Glycaemic control hassels for family caregivers of Sri Lankan adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is imposing significant complications and economic burden on adults worldwide. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among adults in Sri Lanka. As adults with T2DM need to control their glycemic levels involvement of family caregivers increases the likelihood of successful glycemic control behaviors. Furthermore adults with T2DM develop complications and functional impairment; family caregivers become significantly important in supporting their relatives to have a better quality life. There is a limited data available on family caregivers’ perspectives regarding glycemic control among adults with T2DM in Sri Lanka. Objective: To explore the perceptions towards glycemic control among adults with T2DM as perceived by family care givers. Design & Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used to collect data. In-depth interviews with family caregivers (n=12) were conducted until data was saturated. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Findings were organized into three overarching themes: 1) feeling sad, burdened and stressed 2)knowing how to provide better care, and 3) improvingfamily relationships and caring. Participants stronglyagreed in knowing about the disease of diabetes and thatits management is important to provide effective carefor their relatives to achieve glycemic control.Conclusions: Family caregivers perceived that theirfamily member with T2DM faced lots of challengers whiledoing diet control, adhering to regular physicalactivities and taking medication properly for life.Moreover, family caregivers encountered manychallengers when proving care due to their lack ofknowledge about diabetes and its management. Thesefindings can help health care professionals recognizefamily caregivers as a supportive group and also pavethe way for developing awareness programs ondiabetes for family caregivers in future.