Abstract
Background and aims: Intermittent claudication (IC) is a symptom of ischaemic leg pain caused by peripheral arterial disease. Clinical guidelines recommend walking as an effective treatment strategy for improving IC, however, uptake and maintenance is low. People’s experiences of and beliefs about their illness and walking could inform the development of effective and acceptable behaviour-change programmes targeting walking.
Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using topic guides couched within the Common Sense Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Using a Framework approach to data analyses (NVivo), a narrative account of patient experiences was generated, and used to support explanations for walking beliefs and behaviour. Data was member-checked with a subsample of participants and researcher validation carried out.
Results: A semi-purposive sample of 19 people (13 men, mean age 66 years [range 44–79]) was included. Two themes (five subthemes) were identified: A) Walking is an overlooked self-management opportunity (1. IC is benign and leg pain can be overcome; 2. IC is severe and there is nothing I can do) and B) Tailored walking guidance is desired (1. Limited purposeful walking for exercise; 2. Barriers to achieving walking intensity; 3. Varied outcome expectations of walking).
Conclusions: Walking is often not considered as a treatment strategy by people with intermittent claudication, who feel they might benefit from clearer instructions on walking, including purposeful and vigorous exercise, and information about the potential outcome of walking. Uncertainties about their illness and treatment help explain patient approaches to self-management.
Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using topic guides couched within the Common Sense Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Using a Framework approach to data analyses (NVivo), a narrative account of patient experiences was generated, and used to support explanations for walking beliefs and behaviour. Data was member-checked with a subsample of participants and researcher validation carried out.
Results: A semi-purposive sample of 19 people (13 men, mean age 66 years [range 44–79]) was included. Two themes (five subthemes) were identified: A) Walking is an overlooked self-management opportunity (1. IC is benign and leg pain can be overcome; 2. IC is severe and there is nothing I can do) and B) Tailored walking guidance is desired (1. Limited purposeful walking for exercise; 2. Barriers to achieving walking intensity; 3. Varied outcome expectations of walking).
Conclusions: Walking is often not considered as a treatment strategy by people with intermittent claudication, who feel they might benefit from clearer instructions on walking, including purposeful and vigorous exercise, and information about the potential outcome of walking. Uncertainties about their illness and treatment help explain patient approaches to self-management.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 10th UK Society for Behavioural Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Event | 10th UK Society for Behavioural Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting - Nottingham, United Kingdom Duration: 3 Dec 2014 → 4 Dec 2014 |
Conference
| Conference | 10th UK Society for Behavioural Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Nottingham |
| Period | 3/12/2014 → 4/12/2014 |