The Adjustment of Patients with Hemophilia

혈우병 환자의 적응과정

Purpose: This research was done to establish a theoretical foundation for the adjustment process of patients with hemophilia. Method: For this study, 14 patients with hemophilia participated. The data was collected through the in-depth interviews and analysed in terms of Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology. Result: The core category was identified with "uncertainty". The adjustment process was classified into two stages: the 'unstable stage' before the moment they learn about the Hemophilia Foundation and the 'stable stage' since then. The two stages were further divided into four groups, namely 'the stage of isolation ', 'the stage of maintaining survival', 'the stage of pursuing hope', 'the stage of ambivalence'. The categories of these stages include a series of subcategories to describe the adjustment of patients. The quality of life for these patients has increasingly improved based on support from hemophiliac organizations. But due to the uncertainty of disease, the patients have four stages of adjustment process from the stage of isolation to that of ambivalence and might turn to feedback. Conclusion: Therefore the nursing interventions reflecting adjustment process of patients with hemophilia should be developed.