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Review
. 2016 Jul;72(7):1469-89.
doi: 10.1111/jan.12902. Epub 2016 Jan 19.

A metasynthesis of factors affecting self-management of chronic illness

Dena Schulman-Green  1 , Sarah S Jaser  2 , Chorong Park  1 , Robin Whittemore  1
Affiliations
Review

A metasynthesis of factors affecting self-management of chronic illness

Dena Schulman-Green et al. J Adv Nurs. 2016 Jul.

Abstract

Aim: To identify factors that may serve as facilitators and barriers to self-management described by adults living with chronic illness by conducting a qualitative metasynthesis.

Background: Self-management is an individuals' active management of a chronic illness in collaboration with their family members and clinicians.

Design: Qualitative metasynthesis.

Data sources: We analysed studies (N = 53) published between January 2000-May 2013 that described factors affecting self-management in chronic illness as reported by adults aged over 18 years with chronic illness.

Review methods: Sandelowsi and Barroso approach to qualitative metasynthesis: literature search; quality appraisal; analysis and synthesis of findings.

Results: Collectively, article authors reported on sixteen chronic illnesses, most commonly diabetes (N = 28) and cardiovascular disease (N = 20). Participants included men and women (mean age = 57, range 18-94) from 20 countries representing diverse races and ethnicities. We identified five categories of factors affecting self-management: Personal/Lifestyle Characteristics; Health Status; Resources; Environmental Characteristics; and Health Care System. Factors may interact to affect self-management and may exist on a continuum of positive (facilitator) to negative (barrier).

Conclusion: Understanding factors that influence self-management may improve assessment of self-management among adults with chronic illness and may inform interventions tailored to meet individuals' needs and improve health outcomes.

Keywords: chronic illness; metasynthesis; nursing; qualitative; review; self-management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest. No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Self and Family Management Framework
Figure 2
Figure 2
Article Search Flow Diagram
Figure 3
Figure 3
Factors Influencing Self-Management
Figure 4
Figure 4
Continuum of Selected Factors Affecting Self-Management
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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