Abstract:
Despite the need for chronic disease self-management strategies in developing
countries, few studies have aimed to contextually adapt programs; yet culture
has a direct impact on the way people view themselves and their environment.
This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and self-management
needs and practices of patients with chronic diseases. Four patient focus
groups (n = 32), 2 patient interviews, group observations, and key informant
interviews (n = 12) were conducted. Five themes emerged: health-system and
service-provision challenges, healthcare provider attitudes and behavior,
adherence challenges related to medication and lifestyle changes, patients’
personal and clinic experiences and self-management tool preferences. The
findings provide a window of opportunity for the development of contextually
adapted self-management programs for community health nursing in developing
countries.
