ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to identify the factors that promote and weaken adherence to self‐management among unemployed jobseekers with chronic diseases. Design A qualitative descriptive study was used. Methods The study participants ( n = 12) were recruited from users of employment services, and data were collected during summer 2022 via semi‐structured thematic interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Three main categories emerged that promote adherence to self‐management of chronic disease: functioning of the service chain, psychosocial support and life management. Furthermore, two main categories were identified as weakening adherence to self‐management of chronic disease, namely, challenges in coping with everyday life and challenges related to access to services and information. Conclusion Adherence to self‐management is influenced by both individual and disease‐specific factors, as well as the available resources. Unemployment does not undermine adherence to self‐management, yet the harmful aspects of unemployment can strongly affect an individual's ability to cope and take care of themselves. Unemployed people with chronic diseases want to participate in the decision‐making related to self‐management but need support from social and health care services. As such, adequate health care services, professional support and coordinated service guidance will improve adherence to self‐management among the unemployed.
Kemilä et al. (Mon,) studied this question.