A mixed methods study to develop a self-care management tool for both people living with diabetes and their families

Abstract

Introduction and background: The progressive nature of Diabetes Mellitus requires lifelong selfcare, which refers to the deliberate decisions and practices of the people living with diabetes (PLWD) and supporting family. The essence of self-care is to prevent risks and complications, but health education programs are lacking, and support for care is weak. Aim and objective: To create a self-care tool that will support and improve self-care habits, it was necessary to investigate how PLWD perceive self-care and how the family is involved. Research design and methods: This Mixed methods study followed a qualitatively driven, descriptive and explanatory approach. In Phase 1, 104 individuals living with diabetes provided data using the DSSQ-Fv. Phase 1 reliability analysis revealed that the five constructs obtained high Cronbach Alpha values, ranging from 0.803 to 0.989, and had good discriminating power. Phase 2 Stage 1 data collection involved conducting fifteen telephone interviews after a focus group with four individuals. Phase 2 Stage 2 data collection involved four family members in a focus group, and eight telephone interviews were conducted afterwards. Coding, categorisation, and theming were used in the analysis process. Phase 3 involved the Delphi consensus-building process being used to collect information from ten experts. Results: The general self-care regimen was deemed inadequate. Most PLWD concentrate primarily on the diet, paying little attention to medication or exercise as a means of controlling blood sugar levels. An easy-to-use self-care tool was developed. Conclusion: The study revealed inadequate self-care behaviours and a weakness in DSME/S. Developing a daily self-care regimen is necessary to enhance self-care practices.