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KMID : 1022920160050010001
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Journal of Korean Academy of Social & Managed Care Pharmacy
2016 Volume.5 No. 1 p.1 ~ p.8
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A Phenomenological Study of Obese Women’s Experiences in South Korea
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Choi Ji-Eun
Han Sang-Moon
Kwon Jin-Won
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND The stigma for obesity may be more serious in Asia due to lower obesity prevalence. Our study explored the lived experience through the overall social difficulties of people living with obesity in a society with relatively lower obesity prevalence.
METHODS This study was a qualitative study using phenomenological methods to grasp the essence by emphasizing the meaning of life experience of obese women. The experiences of social perception due to obesity in 10 women with a body mass index (BMI) over 30kg/m2 were assessed through focus group interviews and faceto- face interviews. The qualitative research assessed four categories including: causality of obesity, perception of the social attitudes towards obesity, motives for weight management, and needs for weight management.
RESULTS Significant statements in the scripts for the four categories were identified. These statements were divided into subtheme and theme. Obese people thought that their own will to control their weight, support from family and health care professionals, and social support such as national medical insurance were necessary to control obesity.
CONCLUSIONS This study would benefit the recognition of severe bias in society toward obese people, which is likely to impair their quality of life. Furthermore, this social trend may not be helpful in attenuating the increasing prevalence of obesity in South Korea, and may even worsen weight control in obese people by putting more stress on them. A social support system rather than negative attitudes against obese people would be required to resolve various social issues related to obesity.
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KEYWORD
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obesity, qualitative research, Republic of Korea, social support
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