Health SA Gesondheid · 3 authors, 3 centres
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This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 17 diabetic outpatients in rural South Africa, finding that patients often feel shame and difficulty disclosing their diagnosis, leading to stress, sexual dysfunction in men, and an inability to perform daily tasks.
A qualitative phenomenological exploratory descriptive study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of diabetic outpatients. Purposive sampling was used to select 17 patients from clinics in rural Limpopo province. Data were collected via one-to-one interviews and analyzed using Tesch's coding technique. Key findings include that patients reported difficulty accepting their diagnosis, feelings of shame, and reluctance to disclose their condition to extended family, which negatively impacted dietary adherence due to social eating traditions. Male patients specifically reported sexual dysfunction and a fear of losing their wives, contributing to stress. Patients also experienced an inability to perform tasks they could previously do. The findings suggest a need for family-centered care and interventions to address psychological well-being and improve quality of life.
