Understanding the experiences of cardiovascular disease management in low income areas

Justification: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK. This study’s principal aim was to produce a thorough picture of everyday reality for people with CVD and other chronic health conditions who live in economically deprived neighbourhoods in Liverpool and are themselves experiencing economic difficulties. Methodology: this was a qualitative, exploratory study based on in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with 14 participants whose cardiovascular health was compromised between July and August 2017. The study sample included 14 people (3 women) ranged from 54 to 76 years of age. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis and the biographical disruption concept was used as theoretical reference to explore the results. Wider health inequalities literature supplemented the individual experiences of chronic illness. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data: (1) “how illness has affected me and those close to me” (2) “struggling for money”, (3) “coping with poor lifestyle”, and (4) “reflections on current care”. The varied nature of participants' narratives about their chronic illness indicated that the experience of biographical disruption depends on the wide social-economic and cultural factors (macro-context) of the individual. Discussion: A better understanding of the barriers that interfere with low-income individuals’ decision-making process is needed to be able to support people with chronic conditions living in more disadvantaged areas, to self-manage their health and wellbeing more effectively. This study suggests that biographical disruption theory combined with health inequalities evidence enhances the study of experiences of chronic illness management