Self-efficacy in disadvantaged communities: Perspectives of healthcare providers and clients

Abstract

Objective Most chronic disease self-management interventions emphasise the integral role of self-efficacy in achieving behaviour change. We explored the applicability of this model in a low-income setting, from the perspective of both patients and clinicians. Methods Interviews with multimorbid patients and their health providers at two rural community health centres in Victoria, Australia. We used a phenomenological methodology, exploring themes of confidence to manage health, outcome expectations and goals. Results Many assumptions in which the self-efficacy model is grounded did not apply to this population. Past experiences and resource constraints, especially poverty and healthcare access, influenced confidence, expectations and the ability to achieve desired outcomes. Discussion The focus of traditional self-management support on individual behaviour change disadvantages rural low-income patients, who face barriers related to life experience and resource constraints. For this group, self-management support needs to return to its roots, moving away from a narrow conception of behaviour change and reinstating the role of ‘support’ into ‘self-management support’ interventions. Health providers working in rural low-income settings should recognise the limits inherent in self-efficacy focussed interventions and think broadly about engaging with their clients in whatever way supports them to find a life with meaning and purpose.