Self-management of multi-morbidity in low SES groups
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising self-management of long-term multi-morbidity in people who are experiencing socioeconomic deprivation
IRAS ID
310092
Contact name
Megan Armstrong
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
The main purpose of the study is to explore how to optimise self-management of multiple long-term conditions (multi-morbidity) in people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation. This includes how people from low SES (socio-economic status) groups currently self-manage their conditions and how it has been impacted by COVID-19. Also, exploring the barriers and facilitators to self-management, from the individual (e.g., age, gender) to structural level (e.g., Government policy).
The prevalence of multi-morbidity is rising across all groups. However, people from low SES groups are almost twice as likely to have multi-morbidity, which occurs on average 10–15 years earlier than those from the highest SES groups. Therefore, it is essential to understand how we can best support people from low SES groups to manage their multi-morbidity and reduce health inequalities.This project will be a primary qualitative study. It will comprise of in-depth qualitative interviews with 35-50 with people with multi-morbidity and their carers from low SES groups. The semi-structured, one-to-one interviews, will take place either virtually or face-face, depending on COVID-19 restrictions. Face-to-face interviews will be carried out in an appropriate setting to accommodate participants’ needs, including the participants' own home or a public/community/health care setting.
Participants will be recruited using purposive sampling, based on having a low SES, along with two or more long-term health conditions. This includes but is not limited to: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, stroke, heart failure, severe mental illness, rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s Disease. The recruitment, interviews and transcription will last between April- December 2022.
It is expected that the findings will inform current patient care as well as supporting the development of interventions suitable for people from lower SES groups with multi-morbidity. It is also expected that the findings will provide suggestions for Health Care Professions on tailoring patient care and support.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0227
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion