We conducted a literature review to document what is known regarding the self-care experiences and various influencing factors among adults living with chronic disease in Indonesia, from the perspective of those living with the illness. We searched CINAHL and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed research focused on men and/or women living with a chronic disease (the most prevalent) in urban or rural settings in Indonesia. Using a “Self-Care of Chronic Illness” framework as a guide, information on self-care experiences and how various factors influence these experiences, was extracted and synthesized. Nine studies were included (3 quantitative; 6 qualitative). Self-care involves maintaining well-being through different strategies (e.g., foot hygiene, seeking information/care, praying, diet, resting, and simplifying life), following prescribed treatments, and using traditional remedies. Religion sometimes serves as a means for taking care of one’s health (e.g., prayer), or as a source of motivation to self-care, while in other instances, it results in a fatalistic attitude. Which treatments (conventional versus traditional) are sought, it is affected by an understanding of the disease and treatments, which is shaped by beliefs, values, emotions, health literacy, and SES. The literature shows that family, especially women, has a key role in providing support. Community organizations also play an important supportive role, particularly for patients in rural areas. Significant barriers to healthcare include costs and care not being well-adapted to the psychosocial needs and contexts of patients. The literature highlights a disconnection between the self-care experiences and how healthcare and support are delivered. To better support self-care, healthcare professionals should use a personalized approach; however, more research is needed to gain a better understanding of what patients want and expect regarding how religion, beliefs, life circumstances, and the use of alternative therapies should be addressed within the patient-professional dynamic.

Aim: To explore and describe the chronic illness self-care experiences of Indonesian immigrants living in Montreal, Canada and to gain a better understanding of how religion and support shaped these experiences.Design: Qualitative description.Methods: Data were collected from January to March 2020 via semi-structured interviews. Eight men and women participated. The data were thematically analysed.Results: Major themes identified were (1) religion, (2) being helpful to others, (3) family support, (4) transnational family support, (5) community support and (6) being in Indonesia versus Canada. Religion and faith were sources of motivation for self-care and provided guidance and strength to heal and accept the illness, mainly through the practice of prayer. 'Being helpful to others' (collectivism), including aiding others to avoid getting sick or giving 'health tips', and also just generally taking care of family also contributed to overall well-being. Spouses were the main source of assistance with disease monitoring and management and health maintenance, whereas support from the Indonesian community was minimal and mostly consisted of informational and social support. Transnational relationships with family members in Indonesia, however, provided an additional means for obtaining emotional support, advice and access to traditional medicines. Overall, there was little expectation that family or the community offer or provide support with self-care. These low expectations may partially be explained by the different cultural and social contexts in Canada compared with Indonesia. Conclusion:Religious, cultural, social and family factors may be carried over from the home country and/or may be altered post-migration, and this may impact how Indonesian immigrants with chronic illness engage in self-care. Impact: Cultural factors (collectivism, traditional medicines), religious beliefs and support networks, both locally and transnationally should be assessed and considered during care to better support and promote self-care among immigrants living with chronic diseases. Patient or public contribution: Two Indonesian community organizations facilitated recruitment and data collection.

Background Self-care (i.e., the actions towards monitoring and managing chronic illness and maintaining health) is an essential aspect of chronic disease management. These experiences are shaped by culture and values, health literacy, support from others and access to care. We conducted a study to explore the chronic illness self-care experiences and various influencing factors among a minority immigrant group, Indonesians, living in Montreal, Canada. Methods We used a qualitative descriptive approach. Eight adult men and women living with various chronic illnesses were recruited. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed. Results Three broad themes were identified: What's helpful, Challenges and responses, and Expectations. What's helpful captured different sources of supports of that helped the participants manage and monitor their illness and feel well and healthy. Challenges and responses highlighted the key challenges that participants have faced while living with a chronic illness, and how they have adapted (or not) and responded to these. Expectations include participants' disappointments towards their own self-care and/or support from family, the community and healthcare professionals, and describes what participants wished was different about their situation. The multiple views and nuances of their experiences as well as the various influencing factors of pre- and post-migration were interwoven within the description of each theme. Conclusions The self-care experiences of Indonesians living in Montreal shaped by different sources that helpful, challenges they faced and their responses as well as their disappointments and wishes for their own self-care. Key messages The self-care experiences of Indonesians living in Montreal are vary and shaped by different factors and sources. Healthcare professionals should engage more and consider the helpful sources for them, their challenges and the responses, their disappointments and hopes shaping their self-care experiences.