Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing (한국농촌간호학회지)

Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing (한국농촌간호학회)
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Experiences of Life Changes and Loneliness among Rural Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

코로나19 팬데믹 기간 동안 농촌 지역 노인들의 삶의 변화와 외로움 경험에 대한 질적연구

  • Kang, Jiyoung (College of Nursing.Research Institute of Health and Nursing, Jeju National University) ;
  • Jung, Aeri (College of Nursing, Eulji University)
  • 강지영 (제주대학교 간호대학.건강과간호연구소) ;
  • 정애리 (을지대학교 간호대학)
  • Received : 2023.11.29
  • Accepted : 2023.12.12
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand and explore the experiences and meanings of life changes and loneliness caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among older people living in rural areas. Methods: This study adopted an individual interview approach. A total of 33 older adults were interviewed using semi-structured questions between October and December; 2020. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes and ten sub-themes emerged. One main theme was "the never-ending anxiety of a changed world", the second theme was "disconnecting from the world through social distancing", the third theme was "working to overcome COVID-19", and forth "health is the most important thing in life." Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, we confirmed the urgent need for psycho-social support to relieve loneliness and social isolation of older people in rural areas during the spread of infectious diseases.

Keywords

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