Understanding the preferences of young adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with regard to diabetes self-management education: a qualitative study

Sim, Richard Ren Jie; Soon, Winnie; Smith, Helen E; Griva, Konstadina; Wong, Sabrina Kay Wye

Abstract

Aim: Young-onset type 2 diabetes (YOD) is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. To support the development of more effective diabetes self-management education (DSME) programmes, this study aimed to understand the preferences of young adults with YOD in relation to the modality, content and qualities of DSME. Methods: Maximal variation sampling was employed to recruit participants of varied age, ethnicity and marital status. In-depth interviews using a semistructured questionnaire were conducted. Subsequently, thematic analysis with coding and conceptualisation of data was applied to identify the main themes regarding DSME. Results: 21 young adult participants aged 22–39 years were interviewed from three polyclinics in Singapore. The most used modalities for DSME included education from healthcare providers, information and support from family and friends and information from internet sources. Participants were most interested in information regarding diet, age-specific diabetes-related conditions and medication effects. Additionally, participants valued DSME that was credible, accessible, individualised and empathetic. Conversely, absence of the above qualities and stigma hindered participants from receiving DSME. Conclusion: Our study explored the preferences of young adults with YOD with regard to DSME, identifying the most used modalities, preferred content and qualities that were valued by young adults. Our findings will help inform the development of DSME programmes that can better meet the needs and preferences of young adults with YOD.

Citation

Sim, R. R. J., Soon, W., Smith, H. E., Griva, K., & Wong, S. K. W. (2024). Understanding the preferences of young adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with regard to diabetes self-management education: a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 14(7), Article e086133. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086133

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 19, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 4, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Journal: BMJ Open
• Electronic ISSN: 2044-6055
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 7
• Article Number: e086133
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086133
• Keywords: Self-Management, Health Education, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/875493