An exploration of the impact of health value and perceived control on patients’ self-management behaviours in Type 2 diabetes

Abstract

<b>Aims</b>: To explore health value and perceived control in relation to self-management behaviours in Type 2 diabetes patients. To explore the meaning of the behavioural constructs of perceived control and health value to the patient with Type 2 diabetes and identify the rationality for diabetes self-management behaviour. To present a proposed belief and value assessment framework for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

<b>Methods</b>: This was an explorative qualitative study based on naturalistic enquiry which sought to understand social reality in its own terms and provide rich descriptions of people and interactions in natural settings. Thirteen Scottish patients with Type 2 diabetes on an insulin regime were interviewed. A six-step phased thematic analysis enabled an engaged, transparent, coherent, reflexive data analysis approach. Quality was considered through determining the impact, importance and significance of this study to theory, practice and patient.

<b>Results</b>: Descriptions suggested that health value changed and became more important on diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Health was valued by most as an instrumental value (task related) rather than a terminal value (end goal) in that it enabled functionality in everyday living. This novel finding contributed to the development of a proposed value, belief assessment and planning framework for people with Type 2 diabetes. Emergent themes: comorbidities,medication management, stigma of insulin, blood glucose monitoring, hereditary reasoning, age, anxiety and depression impacted on self-management.

<b>Summary</b>: Exploring health value and perceived control of patients with Type 2 diabetes in relation to self-management behaviours identified individual strengths and weaknesses. The framework could help healthcare providers identify patients at risk of poor diabetes self-management.