A phenomenological inquiry into psychosocial issues in people with Type 2 diabetes in the community

Introduction Qualitative enquiry in diabetes care services and user
perspectives has received relatively little attention. Explorations have
been focused on Type 1 diabetes and experiences of new diagnosis.
Aim To explore and identify important psychosocial (PS) issues
which influence management by people with Type 2 diabetes under
primary sector health care.
Methods Purposive sampling with people with Type 2 diabetes cared
for in the community taken from all areas within the North-west Region.
Unstructured, in-depth interviews with prompts focussed on psychological
parameters and social effects of illness trajectory. Analysis based on
grounded theory thematic identification + personal construct analysis
(PCA) used to identify a psychosocial matrix to explain PS issues.
Results 23 participants interviewed, varied demography, 6 main
themes: family effects, social life, adjustments, meaningful work,
scarring, loss of control. When PCA applied, a complex hexagonal
framework identified which illustrates the person with Type 2
diabetes PS construct, in living with chronic illness.
Discussion Social issues need to be addressed as well as complex
psychological factors. Using sociological analysis will illuminate
ÔhiddenÕ areas of life impact and quality. The emerging PS theory
could be used to underpin practice and further research.