Self-Management of Chronic Diseases: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chronic diseases are a priority for health-care systems and patient-centered care. They cause long-term issues and have a number of physical, psychological, and social effects. Patients with chronic diseases require ongoing care and support in order to manage them. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of patients with chronic conditions who were able to practice self-management. The study was conducted in Izmir province, Turkey with 10 patients with a chronic disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, arthritis) who attended two family health-care centers. A phenomenological approach was used and three main themes were identified: social support, disease management, and self-awareness and empowerment. It was determined that the subthemes of “definition of a chronic disease,” “perceived barriers,” “emotional and spiritual state,” “self-monitoring,” and “diet and medication management” had a significant influence on self-management. The results demonstrated that patients’ health outcomes can be affected by their experiences and behaviors. Health-care professionals should design and implement self-care programs that take into account all the variables that affect patients’ self-management of their disease.