"The group facilitates everything": meanings patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus assigned to health education groups

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to interpret the meanings patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus assign to health education groups. METHOD: ethnographic study conducted with Hyperdia groups of a healthcare unit with 26 informants, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and having participated in the groups for at least three years. Participant observation, social characterization, discussion groups and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed through the thematic coding technique. RESULTS: four thematic categories emerged: ease of access to the service and healthcare workers; guidance on diabetes; participation in groups and the experience of diabetes; and sharing knowledge and experiences. The most relevant aspect of this study is the social use the informants in relation to the Hyperdia groups under study. CONCLUSION: the studied groups are agents producing senses and meanings concerning the process of becoming ill and the means of social navigation within the official health system. We expect this study to contribute to the actions of healthcare workers coordinating these groups given the observation of the cultural universe of these individuals seeking professional care in the various public health care services.

Comparison of education group strategies and home visits in type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical trial

“…Because the possibility of experiencing situations common to DM2 with other people alleviates the burden of having a chronic condition, reduces the social distance caused by the required self-care practices and offers relational conditions to think about new perspectives of life. All these aspects combined favor better outcomes in adherence and empowerment for self-care and glycated hemoglobin 23 .…”

Training in diabetes education: meanings attributed by primary care nurses

“…Longevity, sedentary lifestyle and obesity contribute to the increased chronic noncommunicable diseases. Among them, diabetes mellitus (DM) (1) , a multifactorial condition characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, which causes long-term micro and macrovascular complications (2)(3)(4) . Considered an epidemic because it is present with a high incidence in all continents, it is also a public health problem due to social damages and costs related to treatment, in addition to the high morbimortality (2)(3) .…”

“…Multiprofessional follow-up occurs due to the need for glycemic control and the prevention of complications. Therefore, the involvement of the person living with DM and the follow-up team becomes essential, so that together they develop selfmanagement strategies and achieve control of the disease (4) .…”

Adesão e empoderamento de usuários com diabetes mellitus para práticas de autocuidado: ensaio clínico randomizado

“…Education practices in this area are based on a dialogical approach, with the exchange of experiences and qualified listening. They are considered an environment in which people can express their doubts, feelings, and complaints, developing confidence and autonomy to make decisions consciously to meet the goal to keep their selfcare together with a healthy dietary plan and the practice of physical activities (3,(6)(7) .…”