Perceptions of patients regarding diabetes-related health communication strategies in the Free State, South Africa

[摘要] English: BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes are expected to manage their own condition throughout their lives. Self-management is enabled through health information presented using health communication strategies. Various health communication strategies related to diabetes are used within the Free State. Perceptions regarding health communication strategies affect adherence to disease management strategies and health outcomes, and are currently unknown.PURPOSE: The study explored the perceptions of patients with diabetes-regarding health communication strategies.METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory, qualitative design through a phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in community health centres and primary health care clinics among patients with diabetes (N=34) within the Free State. Data was analysed integrating ATLAS.ti and Creswell's steps of qualitative data analysis.RESULTS: Two themes emerged: Guidance and Self-management. The theme Guidance was divided into five categories: motive, content, source, technique and evaluation. The theme Self-management was divided into two categories: influencing factors and lifestyle modifications. The category influencing factors was divided into two sub-categories: intrapersonal factors and interpersonal factors, while the category lifestyle modification was divided into two sub-categories: nutrition and outcomes. Recommendations made were based on the findings of the study.CONCLUSION: Participating patients with diabetes valued the role of health communication strategies. Such perceptions will inform the development of a health dialogue model for patients with diabetes in the Free State.

[发布机构] University of the Free State