Perceived support from family and friends among adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe how adults with type 2 diabetes perceive support provided by family and friends and how such support can influence their diabetes management. Diabetes management behaviours have been described as challenging, and many individuals with type 2 diabetes fail to attain optimal glycaemic control. It has therefore been suggested that support from family and friends is critical for effective diabetes management. However, there is little empirical evidence from a patient perspective of how support provided by family and friends is perceived and how support can influence patients’ diabetes management.

The study was comprised of a descriptive qualitative design that included three focus groups, which were used to collect data. The sample consisted of 19 adults with type 2 diabetes, and the data was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

The findings revealed three themes reflecting perceived support from family and friends: mixed practical support; non-constructive emotional support, and intrusive informational support. Furthermore, the findings indicated that participants’ perceived mixed practical support, eg diet and exercise, from family and friends, as helpful and valuable. Thus, this kind of practical support stimulates effective diabetes management. However, many participants reported that they did not receive such support, which in turn, reduced their diabetes regulation efforts. Emotional support was perceived as non-constructive and appears to demotivate participants’ diabetes management. Finally, the findings indicated that informational support was perceived as intrusive and did not meet their needs for support in diabetes managemen

Keywords:

• type 2 diabetes
• focus groups
• self-management
• social support
• family and friends