Self-management Strategies for Patients with Risk Factors to Reduce the Impact of Cardiovascular Disease in Selected Clinics in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are now the leading cause of death worldwide, amounting to 17.8% of all deaths recorded. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it contributes to about 13% of deaths, whereas 80% were recorded from developing countries. A quarter of all deaths are attributable to behavioural and metabolic risk factors due to patients` lack of self-management strategies, which are practices and activities that the patients can use and manage themselves, effectively preventing the development of CVD. Objective: The study aimed to explore patients at risk of CVD’s knowledge of self-management strategies to prevent the development of CVD. Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory and descriptive study conducted in four primary health care settings in two contexts (i.e., a rural and peri-urban setting) in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The target population were patients with risk factors and diagnosed with either hypertension or diabetes mellitus. Twenty-five patients (male n=9; female n=16) were purposefully sampled and participated in semi-structured individual interviews with a schedule guide. The data was analysed using thematic Tesch’s open coding qualitative data analysis method. Results: Thematically analysed data resulted in three main themes and their related subthemes enumerating patients at risk of CVD’s knowledge regarding disease onset, risk factors, and self-management, including daily challenges affecting disease progression. The major themes isolated are 1) knowledge related to CVD onset, symptoms, and self-management strategies, 2) challenges experienced by persons at risk of developing CVD, 3) suggestions to help improve health and the prevention of the onset of CVD. Conclusion: The study concludes by recommending in-depth CVD awareness and education programs for patients at risk. More importantly, the provision of mental health awareness, counselling, and equipping patients with coping skills are recommended.