Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (Oct 2020)
Barriers to Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes During COVID-19 Medical Isolation: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Chunhong Shi,1 Haili Zhu,2 Jun Liu,2 Jian Zhou,2 Weihong Tang2 1School of Nursing, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou 423000, People’s Republic of China; 2Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410006, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Haili ZhuHunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, 58 Lushan Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410006, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 188 7499 7609Fax +86 731-88854265Email [email protected]: Diabetes self-management behaviors are necessary to obtain optimum glycemic control, reduce the risk of complications, and improve health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic imposes an additional struggle for self-management by diabetes patients. Although previous studies have reported socio-demographic, behavioral, psychological, and cultural barriers to diabetes self-management, little is known about perceived barriers to diabetes self-management among patients during isolation following their recovery from COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived barriers among type 2 diabetes patients during isolation following their recovery from COVID-19.Patients and Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research design was utilized. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted with 12 patients with diabetes who had been discharged from one COVID-19 designated hospital and underwent isolation in the designated facilities in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven steps.Results: Barriers to diabetes self-management identified by patients with diabetes during isolation were categorized into five major themes: inadequate knowledge and behavioral beliefs, shortage of resources, suffering from health problems, negative emotions, and lack of support.Conclusion: Perceived barriers to diabetes self-management described by diabetes patients indicated a lack of environmental resources and support strategies to meet their needs. Efforts to remove barriers are important in assisting patients with diabetes to improve their quality of life and health outcomes.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, quarantine, recovery from Coronavirus, treatment
