Primary care patients with cardiovascular disease eligible for nurse-led internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: Characteristics and motives for participation

Abstract

Aim: To describe demographic, physical and psychological characteristics associated with insomnia in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) participating in nurse-led Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (I-CBTI), and their motives and expectations regarding participation in I-CBTI. Design: A mixed method design was applied, including primary care patients with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter or arrhythmia in southern Sweden. Methods: Data on demographics, insomnia severity and physical and psychological characteristics were collected through self-rated validated questionnaires (n = 126). Motives and expectations were collected through interviews (n = 19) and analysed using the ‘personas’ model. Results: Physical symptoms and psychological characteristics were associated with insomnia. Three personas were identified: the pragmatist (a curious and optimistic persona), the philosopher (a problem-solving persona) and the philanthropist (an altruistic persona). Expectations were positive among the three personas, but comorbid conditions reduced the perceived ability to make necessary behavioural changes.