Compliance with drugs for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is low at between 30-70 %, and lower for men than for women. The aim of the study was to shed light on the perceptions of the illness and its medication among men with CVD.
Method:
Ten men were interviewed in depth focusing on thoughts of the illness and its treatment. The interviews were analyzed qualitatively.
Results:
Seven themes appeared: illness as a mechanical defect; role model - the strong man; medication - a rite; a helper as a supportive ego; the vital drama of falling ill; all or nothing; the reticence of the body and the mind. The themes were included in a model illustrating integration or separation of the illness from the person.
Conclusions:
Men seem to separate themselves from their illness and show difficulties in integrating disease into their lives. In the meeting with men with CVD our model and themes might contribute to understanding the complex problem of compliance.
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