XXXX : a turning point in meaning in life over time.

@entity1 @entity583 @entity299
Finding meaning in illness appears to give individuals purpose in life, which may motivate them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Research to date has mainly used cross-sectional designs in the acute phase of recovery. This article describes a longitudinal exploratory study which explored @entity1 ' search for meaning in life across the first 5 years following @entity583 ( @entity583 ). Interviews were conducted between 2000 and 2007 on @entity1 with first @entity583 (n=70; mean=61.9 years; SD=12.1). The qualitative data underwent thematic analysis guided by the analysis framework of Burnard (1991). Finding meaning appeared to increase @entity1 ' awareness of their current holistic state of life, and to provide impetus for making lifestyle changes. In the immediate aftermath of @entity583 , @entity1 restructured and re-evaluated their attitudes towards self, life, religious beliefs and others. However, from the third year onwards, as time passed @entity1 lapsed in their behaviour, tending to become non-compliant with treatment and less aware or concerned about the risk of another @entity299 . Further education on the spiritual dimension in care may guide nurses and health professionals in order to promote @entity1 ' rehabilitation process and persevere with a long-term healthy lifestyle. Further longitudinal comparative research with mixed method approach on various groups of @entity1 is recommended to support these findings.
