Explorative Research on Health Literacy and Self-care Management in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Ely, Azrina; Azhari, Ahmad; Chai, Jim; Anderson, Claire

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic condition which is associated with high blood sugar, insulin resistance and relative lack of insulin. This qualitative research explores newly diagnosed T2DM patients' perceptions on disease knowledge and management to self-care in preventing or delaying disease progression. Eleven participants who were diagnosed for up to five years with T2DM were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data from the interviews were coded and categorised into themes using thematic analysis. Three key themes that motivated T2DM patients to practise self-care were identified which are 1) healthcare professionals, family and peer support, 2) self-awareness and agency and 3) fear of developing complications. With sufficient access to health services and understanding of reliable health information, patients with T2DM can be motivated or encouraged to practise self-care which consequently may help in delaying or preventing disease progression. Continuing education and support from healthcare professionals as well as support from family members is crucial as it improves the mental wellbeing of these patients as they can accept their condition and feel in control to manage their diabetes effectively.

Citation

Ely, A., Azhari, A., Chai, J., & Anderson, C. (2021). Explorative Research on Health Literacy and Self-care Management in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Malaysian Journal of Qualitative Research, 7(1), 40-52

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 9, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Deposit Date: Jun 9, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 15, 2021
• Journal: Malaysian Journal of Qualitative Research
• Print ISSN: 1823-8521
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 40-52
• Keywords: Type 2 diabetes; health literacy; self-care; Malaysia; qualitative research
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5652510
• Publisher URL: qramalaysia.org/journal-vol7-no01
• Related Public URLs: https://www.qramalaysia.org/journal