The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the factors influencing the quality of life among hospital patients with tuberculosis. A questionnaire survey was administered to research subjects at a hospital in the Kyungnam province area. The correlation between patients\' quality of life and such factors as socio-demographic, symptom experience, depression, family support, and medical expert support factors were analyzed. The preceding factor of QOL among TB patients were depression, the presence of a medical health carer, the presence of a living spouse (wife or husband), and family support in a descending order of significance. Based on the results of this research, we are able to make a number of practical recommendations for social work intervention to help TB patients live more satisfactory lives.
Key words : quality of life, tuberculosis, social support