Coping with multiple chronic conditions: An integrative review

Abstract

There is a paucity of summarized evidence concerning coping with multiple chronic conditions. An integrative review approach was used to synthesize current evidence on: (i) coping in forms of perceptions and strategies, (ii) relationship between coping and health-related outcomes, and (iii) factors related to coping. Five electronic databases were searched without time limitation. Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria and were included for full-text review: 24 qualitative, seven quantitative, and one mixed-methods study. Studies were assessed for quality using an appraisal system of rigor and relevance. A constant comparison method was used to synthesize findings from eligible studies. This review synthesized perceptions of multiple chronic conditions involving negative moods and physical limitations, and strategies of coping with multiple chronic conditions including problem- and emotion-focused strategies. Findings suggested that coping is a promising path to manage multiple chronic conditions and emphasized that appropriate coping might have positive impacts on health-related outcomes. Five impact factors including age, gender, clusters of multiple chronic conditions, social support, and ethnicity and culture were associated with people's coping. Future healthcare plans should address the physical and psychological needs of people with multiple chronic conditions and highlight the importance of modifying their illness perceptions and enhancing appropriate coping strategies.

Keywords: adaptation; coping; multimorbidity; multiple chronic conditions.