{
  "abstract": "Objective To qualitatively explore patients’ lived experiences and coping mechanisms following mitral valve replacement (MVR) at the National Cardiac Institute in Tanzania.Design A descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.Setting The study was conducted at the National Cardiac Institute, located in Dar es Salaam, the sole tertiary cardiac centre in Tanzania offering open-heart surgery.Participants 17 participants were purposively sampled. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged ≥18 years, had at least 28 days post-MVR, without chronic conditions (eg, diabetes and HIV) and attending postoperative cardiac clinics.Main outcome measures Semi-structured interviews conducted in May 2024 using an interviewer guide explored post-MVR challenges, daily life adjustments, patient-provider interactions and coping strategies. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes.Results Three primary themes emerged: (1) Quality of life after MVR, encompassing physical, social, economic and psychological challenges; (2) Quality of care after MVR, highlighting patient-provider interactions and access to services; and (3) Adapting to post-MVR life, including psychological adaptation and lifestyle modification. Participants reported improved quality of life through shared experiences and support.Conclusion Patients experienced physical, socio-economic and psychological challenges post-MVR. However, quality of life improved through access to care, peer support and adaptive coping. Adaptation to life with an artificial valve is feasible with robust support systems, even in resource-limited settings.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nursing Services, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, Tanzania, United Republic of"
      ],
      "name": "Jinasa Peter Kisangija"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of"
      ],
      "name": "Salome E Buluba"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of"
      ],
      "name": "Menti Lastone Ndile"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Patients’ lived experiences and coping mechanisms following mitral valve replacement at the National Cardiac Institute in Tanzania: a qualitative study",
  "uid": "0fb4959b-f58b-5135-b1b8-ad9891822701"
}