Life Experiences of Women with Leprosy in South Korea

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify the life experiences of women diagnosed with leprosy in South Korea. METHODS: The study included seven purposively chosen participants from the Sorokdo Hospital (leprosy resident hospital). Data were collected through a series of in-depth individual interviews from January to July 2015. The data analysis method was based on Colaizzi’s approach. RESULTS: The study’s results showed that the experiences of women diagnosed with leprosy in South Korea consisted of 10 themes and 4 theme clusters: 1) A disease perceived as a state of damnation, 2) Irresistible karma, 3) Fading candles in the wind, and 4) A will to live. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that health care professionals should pay attention to not only treating the physical and psychological symptoms of leprosy patients but also attempt to influence the community and public culture in order to reduce the social stigma around this disease. The results of this study can help us in a better understanding of the lived experiences of women diagnosed with leprosy.