Life experiences of security and insecurity among women with chronic heart failure

Abstract

This paper is a report of a study illuminating women's experiences of living with chronic heart failure with a focus on feelings of security and insecurity. To be secure is a basic human need. Although feelings of being insecure has been found to be a common problem among people who live with chronic heart failure few qualitative studies, particularly among women, have been carried out in the field. Eight women took part in focus group interviews during 2006. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The women's feelings of security include acceptance of the past, everyday life and the future, trusting the self and the body despite the disease, not having to deal with dependency alone, and faith in care and treatment. The women's feelings of insecurity include feeling guilty for being sick and incapacitated, fear of living with a frail and failing body, anxiety about growing dependence on others, loneliness and death and lack of faith in care and treatment. The outlook on the past, the present and the view about the future, can be fundamental for the quality of life, and the sense of security and insecurity among women living with chronic heart failure. To support a sense of security it seems essential that nursing staff attempt to understand the women's outlook on life and their personal interpretations of living with chronic heart failure. This can be crucial for enhancing feelings of security in daily life for these women.