Coping with a chronic condition that requires lifelong medication: a qualitative study with people living with atrial fibrillation in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To provide insight into how people cope with living with atrial fibrillation (AF) and taking oral anticoagulants (OACs), informing how services and healthcare delivery could be improved to offer the appropriate support patients require, thereby optimising their quality of life and well-being.

Design

A qualitative study employing focus group discussions (FGDs).

Setting

11 primary care units in a socioeconomically deprived area of the Butantan district in São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants

Adults (≥18 years) with AF purposively recruited based on sex, age and socioeconomic status.

Results

Saturation was met with three FGDs comprising seven, five and five participants, respectively. Theme one focused on self-management, where many participants discus

SUBMITTER: Paschoal E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12161368 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature