Exploring the Lived Experiences of Individuals to manage and Cope with Type 2 Diabetes applying IPA

Abstract

This qualitative research was conducted with main objective of examining the ‘lived experiences’ of individuals to manage and cope with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twelve respondents (diagnosed with T2D) were shortlisted using purposive sampling technique from Lahore city Pakistan for this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interview method form the participants. Respondents’ interview data were analyzed applying phenomenological analysis (IPA) to identify sub-themes and mega themes. IPA identified eleven identical themes from transcribed interviews. Findings highlighted individuals’ causes of initial non-acceptance behavior, fears about disease, financial barriers, restrictive life styles, self-management strategies, role of their doctors, and family members to cope with disease. The study recommends that health practitioners should introduce diabetes management awareness programs as findings highlight the role of doctors’ counselling to cope with disease and modify patient’s life style after the disease. Additionally, patients’ awareness about disease played vital role to adjust their life style and coping with it with support from family members.