"I lost my syringes, my insulin, and my glucose test strips. I lost all my belongings": a qualitative study on the perspective of elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes regarding the unprecedented flooding in southern Brazil.

Abstract

Aims: To qualitatively evaluate the impact of the unprecedented floods that hit Brazil in 2024 on homes, personal life, daily routine, mental health, and diabetes care among elderly with diabetes.

Methods and results: This qualitative study included elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes. A structured interview was conducted to assess the impact of the floods on their lives. Inductive thematic content analysis with deductive coding was used to analyze the interview responses and present the overall findings. Fifty individuals (35 females and 15 males), with a mean age of 72.0 years, long diabetes duration, low socioeconomic level, and a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders were included. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Emotional response; (2) Negative impact on health and self-care; (3) Material losses; (4) Feelings of community support and empathy. All participants reported negative impacts as a consequence of the disaster, affecting various aspects of their lives, including mental health, access to health care, medication shortages, barriers to diabetes management, and worsening of dietary and physical activity habits.

Conclusion: The unprecedented climate disaster that hits Brazil in 2024 had a profound impact on elderly individuals with diabetes, affecting not only material belongings but also their mental well-being and access to healthcare. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the vulnerabilities of elderly populations with chronic conditions during climate-related disasters. The long-term consequences of such crises must be further studied to better prepare for and mitigate their impact on vulnerable communities.