The self‐management experiences of individuals who perceive health as beyond their control: An interpretive phenomenological study of individuals with ischemic heart disease

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to gain an understanding of what it means to live with ischemic heart disease for individuals who perceive health as beyond their control and how these individuals navigate their choices regarding adhering or not adhering to self‐management behavior. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Content analysis was employed to identify themes and subthemes in the interview data. The theme, “attribution of ischemic heart disease,” revealed that the participants attributed their condition to lifestyle, critical events, and the natural aging process. The theme, “experiences of self‐management,” highlighted the different behaviors among participants who perceived health to be beyond their control. The theme, “barriers and facilitators,” identified factors such as a strong sense of responsibility toward family members, the work environment, and access to medical resources. Our study showed that despite perceiving their health to be beyond their control, some individuals may still adhere to self‐management practices. Understanding factors such as “attribution” and “barriers and facilitators” can provide nurses with insights into the patients' decisions to adhere or not adhere to self‐management behaviors.