A qualitative investigation on the lived experiences of self-management amongst those with cardiometabolic multimorbidity

Objectives The increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM), defined as the co-occurrence of at least two of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, has significant implications for individuals and healthcare systems. CM is associated with increased mortality, functional limitations, mental health challenges, and cognitive impairments. Self-management strategies are central to chronic disease management, yet little is known about how individuals with CM manage their conditions. The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of self-management amongst people with CM. Methods We conducted individual interviews with 13 participants as part of a qualitative descriptive study design. Participants were included if they had CM and were ≥ 19 years of age. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The initial categories and themes were sent to participants as part of a reflexive member checking process. Results The analysis identified three themes: making sense of the connections between conditions, I just want a vacation, and complications beyond individual conditions. Collectively, these themes discuss how CM affected the participants and emphasize the impact that multimorbidity has beyond singular conditions. Conclusions These findings develop new knowledge about the experiences of self-managing CM. Participants grappled with the complexities of their conditions, often not having a clear awareness about the connections between their conditions, highlighting a need for more integrated healthcare approaches.