Determine Actions to Maintain Physical and Emotional Stability

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 60 views

The Experience of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease in Caring for Themselves: A Qualitative Study

Introduction

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions of individuals. The high prevalence rate of CHD necessitates special care, not only from medical personnel but also from the patients themselves. This study aims to explore the experience of patients with coronary heart disease in caring for themselves, using a descriptive phenomenological approach.

Background

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The increasing prevalence of CHD has put a significant burden on healthcare systems, making it essential to explore the experiences of patients in caring for themselves. Self-care is a crucial aspect of managing CHD, and understanding the experiences of patients can provide valuable insights into the development of effective self-care strategies.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of patients with coronary heart disease in caring for themselves. Ten participants were selected using purposive sampling, and in-depth interviews were conducted to gather data. The Colaizzi method was used to analyze the data, identifying key themes from the patient experience.

Results

The study identified six main themes from the patient experience:

Determine Actions to Maintain Physical and Emotional Stability

Patients emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between their physical and mental health. They attempted to set daily routines that supported physical health, such as light exercise and a healthy diet. This theme highlights the need for patients to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being in managing CHD.

Observe the Body of Signs and Symptoms and Changes that Occur

Participants demonstrated sensitivity to their bodies, recording every change they felt. This observation was crucial in preventing more serious conditions and managing CHD effectively. The theme emphasizes the importance of patients being aware of their body's signs and symptoms.

Responding to Signs and Symptoms that Appear

When new symptoms appeared, patients tried to respond appropriately, either by consulting a doctor or taking initial actions deemed necessary. This theme highlights the need for patients to be proactive in managing their CHD and seeking medical attention when necessary.

Feelings during Self-Care

Many participants expressed mixed feelings, between expectations and worries. They realized that good self-care could improve the quality of life, but there was also a fear of the possibility of recurrence of the disease. This theme highlights the emotional challenges patients face in managing CHD and the importance of emotional support.

Receiving Support during Self-Care

Support from family, friends, and community was very helpful for patients in the process of self-care. The sense of mutual caring and understanding from closest people gave encouragement for patients to keep trying to care for their health. This theme emphasizes the importance of social support in managing CHD.

Discussion

The study shows that participants are more focused on physical care as a top priority, followed by efforts to maintain emotional stability. The role of health workers, especially nurses, is very important in providing education about self-care. They are expected to equip patients with appropriate information about coronary heart disease and how to maintain appropriate self-care behavior.

Conclusion

The experience of patients with coronary heart disease in caring for themselves is greatly influenced by awareness of their health conditions. Therefore, continuous training and support from medical personnel is very necessary so that patients can take the right steps in maintaining their health. This study highlights the importance of self-care in managing CHD and the need for healthcare professionals to provide education and support to patients.

Implications

The study has several implications for healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers:

Healthcare professionals should provide education and support to patients with CHD, emphasizing the importance of self-care and physical and emotional stability.
Patients should be encouraged to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being, setting daily routines that support their health.
Policymakers should develop policies and programs that support self-care and provide resources for patients with CHD.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study's focus on patients with CHD, which may not be representative of patients with other chronic conditions.

Future Research Directions

Future research should explore the experiences of patients with other chronic conditions, comparing and contrasting their experiences with those of patients with CHD. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of self-care interventions and the role of healthcare professionals in supporting patients with CHD.
Q&A: The Experience of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease in Caring for Themselves

Q: What is coronary heart disease (CHD), and why is it a significant health concern?

A: Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to a heart attack, which can be fatal. CHD is a significant health concern because it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally.

Q: What is the importance of self-care in managing CHD?

A: Self-care is crucial in managing CHD because it enables patients to take an active role in their health and well-being. By prioritizing physical and emotional stability, patients can reduce their risk of complications and improve their quality of life.

Q: What are some key themes that emerged from the study on the experience of patients with CHD in caring for themselves?

A: The study identified six main themes, including:

Determine actions to maintain physical and emotional stability: Patients emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between their physical and mental health.
Observe the body of signs and symptoms and changes that occur: Participants demonstrated sensitivity to their bodies, recording every change they felt.
Responding to signs and symptoms that appear: When new symptoms appeared, patients tried to respond appropriately, either by consulting a doctor or taking initial actions deemed necessary.
Feelings during self-care: Many participants expressed mixed feelings, between expectations and worries.
Receiving support during self-care: Support from family, friends, and community was very helpful for patients in the process of self-care.

Q: What is the role of healthcare professionals in supporting patients with CHD?

A: Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, play a crucial role in providing education and support to patients with CHD. They should equip patients with appropriate information about coronary heart disease and how to maintain appropriate self-care behavior.

Q: What are some implications of the study for healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers?

A: The study has several implications, including:

Healthcare professionals should provide education and support to patients with CHD, emphasizing the importance of self-care and physical and emotional stability.
Patients should be encouraged to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being, setting daily routines that support their health.
Policymakers should develop policies and programs that support self-care and provide resources for patients with CHD.

Q: What are some limitations of the study, and what are some future research directions?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

The small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study's focus on patients with CHD, which may not be representative of patients with other chronic conditions.