Sense of Coherence: Learning to live with chronic illness through health education

Objective: This study examines people’s experiences of how to live with a chronic disease, their learning needs and their reasons for participating in a health education programme. The aim of the study was to examine if and how a Sense of Coherence (SOC) might guide an understanding of learning processes in health education. Methods: This study has a qualitative study design with data collected through five group interviews. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify principal categories of response. Directed content analysis was then used to reference the categories emerging in the first step to the study’s theoretical framework. Results: Three main categories were found: (1) the ability to cope with daily life, (2) assets for a better life both in the present and for the future, and (3) the need for knowledge. A synthesis of empirical findings with reference to the first stage of analysis, the three main aspects of learning, and the three dimensions of a SOC revealed that a SOC may be useful in guiding an understanding of learning processes in health education as a life-oriented mastering resource. Conclusion: SOC offers a useful framework for informing health education. Research is needed to deepen an understanding of how salutogenic theory can strengthen the development of health education programmes and understanding of participants’ learning.