Types and sources of social support among adults living with type 2 diabetes in rural communities in the Dominican Republic

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes management hinges on various determinants, including the role of interpersonal relationships in self-management behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the types and sources of social support received by adults in the diabetes diagnosis and self-management processes. We conducted qualitative interviews with 28 men and women at two rural clinics in the Dominican Republic and used a combination of narrative and thematic analytic techniques to identify key sources and types of social support in their diabetes experiences. Participants described three stages in their diabetes experience: diagnosis, programme-enrolment, and long-term management. During diabetes diagnosis, most participants described receiving no support. At the programme-enrolment stage, friends and neighbours frequently provided informational or instrumental support to get to the clinic. In long-term management, cohabiting partners provided the most support, which was often assistance with their diet. Our findings highlight he need to assess and leverage distinct types and sources of social support at different stages of the diabetes experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Social support
• diabetes
• qualitative
• rural health
• chronic disease management

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the members of the CCI programmes staff, health providers, cooperadores, and patients for their participation in their study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Summer Research Grant awarded by the Institute of African American Research and the Carolina Global Initiative at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.