Perceived support from family and friends among adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

SummaryThe aim of this study was to describe how adults with type 2 diabetes perceive support provided by family and friends and how such support can influence their diabetes management. Diabetes management behaviours have been described as challenging, and many individuals with type 2 diabetes fail to attain optimal glycaemic control. It has therefore been suggested that support from family and friends is critical for effective diabetes management. However, there is little empirical evidence from a patient perspective of how support provided by family and friends is perceived and how support can influence patients' diabetes management.The study was comprised of a descriptive qualitative design that included three focus groups, which were used to collect data. The sample consisted of 19 adults with type 2 diabetes, and the data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed three themes reflecting perceived support from family and friends: mixed practical support; non-constructive emotional support, and intrusive informational support. Furthermore, the findings indicated that participants' perceived mixed practical support, eg diet and exercise, from family and friends, as helpful and valuable. Thus, this kind of practical support stimulates effective diabetes management. However, many participants reported that they did not receive such support, which in turn, reduced their diabetes regulation efforts. Emotional support was perceived as non-constructive and appears to demotivate participants' diabetes management. Finally, the findings indicated that informational support was perceived as intrusive and did not meet their needs for support in diabetes management.

Family behaviours that have an impact on the self‐management activities of adults living with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐synthesis

“…). More than half the studies were conducted in high‐income countries ( n =25; Table ). Half of the studies ( n =22) focused on culturally and linguistically diverse or disadvantaged populations.…”

“…Participants were mostly women (63.5%), and their mean age was 58.6 (± 5.8) years. Ten studies specifically investigated the experience of adults with Type 2 diabetes regarding the influence of family members on their diabetes management . Some studies that were not aimed at investigating family members also provided substantial contributions to the development of the themes .…”

“…The quality of the studies was variable. Most studies clearly described their research aims, design and methodology, but only a few described the study setting , or reported whether data saturation had been reached . The sampling approach in three studies was unclear .…”

“…Nonetheless, many qualitative and quantitative observational studies have reported that families can be influential on diabetes self‐management , and some have measured an association between family behaviours and diabetes self‐management . An examination of this evidence is required to provide greater insights to optimize families’ involvement in diabetes self‐management .…”

Family Support for Better Self Care Behavior Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - An Integrated Review

“…Nonetheless, many qualitative and quantitative observational studies have reported that families can be influential on diabetes self-management (Weiler and Crist, 2009;Guell, 2011;hu et al, 2013;Samuel-Hodge et al, 2013;Oftedal, 2014;Choi et al, 2015;Mayberry, Harper and Osborn, 2016), and some have measured an association between family behaviours and diabetes self-management (Epple et al, 2003;Wen, Shepherd and Parchman, 2004;Schiøtz et al, 2011;Sankar et al, 2015;Soto et al, 2015). An examination of this evidence is required to provide greater insights to optimize families' involvement in diabetes self-management (Schafer, McCaul and Glasgow, 1986;Inzucchi et al, 2012;Torenholt, Schwennesen and Willaing, 2014;Baig et al, 2015).…”