Adult ; Attitude to Health/ethnology* ; Diabetes Mellitus/ethnology ; Diabetes Mellitus/psychology* ; Female ; Holistic Health ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Interviews as Topic ; Korea ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Personal Satisfaction ; Quality of Life/psychology* ; Religion and Psychology ; Sick Role ; Social Support ; Value of Life*
Keywords
Quality of life ; Culture ; Korean ; Diabetes
Abstract
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.