Self-Care Practices of Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Apichai Wattanapisit, Tida Sottiyotin (), Jaruporn Thongruch, Sanhapan Wattanapisit, Siranee Yongpraderm and Pichawee Kowaseattapon
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Apichai Wattanapisit: School of Medicine, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Tida Sottiyotin: School of Pharmacy, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Jaruporn Thongruch: Family Medicine Clinic, Walailak University Hospital, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Sanhapan Wattanapisit: Thasala Hospital, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Siranee Yongpraderm: School of Pharmacy, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Pichawee Kowaseattapon: Family Medicine Clinic, Walailak University Hospital, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-10

Abstract: Individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. This study explores the lived experience of patients with NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of COVID-19 on their self-care. An interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was used that involved in-depth interviews with patients who received medical services from a family medicine clinic, along with caregivers who responded on their behalf. An inductive thematic approach was utilized to analyze the data. Interview respondents included 17 patients with NCDs and four caregivers. The patients had a mean age of 65.7 ± 11.3 years and were diagnosed with an NCD, a mean of 4.8 ± 1.1 years previously. Self-care practices used during the pandemic were classified as therapeutic or preventive. Patients responded to changes in healthcare services by seeking in-person services for their acute illnesses and accepting remote services for underlying chronic conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the self-care practices of patients with NCDs. Most patients paid more attention to self-care during this time, while some became more concerned with other aspects of their life.

Keywords: self-care; non-communicable disease; COVID-19; qualitative study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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