A qualitative systematic review on the experiences of self-management in community-dwelling older women living with chronic illnesses.

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this review is to critically appraise, synthesize and present the best available evidence related to the experiences of self-management among community-dwelling older women with chronic illnesses, specifically non-communicable illnesses which include cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM) and arthritis. Specific questions on their experiences include the following: -What does living with chronic illnesses mean to community-dwelling older women? -What self-management strategies do community dwelling older women with chronic illnesses use? -What issues do community-dwelling older women with chronic illnesses face in self-management? -What feelings do community-dwelling older women with chronic illnesses have about self-management? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants The review will consider publications that include all older women who have the following characteristics: -Age sixty-five years and above (with no limitations to any specific age groups within this population) -Live in their own community dwelling -Community setting is rural, suburban or urban -May live alone or with others (i.e. families) -Have comorbidity/comorbidities, defined as having at least two non-cancer chronic illnesses, which include the following four common chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM) and arthritis. The rationale for excluding cancer as a chronic illness is to draw focus on the experience of living with non-cancer chronic illnesses, which likely present challenges different from cancer. -Have chronic illnesses for a minimum duration of one year Phenomenon of interest The review will consider studies that investigate the experiences of self-management among community-dwelling older women with chronic illnesses.