The Opinions of Patients Diagnosed Diabetes on Medical Nutrition Therapy: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, medical nutrition therapy is one of the most essential components of a healthy life. The aim of this study was to investigate participants' perceptions of the process of medical nutrition therapy. Material and methods: In this study, a qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted in order to explore in depth the experiences of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the medical nutrition therapy process, which is the most important component of diabetes treatment. This study was conducted in the endocrine and metabolism outpatient clinic of the state university hospital. A qualitative phenomenological study design using Colaizzi's (1978) strategy of descriptive phenomenological data analysis was done in order to explore the subjective perceptions of these patients on medical nutrition therapy. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 participants, using semi-structured open-ended questions. In this way, themes were determined from the data about the medical nutrition therapy process. Results: The results were collected under three main themes with 23 subcategories: Participants' views on the medical nutrition therapy process, the obstacles they experienced and how they overcame and how they reached medical nutrition therapy. The sub-theme about medical nutrition therapy barriers of social pressure was the first in rank. Participants also stated the self-efficiency, importance of balanced dieting instead of restrictions in achieving medical nutrition therapy and the importance of social support. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, the process of adaptation to medical nutrition therapy should be arranged by taking into account the perspectives, individual preferences and cultural values of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The treatment process can be successful if these patients are integrated into their lifestyle.