Perceived barriers to diabetes management at home: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a complex and progressive disease and its treatment requires self-management strategies specific for each patient. The aim of the study was to determine perceived barriers to diabetes management at home in type II diabetes patients. Materials and methods: Inclusion criteria of this phenom-enological study included living in Izmir and a diagnosis for the last 1 year; 15 patients with diabetes participated the study. A semi-structured interview form based on Health Belief Model created by researchers with experts opinion, was used at in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed with content analysis. Ethical and hospital approval was obtained. Participation of individuals is based on volunteerism; written informed consent from patients who accepted the study. Results: Perceived barriers to fulfilling home care needs and sustaining behavior of diabetes management included six themes, i.e. insufficient knowledge of diabetes, inability to accept diabetes, non-adherence to diabetes and exercise, problems with health care services, fear and effects of the family and the society and relevant subthemes. Conclusion: These findings about the barriers of the patients should provide guidance for patient specific nursing interventions.