Management of Chronic Diseases, Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life

Globally, chronic diseases are the leading cause for disability and death. Globally, chronic diseases are increasing rapidly and affecting all socioeconomic classes. Many people living with chronic illnesses have poor self-management skills. This could be due to low self-efficacy or aversion to taking part in self-management activities. This will result in poor control over their chronic diseases, and a poor quality of life. Many people have more than one chronic condition. Multiple chronic conditions can have a significant impact on a person's health. They are strongly associated with decreased functioning, higher mortality risk, and high healthcare costs. Either people manage their chronic conditions and the associated hardships well or poorly.

Self-efficacy is a person's ability to effectively act in different situations. It plays a significant role in patients' ability manage their chronic conditions. Self-efficacy is a key factor in how self-care actions are taken, how hard they are worked on, and how long they last despite failures and obstacles. High self-efficacy is a sign that patients are able to cope with chronic diseases.

The nursing profession plays a vital role in the care of people with chronic illnesses. Patient education is an important part of nursing in managing chronic diseases. Chronic diseases require continuous treatment and self-care for extended periods. Patients must be educated about their conditions and learn how to manage them. To help patients improve their self-efficacy, coping and self-management skills, nurses may offer education. Patients will hopefully improve their quality of life and maintain their psychological and physical well-being, despite chronic conditions.

A comprehensive approach that targets all the major risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory problems is the best and most cost-effective way of preventing and controlling these diseases. Nursing is well-suited to act as case managers and care coordinators in integrated care programs that integrate primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and health promotion programs. Multidisciplinary healthcare teams are supported by nurses, who act as patient advocates.

This issue of the Journal of Nursing Research contains studies on long-term care, self-efficacy and quality of life. I hope that the JNR is your preferred publication platform for your scholarly work. We welcome all feedback and suggestions.