Abstract 14111: Rhythm and Race: A Qualitative Assessment of Black Patients’ Experiences Living With Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Introduction: Race-based disparities in atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) outcomes have been well-documented, but few studies have investigated individuals’ experiences of living with AF, particularly among Black individuals. Hypothesis: We aimed to identify themes regarding challenges Black patients experience in self-managing their AF. Methods: Three focus groups of four to six participants (sixteen in total) were recruited from the racial/ethnic minority participants in the Atrial Fibrillation Heath Literacy and Information Technology Trial (AFib-LITT). A tailored qualitative script was developed to assess the perspectives of participants in semi-structured focus groups. Audio recordings of focus group interviews were inductively coded using a descriptive approach to identify recurrent themes. Results: Participants were mostly male (62.5%) with mean age of 66.5 (range 40-78) years. Three themes emerged regarding 1) the physical and mental burdens of disease, 2) the need for interpersonal support systems, and 3) the importance of community understanding of AF. Focus group participants stated that the paroxysmal nature of the disease also created the sense that the disease was uncontrollable. The erratic nature of AF caused them to limit their physical exertion to prevent AF symptoms, thus skipping activities that were integral to their lives. Conclusions: Black patients found that the unpredictability of their AF symptoms led them to describe the disease as difficult to manage, but social and community support may serve as areas for future interventions. These social and behavioral themes highlight the need for tailored clinical strategies for AF self-management within a patient’s social context.