Subject(s)
Epilepsy/therapy , Yoga , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Epilepsy/physiopathology , HumansABSTRACT
A range of literature has explored the experience of living with a long-term condition (LTC), and frequently treats such experiences and conditions as problematic. In contrast, other research has demonstrated that it may be possible to adapt and achieve well-being, even when living with such a condition. This tends to focus on meaning and the qualitative experience of living with an LTC, and offers alternative perspectives, often of the same or similar conditions. As a result of these conflicting views, this study chose to consider two conditions which, though they may lead to life-threatening illness on occasion, do not appear to impact significantly the lives of all those affected on a daily basis. The aim of this research was to explore and explain how people make sense of two long-term, potentially life-threatening health conditions, namely, thrombophilia and asthma. In doing so, it specifically considered the contribution made by information about the condition. A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted; this enabled the generation of a theory regarding how people make sense of their LTC, whilst acknowledging the social circumstances in which this was situated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants who had given consent to take part in the research. The findings demonstrate that participants undergo a two-stage process-gaining knowledge and living with a long-term condition. The theory based on these findings indicates that those who are knowledgeable about their condition, making informed decisions in relation to it, and accept their condition are able to live with it, whilst those who do not accept their condition do not fully adapt to it or integrate it into their lives.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Adaptation, Psychological , Asthma/psychology , Chronic Disease/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Quality of Life , Thrombophilia/psychology , Adult , Aged , Female , Grounded Theory , Humans , Learning , Male , Mental Health , Middle Aged , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Hereditary thrombophilia increases the risk of thrombosis, yet many of those affected do not fully understand the condition. This article discusses its diagnosis, treatment and management, and how nurses can educate patients to help them understand the condition and its associated risk factors.
