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'The care that you give to yourself' : a qualitative study exploring patients' perceptions of self-care

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Hughes, John G, Brough, Nicola, Sharma, Raj, Majumdar, Anne and Fisher, Peter (2020) 'The care that you give to yourself' : a qualitative study exploring patients' perceptions of self-care. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 40 . 101246. doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101246 ISSN 1876-3820.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101246

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Abstract

Introduction:
Self-care incorporates a range of activities undertaken by patients including health protection and maintenance, treatment of minor ailments and the self-management of chronic conditions. The present study aimed to explore patients’ perceptions of self-care, including factors which might promote, or hinder, patients' engagement with self-care strategies.

Methods:
A qualitative approach was adopted. A sample of 20 patients with chronic conditions participated in the study. Seventeen interviews and one focus group were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed thematically using Framework methodology.

Results:
Participants identified five dimensions to the concept of self-care (1) taking responsibility for one's health and lifestyle choices, (2) reflecting on own needs, (3) being an expert of oneself, (4) doing things for oneself (self-agency), and (5) adopting lifestyle activities to support health and wellbeing. Participants identified a number of factors which had facilitated the initiation of their self-care activities. These included having accurate advice/information to inform decision making; having encouragement from treating healthcare professionals; having the right attitude and outlook; and having the motivation to initiate self-care. Factors which could hinder the initiation of self-care included symptoms of their chronic condition, and socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors.

Conclusions:
Patients appear to have a complex and multifaceted understanding of self-care. The identified factors which facilitated or hindered participants in adopting self-care activities have important implications for the provision of self-care advice by treating health care workers, and the delivery of self-care services more widely.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Self-care, Health , Health behavior , Well-being
Journal or Publication Title: European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Publisher: Elsevier GmbH
ISSN: 1876-3820
Official Date: December 2020
Dates:
DateEvent
December 2020Published
10 November 2020Available
1 November 2020Accepted
Volume: 40
Article Number: 101246
DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101246
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Restricted or Subscription Access
Date of first compliant deposit: 6 February 2023
Date of first compliant Open Access: 6 February 2023
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:
Project/Grant IDRIOXX Funder NameFunder ID
Friends of RLHIM Charity FundUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusthttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100008721
National Brain Appeal Small Acorns Fund,The National Brain Appealhttps://www.nationalbrainappeal.org/
UNSPECIFIEDPatron's Fundhttp://www.thepatronsfund.org.uk/

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