More than managing a chronic condition
By Morgan Greenwood, MPH, AFAA-CGFI
Public Health Fellow
When we think about chronic diseases, we often focus on the things we can measure. Blood pressure. Blood sugar. Medication adherence. Physical activity. Those measures matter, but they’re only part of the picture.
Research continues to show that social isolation and loneliness can have a significant impact on health, particularly for older adults and individuals living with chronic conditions. Feeling connected to others has been linked to improved mental well-being, greater confidence in managing health, and a better overall quality of life.
Recognizing the importance of these connections, the North Country Healthy Heart Network recently participated in a national Community of Practice exploring the relationship between Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) programs and social connectedness. The project brought together organizations from across the country to better understand how evidence-based self-management programs can strengthen social connections and help reduce loneliness.
As part of this work, the Heart Network evaluated its own CDSME programming, which reached 138 participants across 19 workshop sites through in-person, virtual, and telephonic delivery. While collecting data was an important part of the project, it also gave us an opportunity to reflect on a question many of us have probably considered before: What else are these programs providing beyond self-management education?
The findings reinforced what many of our partners have likely witnessed firsthand. CDSME workshops offer more than self-management skills. Participants reported that the workshops helped them build a stronger sense of belonging, meet new people, and both give and receive emotional support.
More than three-quarters of participants reported that the workshops contributed moderately to a great deal to their sense of group belonging (76%) and ability to provide emotional support to others (79%). While 71% reported receiving emotional support through the program. Survey responses also showed that more than half of participants felt less lonely after participating in CDSME workshops. These findings highlight the role evidence-based programs can play in strengthening both individual health and social connection.
As we continue partnering to improve the health of North Country communities, this work reminds us that connection is a powerful part of health. Addressing chronic disease means more than managing symptoms. It means creating opportunities for people to support one another, build meaningful relationships, and feel connected to their communities. We’re grateful to our partners who make this work possible and look forward to continuing to build healthier, more connected communities together
