Survival in the gap: experiences of health management among people at high risk of stroke in China: A qualitative study (Preprint)

Abstract

Effective health management of people at high risk of stroke is challenging.

To identify and explore the experiences of health management among people at high risk of stroke in order to inform ideas for health management service development for this population.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31stroke people at high risk of stroke. The interviews were collated and analyzed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method.

The experiences of health management in people at high risk of stroke were described as ‘Survival in the gap’. Themes identified limited knowledge of health management, lack of confidence in health management and poor adherence with health management. The value of health management experience was highlighted and included: becoming active learners, promoting social interaction and enhancing self-health management. Health management was seen to be sensitive to multiple influencing factors including: The severity and complexity of diseases, family income and social support.

Health management of people at high risk of stroke is challenging and they ‘survive in the gap’. They learn to manage their ongoing health based mainly on their own experiences. Government and healthcare providers should pay attention to the situation for this special population and be devoted to health system reform, financial support and social support to manage the condition in the longer term.