Cultural caring expressions of family members towards self-management among patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Patients with unique needs require specific care attention and this varies depending on the cultural affinity. In case of diabetes mellitus considered as a global health challenge, the care plan must capture the cultural affiliation of both patients and the family to ensure acceptability of the treatment designed to facilitate recovery towards quality of life.  The study is aimed at analyzing the cultural attributes of family support towards caring for patients medically diagnosed with diabetes mellitus as basis to craft family-based management model. Employing a qualitative design, eighteen participants were identified purposively based on the pre-determined criteria.  Descriptive profile of the participants (carers) includes the age ranging from 35-62 years old, rendering care service with the patient for almost 12 years on the average, and living along with the medically diagnosed DM patients. Data collection like in-depth interviews, focused-group discussions were utilized to generate significant statements and themes.  The results generated themes such as (1) familial role as an important component of success in treatment care plan, (2) patience and emotional control as cultural support strategies in the success of care plan implementation; (3) meaning of care as an expression of love, respect and gratitude. The study further highlights on the family as cultural component of care in the integration of solutions in overcoming obstacles in client-care with diabetes mellitus.