Lived Experiences of Diabetics Living in Rural Areas in the Eastern Region

Abstract

Descriptive Phenomenology was used to explore the lived experiences of diabetic patients living in rural areas of the Eastern Region. Thirty-one diabetes patients were conveniently selected from four hospitals in the Region, and interviewed using semi-structured interview guide. Analysis of the interview data was done in line with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Themes generated were symptoms identification, initial lifestyle, patient‟s perception, and knowledge of diabetes; psycho-emotional reactions; accessibility to health care facilities, encounter with health care providers; effects of the disease, challenges of living with the disease; and management strategies. Patients identified the disease through symptoms experienced (frequent urination, sweet urine, weight loss, frequent thirst and hunger, foot sore) and regular check-ups. They acknowledged that the disease was contracted mainly through poor lifestyle. Patients perceived diabetes as dangerous, “disease of the rich”, and often described it as “money will finish.” Generally, patients had limited knowledge about diabetes. Patients‟ psychological and emotional needs were not adequately addressed at the hospitals. Patients experienced difficulty accessing health care and they complained of meeting different doctors on clinic days. Diabetes had a debilitating effect on patients and they were financially burdened. Despite these challenges, patients adhered to bio-medical treatment. Based on the experiences shared by patients, a „stakeholder in diabetes care framework‟ is suggested to define the role of the various stakeholders in the care of diabetic patients in rural areas in Ghana.