Maintenance and Development of Social Connection by People with Long-term Conditions: A Qualitative Study.

Publisher: MDPI Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101238455 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1660-4601 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16604601 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Environ Res Public Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Basel : MDPI, c2004-

Chronic Disease* ; Social Isolation* ; Social Support*; Adult ; Humans ; Male

Social connection is important for people's health and well-being. Social isolation arising from a lack of meaningful connection with others can result in deterioration of well-being with negative consequences for health. For people living with multiple long-term conditions, the building and maintaining of social connection may be challenging. The aim of this study was to explore with people with long-term conditions how they perceive they maintain and develop social connections. We undertook semi-structured interviews with seventeen adults, and analyzed the data for themes. Themes were "Meaningful connection", "Wherewithal for social connection" and "Impact of a major change in life course". The findings suggest that social connection is valued, and facilitates meaningful ways to reciprocate support with others, thus enabling access to knowledge and resources for better health and well-being. However, people with long-term conditions can experience challenges to developing and maintaining social connectedness after a major change in life course. We suggest that healthcare providers are well placed to facilitate ways for people with long-term conditions to socially connect with others in their neighbourhood and community, and that this in particular be attended to after a major life change.

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Keywords: health; long-term conditions; qualitative research; social connection

Date Created: 20190531 Date Completed: 20200102 Latest Revision: 20200309

20240628

PMC6603716

10.3390/ijerph16111875

31141893