Conectar
Psychological burden is a central aspect of living with chronic cardiovascular disorders and profoundly affects how individuals experience and cope with fear, dependency and loss of control. Understanding these experiences is essential for delivering high-quality, holistic and person-centred care.
This study explored the experiences of psychological burden among individuals living with chronic cardiovascular disorders in a low- and middle-income context.
We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Nineteen individuals were purposively recruited using maximum variation sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide between May and September 2024. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis software (MAXQDA).
The analysis of 19 interviews generated three overarching themes: (a) multifaceted disruption of life from acute onset to enduring dependency; (b) burden of existential fear and struggle for control; and (c) faith-based burden management: prayer, practice and spiritual resilience.
Individuals with chronic cardiovascular disorders experience a significant psychological burden, including sudden illness onset, dependency and existential fear, despite available treatment. Faith, family and community support serve as key sources of coping. The integration of psychological care, spiritual support and culturally sensitive interventions alongside biomedical management is essential for improving outcomes in low and middle-income countries.
Health care professionals should integrate psychological screening and counselling to address existential fears, social withdrawal and suppressed emotional expression among individuals with chronic cardiovascular disorders.
Patients with chronic cardiovascular disorders informed the design of the interview guide, participated in interviews and helped validate the interpretation of findings, ensuring that the study reflected their lived experiences.
This study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ).
This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale in patients with cancer.
A multisite cross-sectional validation study was conducted.
Between November 2022 and July 2023, a convenience sample of 318 patients with cancer were enrolled in five Italian inpatient and outpatient facilities. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the three scales of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha for unidimensional scales and McDonald's Omega for multidimensional scales. Construct validity was assessed with the global health status by Pearson's correlation. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments reporting guidelines were followed for the reporting process.
Three hundred fourteen patients were included (median age: 55.5 years; male: 53.82%). Confirmatory factor analysis showed supportive fit indices for the three Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scales (CFI: 0.977–1.000; SRMR: 0.004–0.78) and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy scale (CFI: 1.000; SRMR: 0.014). All scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency (0.89–0.99) and test–retest reliability (0.85–0.95). Construct validity was confirmed through correlations between Self-Care Self-Efficacy, each Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory scale, and global health status.
The Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory and Self-Care Self-Efficacy scales demonstrated excellent psychometric qualities and construct validity when administered to patients with cancer. Future research should explore self-care behaviours across different diseases and cultural contexts.
These tools can help develop targeted educational programs, improving patient outcomes.
Currently, there is a lack of knowledge regarding self-care behaviours in patients with cancer. These tools enable healthcare professionals to identify patient needs, design personalised interventions, and monitor their effectiveness over time.
No patient or public contribution.
FreshRSS 