Work

Self-management and information needs of adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Netherlands: A focus group study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This focus group study explored the needs, preferences and beliefs of adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis regarding their self-management practices, and related information use and needs. Four focus groups were held, two online and two on location. The 20 participants (11 women); M age = 39.0 years (range: 21–56 years) were reluctant to identify themselves as patients, trivializing their complaints while avoiding being confronted too much with their condition. Participants often expressed low trust in the effectiveness of medication and the ability of healthcare to alleviate their complaints. This resulted in relatively low openness to information such as personalized pollen predictions. Findings were synthesized under three interrelated themes: ‘Being ill, but not a patient: it’s bad, but you learn to live with it’, ‘Individual search for what does or doesn’t work’ and ‘Information needs and sources’. Implications for communication supportive of self-management practices for seasonal allergic rhinitis are discussed.

Source: Journal of Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1177/13591053241272150

Authors: Bob C Mulder, Marise J Kasteleyn, Lisbeth Hall, Arnold JH van Vliet, Letty A de Weger

Institutions: Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University Medical Center, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450