Psychological strategies used by people in ga-Dikgale community to manage chronic diseases

Abstract

A number of studies have indicated that psychological management of chronic diseases is important in order to assist a patient to cope with and manage their condition. The disease and the phenomenon around it can be explained as reasons why individuals move from one treatment facility to the other. This study explored the psychological strategies used by people in Ga-Dikgale community to manage chronic diseases. A qualitative approach was followed and participants were selected through purposive sampling. Ten participants (five males and five females) who are receiving health care services for their chronic diseases were requested to participate in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The results of the study are presented in terms of the following themes: participants‟ own explanations of chronic diseases; participants‟ subjective notions of the events or factors that could have led to their chronic diseases; what participants believe is the main causes of their disease(external or internal factors); pathways followed by the participants to manage their chronic disease; experiences of living with chronic disease; psychological coping strategies; the role of educational agencies; and implications for theory. The study revealed that chronic diseases are ambiguous in nature, with every individual explaining them in ways that relate to their personal experiences. For this reason there are different ways of managing or coping with them. Some people take on more active means of coping, while others are more passive.