Yasmine Rababeh
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Courtney Polenick
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychiatry / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Yasmine Rababeh
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 23
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that the impact of self-managing and caring for a partner with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) has adverse effects on the carer. Many individuals, while managing their own illnesses, experience negative mental and physical health effects due to the stress and responsibility of caring for a partner with MCC. Existing research contains minimal information about how managing conditions affects daily life and social activities in partnerships where both members have MCC. Analyzing the partner’s role in illness management can identify stressors leading to adverse health effects and help devise strategies to enhance outcomes in dyadic spousal relationships. The cross-sectional study used data from 56 couples where both partners had MCC and at least one partner was aged 50 or older. Both partners completed a recorded phone interview with questions about their sociodemographic and health characteristics, along with a semi-structured interview about their illness management. A qualitative content analysis of the following questions was conducted: “How do your own conditions affect your daily life and the things you want to do?” and “How do your own conditions affect your partner’s daily life and the things he/she wants to do?” There were five major themes in the data that illustrate how managing MCC affected daily life within the couple. These themes include: 1) limited physical mobility and activity; 2) decreases in social activities; 3) decreases in shared activities; 4) a newfound appreciation and awareness for their personal health; and 5) a collaborative effort to complete tasks. The results show adverse physical health implications and a decline in emotional well-being for both partners in managing MCC. The findings from this study inform future intervention and treatment plans to better support and maintain the physical and emotional health of individuals and partners managing MCC.
