Can I do…? Life with type II diabetes: A phenomenological study

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease affects many aspects of daily life. We need a bio-psychosocial approach to patients and their problems in diabetes management. Since patient’s beliefs about health and disease will guide selfmanagement measures, a holistic understanding toward subject is necessary. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the lived experiences of patients with diabetes in a qualitative study. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological framework used to guide the project of inquiry. Eleven volunteered patients (6 men, 5 women) were recruited by purposed sampling from “Glands and Metabolism Research Center” and “Al-Zahra Hospital” of Isfahan in 2006. In-depth unstructured one to one interviews conducted and interview data were transcribed and analyzed for themes using collizi method. Results: Five themes were identified including; "Why I get", "Disease requirements", "Can I do", "Limitations", "Silent motion towards death". 3 first items belongs to participants' perception about diseases etiology, treatment, and their feeling about their situation, respectively. “Silent movement towards death” and “limitation” pointed to the patients' belief about limitation in nutrition and having a healthy child and nature of disease. Conclusion: Based on findings, patients’ beliefs about their disease and health situation can affect health behaviors and self-management, and act as barriers and facilitators in patient behaviors. Findings suggest considering this factor in selfmanagement preparing program.