Patients’ views of lifestyle changes : A literature study

Sammanfattning: Title: Patients’ views of lifestyle changes Introduction: An unhealthy lifestyle includes e.g. tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and a harmful use of alcohol. These are preventable risk factors which contribute to most non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 2015, 32 million people died in NCDs. With all the facts, knowledge awareness of an unhealthy lifestyle, some people still live an unhealthy lifestyle and are recommended by health personnel to live a healthier life. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe patients views of striving to make recommended lifestyle changes. Method: A literature study was conducted. Database search was performed in Cinahl, Psycinfo and a manual search in Pubmed. The results of eight qualitative studies were reviewed, analyzed and compiled. Result: The results were compiled into four categories; reasons to make lifestyle change; good, supportive interventions can make lifestyle change easier; shortcomings of the interventions; the part played by the nearest and dearest towards lifestyle change. All main categories each have two or three subcategories. Conclusion: Patients experiences of different interventions can be positive towards making lifestyle changes. Health personnel plays an important role to investigate patients’ needs and expectations of support in order to change their lifestyles, which is complex and requires time.