[Mastery among primary health care patients].

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe and understand the experiences and activities that people use in order to master their everyday health. Data was collected among 142 primary health care patients, who were given a semi-structured diary to fill for two weeks. The diaries were analysed by using qualitative methods of content analysis and grounded method. The main theme of diaries were analysed in order to depict the different orientations of mastery. Four different types were found: Daily life dominated by one theme, such as sport, faith or diet; Daily life as struggle with pain and illness, Regular daily life, Daily life as an ordeal and Daily life characterized by abundant joyful life.