Background: Brucellosis, one of the most common zoonotic diseases globally, is a serious public health problem. The complex and diverse clinical manifestations pose numerous challenges for patients when coping with brucellosis. Scarce studies have been performed in China.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the process of coping with brucellosis and different aspects of the phenomenon from the perspective of patients, and propose a conceptual framework of patients' processes in coping with brucellosis.
Methods: Qualitative study based on constructivist grounded theory methodology using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The data analysis included initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding using the constant comparative method and memo writing.
Results: The conceptual framework of "compelled metamorphosing" was constructed, which conceptualized three primary types of coping strategies: "blind persistence", "resignation to avoidance", and "proactive pacing". Symptoms, financial strain, information cocoon, emotional value, and family responsibility had an important impact on coping strategies and played a significant role in driving their development.
Conclusions: This paper provides new insight into patients' lives and describes the strategies patients use to cope with the challenges and problems caused by brucellosis. Compelled metamorphosing represents a basic psychosocial process. These findings can be used to develop future complex interventions and studies.
Keywords: brucellosis; grounded theory coping; patient experiences; self-management.