HEALTH PROMOTION - AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF REHABILITATION FOR PERSONS WITH CHRONIC DISABLING CONDITIONS

This qualitative study was undertaken to clarify an emerging explanato ry model of health-promoting behaviors and quality of life in individu als with chronic disabling conditions. Twenty individuals with multipl e sclerosis shared their stories regarding health promotion, domains o f quality of life, and factors that affected these domains. Health-pro moting behaviors were viewed as essential to the process of rehabilita tion and maintaining an acceptable quality of life. Important quality- of-life issues were related to domains other than function. Implicatio ns are that health promotion efforts need to be encouraged and support ed in individuals with chronic disabling conditions.