The meaning of health-related quality of life in a Korean sample

• Published in: International journal of nursing studies Vol. 38; no. 5; pp. 557 - 566
• Main Authors: Choe, Myoung-Ae, Padilla, Geraldine V., Chae, Young Ran, Kim, Sue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Anger; Attitude to Health - ethnology; Biological and medical sciences; Culture; Depression - ethnology; Depression - psychology; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - ethnology; Diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance; Diabetics; Endocrine pancreas. Apud cells (diseases); Endocrinopathies; Etiopathogenesis. Screening. Investigations. Target tissue resistance; Family - psychology; Fear; Female; Health; Health Status; Humans; Internal-External Control; Interpersonal Relations; Korea; Korean; Male; Meaning; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nursing; Nursing Methodology Research; Personal Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Religion and Psychology; Sick Role; Social Support; Social Values; Socioeconomic Factors; Stress, Psychological - ethnology; Stress, Psychological - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Asia; Korea; Korean; Diabetes; Culture; Quality of life; Endocrinopathy; Human; Evaluation; Evaluation scale; Diabetes mellitus; Public health
• ISSN: 0020-7489; 1873-491X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7489(00)00102-4

This study describes the impact of diabetes and the meaning of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for 22 male and female patients in Korea. Open-ended interviews yielded six HRQOL themes: health, overall well-being, harmonious relationships and family responsibilities, a rewarding life, spiritual life, and material support. The physical impact of diabetes included decreased energy, limitations, and physical suffering; while its psychological/spiritual impact extended to general stress, helplessness, fear, depression, anger, and relationship with God. Like Americans, Koreans valued health, psychological well-being and interpersonal support. In addition, the Koreans valued smooth, harmonious interpersonal relationships, overall well-being pertaining to living a comfortable and honorable life.