Experience of adult individuals with Type 2 diabetes about diabetes: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study was carried out in a qualitative manner in order to identify the emotions and life experience of the patients with Type 2 diabetes with regard to their disease in the Endocrinology Clinic of Bayındır Hospital Kavaklıdere between December 2014 and April 2015. Twenty-one individuals, who were being monitored in the related department and whose consent forms were obtained, were recruited. The ethics committee approval was obtained for the study and statistical data were employed in respect of demographic features. The data were collected by using interview forms and in-depth interviews. Microsoft Word 2007 word processing software was used to analyse the data. A face-to-face interview technique was utilized by raising pre-determined unbiased and non-directing questions to the individuals. A voice recording was used in the interviews which lasted at least 20 minutes, and written minutes of the data were issued within 24 hours after the interview. The content analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data so that the theming of the concepts and considerations pertaining to the subject addressed is determined through repetitive reading of the text on which the interview was analysed and classification and coding of the study as per sub-objectives. Consequently, there were 14 themes in total, namely lack of information, shock, fear, sadness, denial, feeling of guilt, anger, unacceptance, change of habits, adaptation difficulty, professional hardship, social challenges and environmental factors and feeling better. It is suggested that the process of acceptance of diabetes and adaption to the treatment should be facilitated, planning trainings on diabetes per individual requirements through sympathetic approach.