Self-Care Experience and Expectation: Exploring the Values and Cultural Influences Among Patients Living with Chronic Diseases

The incidence of readmission among patients with chronic diseases is often influenced by. values and cultural factors that are sometimes contradictory to medical treatment. This study aimed to explore the experiences and expectations of patients with chronic diseases in self-care based on their values and culture. A qualitative assessment of participants with Betawi culture, in Indonesia was conducted through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and an in-depth interview. A total of 46 participants were interviewed consisting of 14 traditional leaders, nine family members, and 23 participants with chronic disease. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data. Four themes found from this study regarding the participants’ cultural practices, and expectations are (1) Spurt by the traditional healer as health practice is done by participants before medical treatment; (2) Prevention actions are done with herbal consumption, maintaining the environment and improving nutrition; (3) Participant needs family and peer support for their health behavior; (4) Participants expect that the health services become more simple and easier by using technology application. The findings highlight that participants with chronic diseases are eager to do self-care with influenced by families and peers, as well as communities’ values and culture. Comprehensive nursing care encourages active patient engagement in self-care practices with family support that in turn will improve their quality of life.