새터민 중고령자의 남한에서의 치료추구행위 경험에 대한 연구

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore treatment-seeking behavior of middle-aged and old-age Saetomins in South Korea. Method: The participants for this study were 11 Saetomins aged over 40 years and living in Seoul. They experienced at least one chronic disease while staying in South Korea. An in-depth interview of the 11 subjects on their experiences was conducted at their residence places. Content analysis was conducted on the qualitative data. Results: Two broad themes were identified from our content analysis; ⑴ new experience related to treatment, and ⑵ types of treatment-seeking behavior. Under the heading of major theme 1, four sub-themes were identified; ⒜ physical abnormalities that were discovered after arriving in South Korea, ⒝ an unfamiliar treatment environment, ⒞ the cost and the benefit of the medical treatment, ⒟ an increased concern about ones improving health. Under the heading of major theme 2, three sub-themes were identified; ⒜ being compliant with medical care, ⒝ managing symptoms with self-treatment, ⒞ seeking complementary and alternative treatment. Conclusion: Based on the results, we draw the conclusion that the Saetomins pursued various treatment-seeking behaviors. Therefore, the health care providers should provide systematic and specific health care services for Saetomins.