From threat to gradual lifestyle changes: Iranians' experiences with chronic illnesses

The predictive role of intimate partner violence in treatment adherence among women with chronic illness: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study was an attempt to shed light on the predictive role of intimate partner violence in adhering to treatment regimens in women with chronic illnesses.

METHOD

In a descriptive-analytical study, 400women with chronic illnesses in Bushehr were selected through convenience sampling. The data were collected by distributing a demographic information form and two questionnaires, including the intimate partner violence (IPV) questionnaire and the treatment adherence scale.

RESULTS

According to the results, the 40 to 59 years age group (P = 0.046, β = 0.104), the 60 to 79 years age group (P = 0.019, β = 0.122), and the group receiving education about chronic illness (P = 0.031, β = 0.106) showed a direct relationship with treatment adherence, while IPV (P < 0.001, β = 0.284) had a significant inverse relationship with treatment adherence.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed that predictors of treatment adherence are IPV in women aged 40 and older with chronic illnesses, and receiving education about chronic illnesses. It is necessary for healthcare providers to consider barriers such as intimate partner violence when providing education in order to increase treatment adherence. To avoid nonadherence, managers and health planners should implement policies to increase the level of awareness of healthcare staff on how to manage care of women with chronic illnesses who are abused by an intimate partner and refer them to counselors and family helpers.

New insights and access to resources change the perspective on life among persons with long-term illness-An interview study

AIM

The aim was to describe individuals' experiences of living with long-term illness.

METHODS

A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 persons (50-80 years). They were also asked to self-rate their perceptions of their current health status and confidence in their ability to cope with everyday life.

RESULTS

One main theme was identified: new insights and access to resources change the perspective on life. Personal characteristics and support from others were advantageous in finding ways to deal with limitations related to the illness. Most of the persons experienced a changed approach to life, in that they now valued life more than they had before. However, some persons also experienced lost values and found it difficult to accept medications. The persons rated their current health status as slightly above average, but their confidence in their ability to cope with everyday life as high.

The effects of an empowering self-management model on self-efficacy and sense of coherence among retired elderly with chronic diseases: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Being elderly and retired are related phenomena that overlap in a time symmetry. The present study aimed to assess the effect of an empowering self-management model on the self-efficacy and sense of coherence (SOC) in retired elderly with chronic diseases.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial that included 60 elderly people was carried out in Bushehr (Iran) in 2016. The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Based on an empowering self-management model, the intervention group participated in a five-stage plan: 1) self-awareness of changes and understanding their personal level of performance and expectations; 2) optimal goal setting; 3) planning; 4) adjusting physical, psychological, and social structures; and 5) evaluation. Self-efficacy and SOC were measured using the questionnaires developed by Sherer and Antonovsky, respectively, before and after the intervention. The results of the observed differences between the groups were subsequently compared. Data were presented as mean±SD.

Results

The mean change of the self-efficacy score in the intervention and control groups was 9.48±5.32 and 1.68± 6.04, respectively, (t[56]=5.20, P<0.001). The mean change of the SOC score in the intervention and control groups was 24.17±12.05 and 0.10±13.42, respectively, (t[56]=7.18, P<0.001).

Conclusion

The applied empowering self-management model led to an improved self-efficacy and SOC among the retired elderly with chronic diseases. This model can be used to empower the elderly to achieve comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness in their lives.