Exploring the decision-making experience of elderly diabetes patients regarding their health-seeking behaviour: a descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Background Diabetes has emerged as a critical global public health issue. The burden of diabetes is escalating in developing countries, including China. For individuals with diabetes, making informed and rational decisions regarding health-seeking behaviour is crucial to prevent or delay the occurrence of complications. However, prevalent irrational health-seeking behaviours among Chinese patients with diabetes have led to a low treatment rate of only 32.2%. In this study, we explore the subjective experiences of elderly patients with diabetes related to their decision-making experience for seeking healthcare, providing valuable insights for targeted intervention, and provide theoretical basis for establishing an efficient medical and health service system.Methods A qualitative study using descriptive phenomenology research methodology was adopted to explore the decision-making experience of elderly diabetes patients in seeking healthcare services. A purposive sampling approach, specifically maximum variation sampling, was employed to conduct semistructured in-depth interviews with 11 eligible participants between January and February 2023. Data analysis was carried out using QSR Nvivo 12.0 software and Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method.Results Four themes emerged: ‘lack of disease risk perception and negative coping styles’, ‘ huge medical and economic burden’, ‘lack of family and social support’ and ‘Dissatisfaction with medical services’.Conclusion The health-seeking behavioural decision-making level of elderly diabetic patients is relatively low. Medical and healthcare professionals should formulate targeted intervention measures aimed at improving their disease cognition level, changing their coping styles and enhancing their health-seeking behavioural decision-making level to improve their health outcomes. Meanwhile, policymakers should plan and allocate medical resources in a targeted manner based on the needs and expectations of patients.