Table 2.
Chronic disease personas with descriptions of key elements.
| Condition persona name | Emotional hook | Summary | Representative quote | Tasks | |
| Asthma |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tune in to You: Minimizing Maria | I’m managing | Not that big of a problem | “Well it doesn’t bother me every day...It’s not chronic or anything like that.” | Feel so accustomed to living with asthma; it doesn’t bother me every day |
|
|
Take Control: Steady Eddy | I’m okay | It’s a problem but it’s reasonably controlled | “I had cats but I ended up finding a home for them because the allergies and asthma were pretty bad.” | Keep the dust down; rather not rely on my inhaler |
|
|
Be Your Best: Severe Shauna | I’m struggling | It’s a problem and I’m worried | “My only hope is just that I can get it better somehow.” | Feel I have to be really careful; go in if it’s really bad |
| Coronary artery disease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Getting Heart Smart: Anxious Andy | I’m scared | Scared and open | “I never thought of death as I do now. That’s disturbing to me. It crops up once in a while.” | Fear having another heart attack; I have to change in order to live |
|
|
Putting your Heart First: Complacent Casey | I’m fine | All quiet on the healthfront | “...considering it has been what 7 years ago now that I had open heart surgery...I think I am doing fine when it comes to my heart disease.” | Not top of mind when no longer experiencing symptoms; doubt meds |
|
|
Staying Heart Healthy: Backburner Bobby | I’m spent | Not now, I’ve got soooo much to deal with | “Heart disease doesn’t play a part in my life [right now] because I have bigger problems.” | Care for myself inconsistently, avoid thinking about CAD |
| Depression |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finding Your Way: Lost Linda | I’m lost | Tell me I can feel better | “I miss my old self.” | Feel I am failing; I was not able to see I was depressed; feel it’s a result of physical pain |
|
|
Breaking the Cycle: Not Again Nate | I’m worried | Not again | “I need help before my next depression episode. It hits harder every time.” | Fear the next episode; keep busy to distract myself; feel unnerved friends don’t understand |
|
|
Climbing Out: Stuck Stella | I’m stuck | This must be as good as it gets | “I’ve been this way for a very, very long time.” | Feel I have tried it all; get totally fed up; believe I will always be this way |
| Type 2 diabetes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keeping it Simple: No Med Ned | I’m determined | Highly motivated to avoid meds and reverse the diagnosis | “I can overcome this on my own. I’m going to do everything I can to avoid medications.” | Control blood sugar through lifestyle changes; avoid meds |
|
|
Making a Change: Open Oscar | I’m willing | Living with but doesn’t prioritize or understand condition | “Whatever you say doc.” | Be compliant with the doctor’s plan; please the doctor |