Utilizing Bodily Knowledge in Patients with Chronic Illness in the Promotion of their Health

Kristin Heggdal

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v11i3.1542

Abstract

Purpose: Research findings indicate that people diagnosed with chronic illness possess resources and strategies for health that are not fully recognized and utilized. These resources have been described as patients’ embodied knowledge of health and illness. The notion of embodiment as an essential part for health is a relatively new idea in modern Western society and is poorly theorized in models for health promotion. This study explored patterns of patients` experiences/bodily knowledge and actions that contribute to well-being and health in chronic illness. This study is the first to examine Bodyknowledging, which is a process that describes the utilization of bodily knowledge to engage in health-related change. Methods: Grounded theory methodology informed data collection and analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 56 men and women who were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease or stroke. Results: Participants` main concerns were the uncertainty, hindrances and limitations of life space introduced by illness. Bodyknowledging, revealed patients` embodied knowledge of coping and health as a powerful resource for successful disease management, prevention of relapses and promotion of health. Conclusion: The findings illuminate the importance of attending to personal resources and relational aspects of health, and it adds to the empirical and theoretical basis for utilizing peoples’ embodied knowledge in health promotion.

Highlights

Chronic illness occurs across the life span
The reasons are varied and often unknown, but better living conditions, improved sanitation and nutrition, and improved disease management have contributed to survival from diseases that previously resulted in premature death
In the United States, 6.3% of adults have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while in Europe the prevalence varies from 4 - 10% (Kosacz et al, 2012; Halbert et al, 2003)

Summary

Introduction

Chronic illness occurs across the life span. It strikes men and women from different socioeconomic levels and has a serious impact on quality of life. WHOs first report (2010) on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), states that of 57 million global deaths in 2008, 36 million were due to NCDs—mainly cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, cancer, or diabetes; and lung diseases, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the United States, 6.3% of adults have been diagnosed with COPD, while in Europe the prevalence varies from 4 - 10% (Kosacz et al, 2012; Halbert et al, 2003). In the United States, the prevalence of stroke in 2010 was 2.6% (Jing et al, 2012). A review of data from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the EU reports that stroke events will increase from 1.1 million per year (in 2000) to 1.5 million per year by 2025 (Truelsen et al, 2006). The prevalence of other chronic illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is lower and projected to increase (Molodecky et al, 2012; WHO, 2010)

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Results

Conclusion