The Mind-Body Connection: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness in Rural and Low-Resource Communities

This study explores the psychological impact of chronic illness in rural and low-resource communities. It focuses on the mind-body connection. The phenomenological approach has been used, and eight rural women with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, tuberculosis, epilepsy, asthma, and thyroid disorder were interviewed to understand their lived experiences. The thematic analysis revealed five main themes: daily challenges and emotional burden; coping and adaptation strategies; family and community support; mind-body connection; and the need for better support systems. The findings indicate that chronic illness deeply affects the emotional, physical and social well-being of the person. The participants demonstrated resilience through faith, family support, and acceptance. However, they also faced stigma, fear, and limited access to healthcare. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, community-based, and holistic interventions that integrate psychological care into rural health services. There is also a need to incorporate emotional and spiritual dimensions into healthcare to improve quality of life and promote overall well-being in rural and low-resource settings.