hygienically and, compared with other groups, young-elderly men were less likely to wipe their armpits and clean their thermometer. Mercury thermometers are still used in many households. We suggest that medical professionals take more care in educating seniors about appropriate thermometer use.

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[Purpose] The Mental Health Counseling Room was set up as part of the “Town Health-Care Room,” led mainly by faculties. This set up aimed to provide short-term counseling and nursing support for individuals with anxiety or difficulty handling their own or their family member’s mental health. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the needs of participants, the role of this counseling and nursing support, and challenges for the future. [Methods] A questionnaire survey on such as satisfaction degree was conducted after the initial counseling. The contents of each counseling and provided supports were taken notes and analyzed. [Results] From March 2017 to February 2019, six participants aged between 20’s and 60’s visited the Room; of these participants, only one was male. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Among these participants, four participants were counseled regarding their own mental health, whereas the other two were counseled on how to deal with a family member who has a mental health problem. Various types of support were provided, including active listening to the participant’s stories, positive feedback for their efforts, suggestions in creating a small step-chart or action plan for handling such health problems, analyzing current situations, advising on how to deal with their families, and the inner reflection of their character tendency. [Conclusion] Participants generally showed a high level of satisfaction for counseling and nursing support. Future challenges that were discussed were as follows: provision of continual support for the participants, association with other organizations, the acquisition and improvements of skills among consultees, and effective public relations.

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[Purpose] The main purpose of this study was to confirm which factors affect early recurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We analyzed comprehensive variables not only treatment method, laboratory data, and medications but also sleep status and dental hygiene, in patients who relapsed shortly after ACS onset and in those who had continued long-term care without recurrence. [Methods] Fifty patients with a history of ACS who were outpatients or hospitalized at three different hospitals where a certified cardiologist works and is capable of acute treatment for ACS were divided into two groups; the recurrent group included patients who relapsed within four years, and the non-recurrent group included those who had no relapses. Oral treatment status, physiological and biochemical data, lifestyle-related variables, achievement rate of recommended values, and knowledge of preventative measures were determined by analyzing medical records and interviews. Between-group differences were analyzed using t-tests for quantitative variables and χ2 tests for qualitative variables. The Research Ethics Committee at our university approved this study. [Results] The recurrent group tended to have higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the non-recurrent group. The LH ratio (serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level divided by serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level) was significantly higher in the recurrent group than in the non-recurrent group. Only 26% patients achieved a serum LDL cholesterol level of 70 mg/dl or less, which is the target value for preventing recurrence. However, there were no significant differences in any other lifestyle-related variables, including the frequency of teeth brushing and sleeping conditions. Regarding medication, statins were prescribed to 84% patients, and antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs were prescribed to 96% patients. The recurrent group tended to have a lower rate of prescription β-blockers than the non-recurrent group. In terms of preventative knowledge, only diastolic blood pressure value was significantly more familiar to patients in the non-recurrent group; however, both groups exhibited poor awareness of each recommendation. [Conclusion] Attention to lipid management variables may help to prevent short-term recurrence of ACS, and the LH ratio should be used as an evaluation index. Furthermore, for the goal of serum LDL cholesterol 70mg/dl or less which is different from general standards, nurses need to help patients understand the plaque regression effects that can be achieved by maintaining 70mg/dl or less and continue proper diet and medication. Moreover, the fact that having ACS does not lead to health-seeking behavior in patients suggests that understanding the meaning of the experience of having ACS for patients plays an important role in preventing recurrence.

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