Exploring the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours related to the self-management practices of adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

This qualitative research study explored the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of adults aged between 35 and 45 who managed their type 2 diabetes effectively and adults who struggled with diabetes self-management in a South African setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults who engaged in either successful self-management or who struggled with self-management. Effective management was characterised by an HbA1c level of 8% or lower. This group comprised of nine individuals. The participants who faced challenges with self-management had HbA1c levels ranging between 10% and 14%. This group consisted of eight participants. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, and four main themes were identified: the emotional experience, prominent cognitions, practising acceptance and the mechanisms of behavioural change. These themes identified key determinants of individuals’ self-management practices and can contribute to providing information for future cognitive behaviour therapy interventions to be developed that target specific components to improve self-management practices.