RESUMO
AIM: This study aimed to explore and describe the experience of making a healthy lifestyle change among the patients with chronic illness. BACKGROUND: Despite the existence of different evidence on the critical role of lifestyle in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, many people face challenges in terms of starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study with in-depth semi-structured interviews was carried out in 2015 in Iran. Thirty-four patients with common chronic illnesses were invited to the study using purposive sampling. The collected data were analysed by content analysis. FINDINGS: The main themes were: trying to remove the perceived threat, considering and trying to do physical activities, considering and planning for a healthy diet, striving to manage stress and having gradual acceptance of new habits and coping with them. LIMITATIONS: The participants were selected from among those with chronic illness. However, there is also a need to assess the family and healthcare providers' perspectives. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The perceived threat of the disease plays an important role in the process of changing to a healthy lifestyle in Iranian with chronic illnesses. It is necessary for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to use this threat as a golden opportunity to accelerate changes in patients' behaviours. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Findings may help policy makers become aware of the need for nurses to create community-based nursing in Iran. Community nurses can remind patients of perceived threats to their health to motivate them for continued healthy behaviours. Therefore, nursing curricula should be revised and educational programs utilise a community-based health approach.
