Adherence to Self‐Management for Chronic Diseases Among Unemployed Jobseekers in Finland—A Qualitative Study

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the factors that promote and weaken adherence to self-management among unemployed jobseekers with chronic diseases. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study was used. METHODS: The study participants (n = 12) were recruited from users of employment services, and data were collected during summer 2022 via semi-structured thematic interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Three main categories emerged that promote adherence to self-management of chronic disease: functioning of the service chain, psychosocial support and life management. Furthermore, two main categories were identified as weakening adherence to self-management of chronic disease, namely, challenges in coping with everyday life and challenges related to access to services and information. CONCLUSION: Adherence to self-management is influenced by both individual and disease-specific factors, as well as the available resources. Unemployment does not undermine adherence to self-management, yet the harmful aspects of unemployment can strongly affect an individual's ability to cope and take care of themselves. Unemployed people with chronic diseases want to participate in the decision-making related to self-management but need support from social and health care services. As such, adequate health care services, professional support and coordinated service guidance will improve adherence to self-management among the unemployed.