Being the Spouse of a Heart Patient: A Qualitative Study on the Spouse's Views and Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to reveal the views of the spouses of individuals with coronary artery disease regarding the adaptation process to daily life and the difficulties experienced during the process. 
 Material and Methods: This qualitative and descriptive study was conducted between October 2021 and February 2022. The research sample consisted of the spouses of 16 patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease for at least one year in a university hospital located in the city center of Ankara and who were hospitalized for at least one day. An information form and a semi-structured interview form were used to collect data. The COREQ was used in the structuring and reporting phase of the qualitative research. The data were coded using the MAXQDA 20 Plus program. 
 Results: Findings related to the experiences of the participants were grouped under 5 themes and 8 sub-themes. Our findings indicate that the daily lives of spouses are affected physically, psychologically and socially; the stress and anxiety levels of the spouses changed with the diagnosis; and there have been changes in family-wife roles. 
 Conclusion: As revealed in our study, it is of great importance that spouses and caregivers receive training and inform about emergencies in the management of coronary artery diseases, as in every chronic disease.