Health Group and Disease Group's Perceptions of Health and Health-related Quality of Life: a Focus Group Study and In-depth Interviews

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to understand and explore perception of healthy adults and chronically ill adults on health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: Data were collected by open questions using a focus group discussion for healthy adults (N=6) and in-depth interviews for chronically ill adults (N=6). Previously developed 34 HRQoL items also were offered and participants were asked to select the five most important HRQoL items among them. RESULTS: Findings were elicited along the following themes: health, HRQoL, health maintenance strategies, and elements affecting health. The definition on "being healthy" by healthy participants had a variety of standards and required several conditions to be fulfilled. Whereas chronically ill adults have more flexible perception about the coexistence of health and disease. Health dimensions were thought to affect each other, and physical and mental health dimension were selected as the most important items. As for the five most important HRQoL items, both group participants selected mental health dimension than physical or social health dimensions. Health maintenance strategies were similar in both groups except more healthcare service use in chronically ill adults. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the difference of perception on health and HRQoL between health group and disease group in Korea. It can be used for developing the HRQoL assessment tool reflecting the perception of Korean people.