Perspectives on barriers and facilitators to self-care in Lebanese cardiac patients: A qualitative descriptive study.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Cardiac self-care practices are essential for managing cardiac illness and improving quality of life. However, these practices may be affected by factors that may hinder or facilitate self-care especially in countries that experience political and economic instabilities.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore self-care practices among Lebanese cardiac patients. Another aim was to reveal factors that might influence these self-care practices.


METHODS
This is a qualitative descriptive study.


METHODS
Participants were recruited from a referral medical center in Beirut, Lebanon and interviews took place in their homes.


METHODS
Purposive sample of 15 adult participants, seven females and eight males, diagnosed with coronary artery disease at least a year ago and not in critical condition recruited from the cardiology clinics of the medical center.


METHODS
Data were collected through semi-structured audio-recorded interviews that took place in their places of residents.


RESULTS
Three themes emerged from the data: I. The behaviors of cardiac patients demonstrated selected self-care practices; II. Patients identified barriers to self-care reflective of the Lebanese political and socio-economic situation; and, III. Patients described facilitators to self-care consistent with the Lebanese socio-cultural values and norms. The most common self-care practices included taking medications and eating properly. Participants emphasized avoiding stress and being upset as a self-protective measure for cardiac health. Health care costs, family responsibilities, psychological factors and the country's political situation impeded self-care practices whereas family support facilitated them.


CONCLUSIONS
Lebanese patients reported select self-care practices in dealing with their cardiac illness. Barriers and facilitators to their self-care behaviors reflected the Lebanese context and culture. Thus health care providers must assess their patients' practices within their sociocultural context so that interventions to promote self-care are tailored accordingly.
American University of Beirut, School of Nursing, Lebanon. Electronic address: ny00@aub.edu.lb.
Nuhad Yazbik
NY
Dumit
American University of Beirut, School of Nursing, Lebanon.
Samar Nayef
SN
Noureddine
University of Colorado Denver, College of Nursing, United States.
Joan Kathy
JK
Magilvy
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care
Barriers; Cardiac self-care practices; Cultural values; Facilitators; Socio-political economic instability