Journal of East-West Nursing Research (동서간호학연구지)

East-west Nursing Research Institute, Kyung Hee University (경희대학교 동서간호학연구소)
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Experiences of Young Unmarried Women with Uterine and Ovarian Diseases: A Qualitative Content Analysis

자궁 및 난소 질환이 있는 젊은 미혼 여성의 경험: 질적 내용분석

  • Lee, Seyoung (College of Nursing, Jeonbuk National University) ;
  • Park, Jiwon (College of Nursing, Jeonbuk National University) ;
  • Jo, Yujin (College of Nursing, Jeonbuk National University) ;
  • Hwang, Eun Suk (College of Nursing, Jeonbuk National University) ;
  • Joung, Jaewon (College of Nursing‧Research Institute of Nursing Science, Jeonbuk National University)
  • Received : 2025.10.27
  • Accepted : 2025.11.17
  • Published : 2025.11.30
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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the meanings of uterine and ovarian disease experiences among young unmarried women and to understand how these experiences influence their identity, psychological well-being, and social relationships within a sociocultural context. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted with seven unmarried women aged 20-39 who had been diagnosed with a uterine or ovarian disease for at least one year. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and analyzed using Hsieh and Shannon's conventional content analysis approach to identify key themes and categories. Results: Data analysis yielded 27 codes, 11 subcategories, and 3 main categories: "living with a strange body that appeared without warning," "wanting treatment but finding obstetrics and gynecology difficult to approach," and "overcoming strangeness and reconstructing life." Participants initially experienced confusion and distrust toward their bodies, perceiving illness as an unfamiliar disruption. They faced psychological and sociocultural barriers to seeking gynecological care due to stigma and discomfort but gradually accepted their condition and sought balance through self-care and social support. These findings indicate that young women's reproductive health experiences extend beyond physical symptoms to encompass identity reconstruction and psychological adaptation. Conclusion: Nursing interventions should address not only symptom management but also identity restoration, emotional support, and stigma reduction. Enhancing healthcare providers' gender sensitivity and communication skills, as well as facilitating peer-support networks, may promote psychological safety and resilience among young women with reproductive health conditions.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 논문은 2025년도 전북대학교 연구기반 조성비 지원에 의하여 연구되었음.

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