Julie Lam
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Courtney Polenick
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychiatry / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Julie Lam, Courtney Polenick
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 21
Abstract
Couples living with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) often experience conflict and distress as they manage their conditions, which may have negative implications for their relationship satisfaction and communication. Most studies focus on the negative parts of living with MCC, limiting our understanding of how couples stay successful in their relationship. The purpose of this cross-sectional mixed-method study was to examine couples’ successes in managing their own and their partners’ MCC. Participants were 56 heterosexual couples where both partners lived with two or more chronic conditions and at least one partner was aged 50 or older. Both partners completed a recorded phone interview that included questions about their sociodemographic and health characteristics and a semi-structured interview about their illness management. We conducted a qualitative content analysis to examine the following open-ended questions: “Can you tell me about some successes you have had as a couple in managing your own and your partner’s health conditions?” and “What has helped you achieve these successes?”. There were five major themes regarding successes in managing MCC: 1) having a healthier diet and more frequent physical activity; 2) adhering to necessary medication and various treatments for MCC; 3) providing emotional support for each other during medical treatments for MCC; 4) having typical romantic relationship activities such as dates and going out; and 5) reducing each other’s anxiety about MCC. There were three major themes regarding strategies to achieve successes in managing MCC: 1) wanting a better future, 2) frequent communication about illness symptoms and treatments; 3) already having a stable, close relationship. These findings indicate that couples living with MCC have various management skills that allow them to achieve successes in maintaining a healthy relationship.
