만성질환 농촌 노인이 인식한 건강의 의미: 질적 연구

초록

Purpose: This study explored the meaning of health in the lived contexts of older adults with chronic conditions living in rural areas of South Korea. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Focus group interviews were conducted with 11 rural residents aged ≥65 years with chronic conditions from two rural communities. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis, following the procedures of Elo and Kyngäs. Focus group interviews, expert interviews, and community health documents were used for triangulation to enhance contextual credibility. Results: The analysis identified 112 meaning units, 19 codes, 6 subcategories, and 3 main categories: (1) health as a functional state enabling continued engagement in agricultural work, (2) emotional well-being derived from caring for crops, and (3) health as mutual care within the village community. Conclusion: For rural older adults with chronic conditions, health is a functional and relational state shaped by farming activities, emotional well-being derived from agricultural life, and village-based social relationships. Therefore, health promotion strategies should move beyond disease-centered approaches and support functional daily activities, agricultural life experiences, and community social networks.

키워드