Health Management Experiences of Rural Older Women

농촌 여성 노인의 건강의식 및 건강관리경험

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe health management experience in rural older women. Methods: Qualitative data were collected by focus group interviews with 25 participants from July to September, 2007. All the interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by the content analysis method. Results: Seven main categories were conceptualized, "health concept", "health status", "disease management", "activity for health management", "dependence on the primary health care post", "relationships with families and others", "hope for the rest of life". Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that for health promotion in older women in rural regions, it is important to consider the usefulness of an incorporated program that combines agricultural work with health activity. In addition, complex programs that combine welfare services with health services are needed.