Self-management of diabetes in Chennai, India: What helps and what does not help

Abstract

Background: Diabetes self-management refers to the way in which patients adhere to their recommended regimen including diet, exercise, medication, and self-monitoring. Research indicates diabetes self-management is related to a range of psychological outcomes (e.g., distress, quality of life, coping). The present study aims to explore experiences of diabetes self-management among Indian patients. Method: Using semi-structured interviews, 50 patients with Type II diabetes were asked about their experiences of managing their illness, specifically focusing on what helped and did not help in successful self-management. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Nine themes emerged from the analysis: (1) illness knowledge and discovery, (2) illness beliefs, (3) symptoms guide behaviour (4), using multiple strategies, (5) locus of control, (6) financial situation, (7) social support, (8) cultural perceptions, (9) patient-physician relationship. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that diabetes self-management is related to a range of psychosocial and culturally specific variables. Further, these findings can guide the design of future self-management interventions in culturally diverse populations.