A Qualitative Descriptive Study: Young Adults’ Experiences With Biofeedback

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of young adults who participated in biofeedback training and reported a family history of cardiovascular disease. Design: A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Method: Private semistructured interviews were conducted on a purposive sample. Young adults ( N = 9) were interviewed about their experiences using paced breathing biofeedback training with continuous blood pressure monitoring. Codes were identified across the sample with common themes recorded. Findings: Data analysis yielded four themes: skeptical inquisition, tangible impression, positive health impact, and motivation. Prior to using biofeedback, participants were extremely skeptical of the training. However, all participants found it useful for health maintenance and stress reduction. Conclusions: Biofeedback therapy may be a promising alternative and holistic approach to managing blood pressure and psychological stress in young adults. This is a complementary approach that nurses can incorporate when caring for the holistic needs of young adults.

A pilot study investigating the relationship between heart rate variability and blood pressure in young adults at risk for cardiovascular disease

“…The visual data provided education to participants on the role of the ANS and its integration of body systems that control the body's stress and recovering processes. [37].…”

The development of an evidence-informed Convergent Care Theory: Working together to achieve optimal health outcomes

“…Walker and Avant [ 30 ] introduced three basic approaches to theory building: derivation, synthesis, and analysis. This theory was synthesized through integrating the evidence, including empirical research and literature reviews, published by the theory-proposing author from 2015 to 2021 [ 3 , 9 , 10 , 13 , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] ]. A summary of the theory-proposing author’s studies is listed in Table 1 .…”

“…Improved nursing care translates to improved patient outcomes. A qualitative descriptive study: Young adults' experiences with biofeedback [ 49 ] Explore young adults’ biofeedback training experiences who had a family history of cardiovascular disease. The study finds that it is necessary to increase young adults’ awareness of using biofeedback training to improve self-care and management in chronic illnesses, such as hypertension.…”

“…A significant phenomenon surfaced, which is self-care, including self-care for patients and healthcare professionals. These studies suggest that although organizations and work environments are essential for quality care and patients’ experiences in healthcare, self-care is the foundation for individuals’ health [ 36 , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] ].…”

“…Optimal self-care of patients and healthcare providers is essential for improving health system performance. The findings of these studies show that healthcare professionals’ well-being is fundamental to ensure patient care quality and reduce healthcare costs [ 38 , 40 , 41 , [49] , [50] , [51] ]. The self-care studies led to some practical strategies to promote healthcare professionals’ resiliency building [ 19 , 22 , 43 , 44 , 47 , 48 ].…”