<p> COMPETENCIES Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to: • -Define chronic illness. • -Discuss the epidemiology of chronic illness. • -Identify the most common conditions that result in chronic illness. • -Discuss the concept of empowerment in the context of chronic illness. • -Understand the implications of chronic illness for ill individuals and their families. • -Describe the strategies employed by clients and families in living with a chronic illness. • -Understand the value of the perspective of the person with a chronic illness on the experience. • -Understand the health promotive role of community health nurses in relation to chronic illness. • -Identify primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive approaches for chronic illness. • -Describe the national Healthy People 2010 objectives that are related to chronic illness.</p>