Can I do…? Life with type II diabetes: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease affects many aspects of daily life. We need a bio-psychosocial approach to
patients and their problems in diabetes management. Since patient's beliefs about health and disease will guide selfmanagement
measures, a holistic understanding toward subject is necessary. The aim of this study was to identify and
describe the lived experiences of patients with diabetes in a qualitative study.
Methods: A descriptive phenomenological framework used to guide the project of inquiry. Eleven volunteered patients
(6 men, 5 women) were recruited by purposed sampling from ";Glands and Metabolism Research Center"; and ";Al-Zahra
Hospital"; of Isfahan in 2006. In-depth unstructured one to one interviews conducted and interview data were transcribed
and analyzed for themes using collizi method.
Results: Five themes were identified including; ";Why I get";, ";Disease requirements";, ";Can I do";, ";Limitations";, ";Silent
motion towards death";. 3 first items belongs to participants' perception about diseases etiology, treatment, and their
feeling about their situation, respectively. ";Silent movement towards death"; and ";limitation"; pointed to the patients'
belief about limitation in nutrition and having a healthy child and nature of disease.
Conclusion: Based on findings, patients' beliefs about their disease and health situation can affect health behaviors and
self-management, and act as barriers and facilitators in patient behaviors. Findings suggest considering this factor in selfmanagement
preparing program.
Key words: Type II diabetes, lived experience, phenomenology