title: Quality of life for patients with diabetes in Korea--I: the meaning of health-related quality of life.
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.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Seoul National University, South Korea.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Choe
authors.forename: G V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Padilla
authors.forename: Y R
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D026712:Value of Life