Perspective of Self Management Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Suburban Area

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic,non-communicable, uncured disease, but patients can manage themselves for their  good quality of life. This phenomenology qualitative study aimed to explore perspectives of self- management among diabetes mellitus patients living in suburban area, Muang district, Phitsanulok province. The participants were selected by a purposive sampling. In-depth interview was used to collected data. Data were analyzed by content analysis. The results showed that the participants perceived 5 major themes of self- management: 1) feelings after being diagnosed, which includes 4 subthemes: accepted, uncured, scared of  death/complications and why me? 2) seeking health information related to diabetes, from 6 groups:  physician/healthcare volunteers, diabetic patients, neighbors or relatives, readings, radio or television medias and pharmaceutical sales representatives 3) decision-making, due to 3 subthemes: scared of  complications, distrust alternative medicine and experienced from bad examples 4) self-management  evaluation, considered from 4 subthemes: follow up period, reduce dose of the drugs, level of blood sugar  and observe symptoms 5) factors of success: consisted of 4 subthemes: eating behavior, exercise, adherence  to medical advice and stress management. Findings of this study are useful for health care providers to develop projects to promote self-management of patient with diabetes.