Among the negative effects of chronic diseases, the self-perceptions and the self-confidence of chronically ill persons deserve more research. This study explored how such persons dealt with the physical, mental and emotional changes brought about by the onset of chronic disease. The specific focus here was the role of social support networks in older patients’ emotional coping. This qualitative study was conducted in two state-owned medical institutions in the north-central part of Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted among 19 purposively selected, chronically ill persons aged 50 years and over who were receiving clinical care. This study revealed that except in extremely dire circumstances, older people with chronic conditions preferred to keep knowledge of their conditions strictly within their close family circles. It is almost a taboo to inform community members, friends and religious groups about one’s chronic health difficulties. Reasons for the need to appear healthy to others might have stemmed from the fear of being discriminated against and attempts to maintain some level of normalcy when interacting with others. Moreover, social networks could also have a negative influence on older persons’ emotional wellbeing. For example, many of the respondents received negative comments about their physical appearances. These statements resulted in participants having low self-esteem about their body images and consequently affected their participation in social activities. Thus, the supportiveness of social networks cannot be assumed. Outside of close family, social networks appear to be inadequately equipped to understand some of the sensitivities that chronically ill older persons struggle with.
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