Incentives for self-management after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND: Chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease are among the most prevalent and costly of all global health problems. Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, including Iran. One aspect of living with chronic illness is self-management which can reduce the impact of illness on daily life and maintain the quality of life. A qualitative understanding of how patients perceive the necessity of self-management is important for self-management support. The current study aims to determine patients’ perception of the need for self-management following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a content analysis approach to conduct this qualitative study. Data were collected by interviews with 25 patients who underwent CABG surgery at least 1 year prior to the study. Purposeful, followed by theoretical sampling was used until data saturation. Data were analyzed by descriptive qualitative content analysis according to the Graneheim and Lundman approach. RESULTS: Participants had different perceptions regarding the need for self-management. Three themes, “reflective thinking,” “information revision,” and “beliefs influences,” comprised the basis of forming patients’ perceptions to the need for self-management. CONCLUSIONS: Patients’ perceptions vary regarding the need for self-management. The difference in perception should be the basis for training programs to guide CABG patients for successful self-management.