Experience of diabetes self-care and well-being among adults with type 2 diabetes in South Ethiopia: a qualitative descriptive study.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes in South Ethiopia navigate complex self-care challenges influenced by economic and cultural factors, highlighting the need for tailored support systems.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the mgf (mechano growth factor) corpusSummary and findings
This study explored self-care experiences among adults with type 2 diabetes in South Ethiopia, focusing on factors influencing their daily lives and well-being. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants, including 12 patients and 9 healthcare providers. The findings highlight the challenges faced in daily self-care routines and the importance of support systems.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses an escalating challenge in resource-limited settings where daily self-care practices are often compromised. The everyday realities of individuals with T2DM in Sub-Saharan Africa remain insufficiently understood. This study explored self-care experiences among adults with T2DM in South Ethiopia, focusing on factors shaping their daily lives and well-being.<h4>Method</h4>A qualitative descriptive design with reflexive thematic analysis was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 purposefully selected participants (12 patients, 9 providers) from three hospitals in South Ethiopia. Provider interviews provided complementary contextual information about health system barriers. Well-being, from participants' perspectives, was defined by the ability to maintain daily activities, fulfill family roles, and sustain hope.<h4>Results</h4>Analysis of patient interviews yielded four major themes capturing the experience of self-care: 1) Navigating daily self-care routines (medication intake, diet management, self-monitoring, and foot care); 2) Multilevel barriers eroding well-being (medication stock-outs, economic constraints, cultural beliefs, lack of support, knowledge gaps, provider training deficits); 3) Education and counselling as sources of empowerment (building knowledge, instilling hope); and 4) Envisioning supportive environments (continued counselling, medication availability, peer support). Healthcare provider interviews provided complementary contextual information about health system barriers.<h4>Conclusion</h4>For individuals with T2DM in South Ethiopia, self-care involves daily negotiation shaped by economic hardship, cultural factors, and health system limitations. Empowering patients through tailored support, continued counselling, peer support network, and reliable healthcare systems is essential for enhancing their health and well-being.
Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents significant challenges in resource-limited settings, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior research has indicated that daily self-care practices are often compromised due to various factors. This study aims to fill the gap in understanding the everyday realities of individuals with T2DM in South Ethiopia, which is crucial for developing effective support strategies.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive design was utilized, employing reflexive thematic analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 purposefully selected participants, comprising 12 patients and 9 healthcare providers from three hospitals in South Ethiopia. The study focused on exploring self-care experiences and well-being from the perspectives of the participants.
Results
The analysis of patient interviews revealed four major themes related to self-care experiences. These themes included navigating daily self-care routines, multilevel barriers affecting well-being, the role of education and counseling in empowerment, and envisioning supportive environments. Specific numeric findings were not reported in the abstract.
Interpretation
The findings indicate that individuals with T2DM face numerous challenges in managing their condition, including economic and cultural barriers. While the study provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of these patients, the small sample size and qualitative nature limit the generalizability of the results. The implications for practice suggest a need for tailored support and reliable healthcare systems to enhance patient well-being.
Key findings
- 21 participants interviewed, including 12 patients and 9 providers.
- Four major themes identified regarding self-care experiences.
- Barriers included medication stock-outs, economic constraints, and cultural beliefs.
Limitations
- Qualitative study with small sample size (n=21).
- Findings may not generalize beyond South Ethiopia.
- No quantitative measures reported.