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VOL. 12, ISSUE 11 (2025)
Barriers to Self-care management among Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients: A qualitative study
Authors
Bhavya A P, Divya A P, Gangotri Khairwar, Achun Rongmei, Arti Soni
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is
an emerging public health threat with rapid increase in prevalence all over the
world. Mortality and other health care costs associated with diabetes are
mainly due to its complications rather than the disease itself. Self-care management
practices are essential and is a key component in managing DM and preventing
complications. Evidence shows that patients with diabetes face several
challenges and obstacles in adhering to such practices. The current study aimed
to identify the barriers to self-care management in patients with type 2
diabetes. The study was conducted using a thematic analysis method and data
were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 25 Type 2 DM
patients using semi-structured interview guide in a private room in selected
urban primary health centres of Karnataka, South India in the year 2024. The
participants were selected using purposive sampling and sampling continued
until data saturation. The collected data were analysed with NVivo software.
Findings revealed wide range of barriers starting from individual perspectives
to the social and healthcare system perspective in diabetes management.
Firstly, at the individual level, a lack of knowledge, limited resources,
non-adherence to medication, and financial constraints were major obstacles.
Secondly, insufficient social support and misinformation about alternative
treatments also influenced patient behaviour. Thirdly, at the healthcare
service level, long waiting times and inadequate social support were identified
as challenges. Lastly, limited accessibility due to transportation issues and
community resource constraints further hindered self-care. Findings revealed
that patients require comprehensive education, easy access to medical tools,
and psychological support to manage their condition effectively. Families and
communities must be equipped with accurate knowledge about diabetes and trained
to support patients. Healthcare providers should improve service quality by
adopting a holistic approach and collaborating with communities to ensure
optimal care. With collective efforts, it is hoped that the quality of life for
diabetes patients can improve, and complications resulting from the disease can
be prevented. Designing of interventions that capitalize on how to improve
patients’ desire to reduce the progression of diabetes and the use of relevant
technological devices could enhance diabetes self-management.
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Pages:123-128
How to cite this article:
Bhavya A P, Divya A P, Gangotri Khairwar, Achun Rongmei, Arti Soni "Barriers to Self-care management among Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients: A qualitative study". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 11, 2025, Pages 123-128
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