Exploring the experiences of older Chinese adults with comorbidities including diabetes: surmounting these challenges in order to live a normal life

Figures & data

Table 1 The demographic data of the participants (N=12)

Variables	N (%)	Average	SD	Range
Age, years		78.83	5.81	66–87
Sex
Male	5 (42)
Female	7 (58)
Educational degree
Illiterate	8 (66.7)
Primary school	1 (8.3)
Secondary school	1 (8.3)
High school	1 (8.3)
University	1 (8.3)
Marital status
Married	9 (75)
Widower/widow	3 (25)
Living state
Living alone	2 (16.7)
Live with family	10 (83.3)
Economic status
Just getting by	12 (100)
Number of comorbidities		2.33	0.78	1–4
Number of practitioners		2.75	1.29	1–6
Number of medications		7.67	2.93	5–14

Table 2 The themes, subthemes, and definition of life experience of diabetic elderly with comorbidities (N=12)

Themes/subthemes	Definition
Expecting to heal or reduce the symptoms of the disease 1. Trying to alleviate the distress of symptoms 2. Trusting in health practitioners combining the use of Chinese and Western medicines	The participants reported bio-psychosocial distresses caused by multimorbidities in the practical conduct of daily lives and attempted relief through trial-and- error remedies, consulting famous doctors, combining Chinese and Western medicines, and expecting to recover from the disease or reduce their symptoms
Comparing complex medical treatments 1. Differences in physician practices and presentation 2. Conditionally adhering to medical treatment 3. Partnering with medical professionals	The participants recounted comparing complex medical treatments. Their evaluation is often the sum of their medical treatment program and medications prescribed, and the efficacy of those programs. The participants’ beliefs regarding medication and condition control were developed by interacting with their physicians
Inconsistent information 1. Inconsistent health information 2. Inconsistent medical advice	The participants were often confused by varied and inconsistent information and medical advice related to treating their comorbidities including diabetes
Impacting on daily life 1. Activities are limited and hobbies cannot be maintained 2. Psychological distress	The daily life is limited and psychological distress in the elderly, due to diabetes and comorbidity caused by increased health conditions and care needs
Weighing the pros and cons 1. Taking the initiative to deal with issues 2. Limiting activity 3. Adjusting mental outlook and pace of life 4. Developing strategies for individual health regimen 5. Seeking support	The participants are gradually able to weigh what diet, exercise, medication, and medical behavior is beneficial or harmful, on their own, in their experience of coping with multimorbidities. They could weigh what they should do against what they could do as related to their health strategies and principles that could be integrated into daily life