A feasibility study of a broadly applicable intervention to strengthen empowerment, self-management, and health among adults living with chronic illness in the United States

Background: Chronic illness is a major public health concern in Europe, the United States, and other high-income countries, limiting individuals’ capacity for self-management and health promotion. Empowerment interventions improve health outcomes while reducing healthcare utilization.   Aim: This study assessed the feasibility of implementing the Bodyknowledging Program, a broadly applicable health promotion intervention developed in Norway, at the community level in the US to evaluate participants’ experiences, program components, and self-management outcomes among adults living with chronic illness, and to identify the program’s strengths and areas for cultural adaptation to inform its cross-national transferability.  Methods: A multi-method feasibility design was used, including a group of participants living with various chronic illnesses. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to analyze focus group data, examining participants’ experiences, program components, and outcomes. Facilitators’ field notes and post-intervention survey data were additional data sources.   Results: Three themes emerged through the thematic analysis: (1) acceptability of the BKP’s health promotion content and approaches among US participants, (2) implementation of the BKP intervention in a US community context, and (3) demand and ideas for continued implementation. Facilitator field notes identified challenges in implementing the hybrid format. Survey data confirmed that participants strongly agreed that the program enhanced their ability to recognize bodily signs and tolerance limits, manage symptoms, prevent deterioration, and promote their health. Participants reached consensus on the value of the program’s content, materials, organization, and communication strategies.  Conclusion: The Bodyknowledging Program is feasible and well-suited for implementation in the US. This community-based empowerment intervention leverages existing but unutilized human resources to strengthen self-management and health promotion among people with chronic illnesses across diagnostic categories. Further research across diverse settings is recommended to support broader dissemination.