Self-management of chronic illness: Implications for nursing

Health problems and disease have changed during the last century with an increase in the numbers of people with chronic illness. Literature reveals the role of patients changing from passive to active participation in care management. A study of factors influencing self-management using both quantitative and qualitative methods was carried out. Selected results, with the major focus on the qualitative data, are presented to support discussion of a number of issues related to self-management of diabetes. However, many of the implications of the results also apply to those with chronic illness.