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Dissertation
The experiences of self-management in Omani community-dwelling older adults with chronic illness: a qualitative study
University of Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
Autumn 2025
DOI: 10.25820/etd.008221
Abstract
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are highly prevalent among older adults in Oman, threatening independence and quality of life. Managing these conditions effectively requires continuous self-care; however, the ability to self-manage is shaped by cultural, social, and environmental contexts that remain underexplored in the Gulf region.
This study examined how community-dwelling Omani older adults understand and practice self-management of chronic illnesses and identified factors that support or hinder these efforts. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 older adults aged 60–82 years. Data were analyzed through directed content analysis guided by the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory (IFSMT), with iterative coding and team discussions ensuring analytic rigor.
Most participants lived with multiple conditions, most commonly hypertension (78.9%), hyperlipidemia (78.9%), and diabetes (73.7%)—and nearly one-fifth were illiterate. Self-management was shaped by process factors, including beliefs, self-regulation skills, and social facilitation. Family support, religious faith, and trust in healthcare providers enabled adherence, while transportation barriers, medication shortages, and cultural expectations around food created challenges. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive interventions that integrate family engagement, religious coping, and accessible education within Oman’s healthcare system. Applying the IFSMT in this setting reveals how personal, relational, and environmental factors interact to shape daily management of chronic illness. Multi-level strategies are needed to strengthen sustainable self-management among older adults in Oman and the Gulf region.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The experiences of self-management in Omani community-dwelling older adults with chronic illness: a qualitative study
- Creators
- Saida M Jaboob
- Contributors
- Daniel Liebzeit (Advisor)Lisa Segre (Committee Member)Harleah Buck (Committee Member)Manal Al-Zadjali (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Nursing
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2025
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.008221
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- xiii, 277 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Saida M Jaboob
- Translated title
- تجارب الإدارة الذاتية لدى كبار السن العُمانيين المقيمين في المجتمع المصابين بأمراض مزمنة: دراسة نوعية
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 12/06/2025
- Description illustrations
- illustrations, maps, tables
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 243-259).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are becoming increasingly common among older adults in Oman, affecting their health, mobility, and independence. Managing these conditions requires taking medications regularly, eating healthy foods, and staying physically active. However, many older adults face challenges such as limited access to healthcare, medication shortages, and a lack of practical health education. This study explored how older Omani adults manage chronic illnesses in their daily lives and what helps or hinders their efforts. Through interviews with 19 participants, the study found that family support, religious faith, and guidance from healthcare professionals play a vital role in helping older adults maintain healthy routines. Yet many also struggle with long clinic wait times, transportation difficulties, and cultural expectations that sometimes conflict with medical advice. For example, some felt social pressure to eat traditional foods that were not suitable for their condition, while others depended on family members for transportation because public transport was limited. Improving self-management requires collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and families to make healthcare more accessible and health education more practical. Encouraging the use of simple, user-friendly digital tools could also help older adults track medications and monitor their health. By addressing these barriers and empowering older adults with appropriate support, Oman and the wider GCC region can foster healthier, more independent aging and reduce the burden of chronic illness.
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9985135249602771
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