Exploring the experiences of older Chinese adults with comorbidities including diabetes: surmounting these challenges in order to live a normal life
Journal
Patient Preference and Adherence
Date Issued
2018-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Many people with diabetes have comorbidities, even multimorbidities, which have a far-reaching impact on the older adults, their family, and society. However, little is known of the experience of older adults living with comorbidities that include diabetes. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of older adults living with comorbidities including diabetes. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected from a selected field of 12 patients with diabetes mellitus in a medical center in northern Taiwan. The data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s phenomenological methodology, and four criteria of Lincoln and Guba were used to evaluate the rigor of the study. Results: The following 5 themes and 14 subthemes were derived: 1) expecting to heal or reduce the symptoms of the disease (trying to alleviate the distress of symptoms and trusting in health practitioners combining the use of Chinese and Western medicines); 2) comparing complex medical treatments (differences in physician practices and presentation, conditionally adhering to medical treatment, and partnering with medical professionals); 3) inconsistent information (inconsistent health information and inconsistent medical advice); 4) impacting on daily life (activities are limited and hobbies cannot be maintained and psychological distress); and 5) weighing the pros and cons (taking the initiative to deal with issues, limiting activity, adjusting mental outlook and pace of life, developing strategies for individual health regimens, and seeking support). Surmounting these challenges in order to live a normal life was explored. Conclusion: This study found that the experience of older adults living with comorbidities including diabetes was similar to that of a single disease, but the extent was greater than a single disease. The biggest difference is that the elderly think that their most serious problem is not diabetes, but rather, the comorbidities causing life limitations. Therefore, compared to the elderly suffering from a single disease of diabetes, medical professionals not only care about physiological data of the elderly but also pay attention to the impact of comorbidity on their lives. ? 2018 Ho et al.
Subjects
Comorbidity; Diabetes; Elderly; Life experience; Multimorbidity; Older adult
SDGs
Other Subjects
aged; Article; Chinese; Chinese medicine; clinical article; clinical practice; comorbidity; controlled study; daily life activity; diabetes mellitus; doctor patient relation; female; geriatric care; geriatric patient; human; male; medical information; medication compliance; mental stress; patient attitude; personal experience; qualitative research; self care; Taiwan; very elderly; western medicine
Type
journal article