The Experience of Self-Management in Adolescent Women with Spina Bifida

It is essential for youth with chronic health conditions like spina bifida (SB) to develop self-management skills to combat vulnerability, achieve self-sufficiency, and transition to adulthood. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of self-management in 31 adolescent women with SB. Three themes emerged from this study: (1) opportunities to engage in self-management activities--knowledge, skills, and aspirations; (2) dance of individuation--parental impact on self-management; and (3) advocacy within self-management--confronting discrimination and stigma. The findings indicate that assessment and interventions to enhance self-management in adolescent women with SB are critical for supporting the range of condition-related and life skills needed for a transition to adulthood and independent living.