Patienters upplevelse av egenvård vid diabetes typ 2

Sammanfattning

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia and an increased risk of serious complications. The disease is influenced by lifestyle, biological, and socioeconomic factors. The treatment is based on lifestyle changes, pharmacological intervention, and continuous self-care. The nurse plays a central role in supporting the patient to strengthen their self-care ability. Aim: The aim of this thesis was to describe adult patients' experiences of self-care in type 2 diabetes. Method: A literature review was conducted based on eleven qualitative original articles. The articles were quality-assessed using the SBU checklist for qualitative studies. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Popenoe et al. (2021), where meaning units were coded and organized into categories and themes. Results: Self-care was identified through three main categories; Individual and emotional conditions, social and communicative support, and structural conditions and external barriers. Self-care requires complex daily routines where lack of knowledge and emotional reactions, such as anxiety and mental exhaustion, constitute significant obstacles. Social support and a trusting relationship with healthcare professionals were crucial for motivation. However, self-care was limited by external factors such as economic vulnerability, cultural traditions, and poor healthcare accessibility. Conclusion: Self-care is central to managing type 2 diabetes but involves a significant psychosocial burden. To promote quality of life and enable secure, sustainable self-care, individualized care plan is required, considering the patient's knowledge, socioeconomic conditions, and the need for support from both relatives and healthcare professionals.