Korean J Adult Nurs.  2025 May;37(2):125-139. 10.7475/kjan.2025.0114.

Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Middle-Aged Individuals in the South Korean Community: Q Methodological Study

• Ha EH

• KMID: 2568280
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2025.0114

Abstract

Purpose
The subjective experiences of middle-aged individuals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic play a pivotal role in fostering resilience for reintegration into normal life post-pandemic and preparing for potential future infectious disease outbreaks. This study aimed to explore the experiences of middle-aged individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Q methodology.
Methods
Forty-six middle-aged individuals from 10 cities in South Korea participated in this study. The participants arranged and ranked 39 Q statements describing their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic using a Q-sort table. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using the PQ method.
Results
Three distinct viewpoints were identified: concerns regarding government policies related to COVID-19 (political perspective: consistent government policies are of utmost importance); concerns about personal loss related to COVID-19 (personal perspective: daily life is of the utmost importance); and concerns about social losses related to COVID-19 (social perspective: societal interests take precedence over individual needs).
Conclusion
The nursing interventions recommended for these three factors serve as a strategic blueprint for effectively addressing future outbreaks of infectious diseases. These nursing intervention strategies can significantly enhance positive perceptions of the three identified elements of the COVID-19 experience, providing an opportunity to transform negative outlooks into positive ones.

Keyword

COVID-19; Middle aged; Pandemics