ArticleBMJ open2026
Patients' lived experiences and coping mechanisms following mitral valve replacement at the National Cardiac Institute in Tanzania: a qualitative study.
Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveTo qualitatively explore patients' lived experiences and coping mechanisms following mitral valve replacement (MVR) at the National Cardiac Institute in Tanzania.
designA descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.
settingThe study was conducted at the National Cardiac Institute, located in Dar es Salaam, the sole tertiary cardiac centre in Tanzania offering open-heart surgery.
participants17 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 measuresSemi-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.
resultsThree primary themes emerged: (1)
conclusionPatients 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.
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