Key result
Patients experienced physical, socio-economic, and psychological challenges post-mitral valve replacement, but quality of life improved through access to care, peer support, and adaptive coping.
Why the study?
This study was conducted to qualitatively explore patients' lived experiences and coping mechanisms following mitral valve replacement at the National Cardiac Institute in Tanzania.
What are the lived experiences and coping mechanisms of patients following mitral valve replacement?
What are the lived experiences and coping mechanisms of patients following mitral valve replacement?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Patients undergoing mitral valve replacement in resource-limited settings face significant challenges but can achieve improved quality of life through peer support and adaptive coping.
OBJECTIVE: To qualitatively explore patients' lived experiences and coping mechanisms following mitral valve replacement (MVR) at the National Cardiac Institute in Tanzania. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. SETTING: The study was conducted at the National Cardiac Institute, located in Dar es Salaam, the sole tertiary cardiac centre in Tanzania offering open-heart surgery. PARTICIPANTS: 17 participants were purposively sampled. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged ≥18 years, had at least 28 days post-MVR, without chronic conditions (eg, diabetes and HIV) and attending postoperative cardiac clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Semi-structured interviews conducted in May 2024 using an interviewer guide explored post-MVR challenges, daily life adjustments, patient-provider interactions and coping strategies. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes. Participants reported improved quality of life through shared experiences and support. CONCLUSION: Patients experienced physical, socio-economic and psychological challenges post-MVR. However, quality of life improved through access to care, peer support and adaptive coping. Adaptation to life with an artificial valve is feasible with robust support systems, even in resource-limited settings.
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Kisangija et al. (2026) studied Post-mitral valve replacement (n=17). Mitral valve replacement (MVR) was evaluated on Post-MVR challenges, daily life adjustments, patient-provider interactions and coping strategies. Patients experienced physical, socio-economic, and psychological challenges post-mitral valve replacement, but quality of life improved through access to care, peer support, and adaptive coping.
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