Comparative analysis of coping methods used by patients with diabetes mellitus: a qualitative inquiry in a Ghanaian district hospital

Abstract

Background Many studies have been conducted on coping approaches used by patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes in both developed and low- and middle-income economies, focusing on the distressful nature of the condition. Nevertheless, the classic distinction of unique coping methods used by males and females with diabetes mellitus has not been investigated or reported in Ghana. This study aimed to analyse coping strategies employed by patients with diabetes mellitus based on their differential groupings. Method The study focused on an exploratory descriptive design. The researchers set off to explore the unique coping methods of men and women living with diabetes mellitus using a one-on-one interview approach for data collection. Participants were purposively sampled. The data analysis was performed using a content analysis approach tied to the participants’ age, sex, and education levels. Results Eight (8) remarkable findings were identified and aligned with the eight (8) main distinctive groupings of males and females with diabetes mellitus. The participants reported diverse coping methods, which included confrontation coping approaches, the use of surrogates in coping, the use of humor, medical coping, the use of prayers, spiritual fasting, the use of alcohol, and suicidal ideations as ways of coping. Conclusions Health professionals need to be aware of patients’ beliefs without changing patients’ world outlook while also being supportive of patients’ use of suitable interventions, including coping styles for the overall management of diabetes mellitus.