Explanation of Illness among Older Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

           This qualitative research aimed to explore the illness perceptions of the older patients with type II diabetes receiving health care service at Diabetic clinic, Cha-am hospital in Phetchaburi province. Kleinman’s explanatory model of illness and Orem’s self-care theory were used to guide the study. Twenty nine older patients participated in this study through purposive sampling. Data were collected by using in-depth interview and were analyzed by content analysis.

           The results revealed that the participants described their illness by observing their symptoms, exploring etiology, analyzing the severity of illness on the basis of symptoms and seeking health care management. They perceived that diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness that cannot be cure but they can control the symptoms. Cause of illness were ‘eat like a horse’, obesity and heredity. The most concerns of the participants were slow healing wound, leg amputation, blurred vision or blindness from diabetic retinopathy and renal failure. This study increases understanding patient perceptions of Type II diabetes and provide a guide to design appropriate strategies for helping older patients manage their health conditions.