Abstract

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.

• Keywords: Patients with hemophilia; Adjustment; Uncertainty; Grounded theory