Information seeking and use amongst people living with type 2 diabetes: an information continuum

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the motives that people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have in seeking information about their condition, and how information is used in self-care. Semi-structured interviews (N = 25), focus groups (3 × N = 12 participants) and open-ended questionnaires (N = 6) were used to collect qualitative data. Data were analysed thematically using framework analysis. In total, 37 participants took part, all recruited from a community-based diabetes participation group. The majority of respondents were older people (aged 60+) living in a socioeconomically deprived area. Information seeking is usually preceded by different types of uncertainty. Patients' motives for information-seeking varied, and included (1) only when necessary, (2) for reference, (3) to gain an understanding of ‘changes to their body,’ (4) to gain understanding of biomedical information and research and (5) to establish entitlement to health services and service quality. These motives influenced the information sought, and how the information was applied in diabetes self-care efforts. The types of information sought also corresponded to patients' socioeconomic status, educational level and distance from diagnosis. The findings suggest that information-seeking behaviour is differentiated – a priori – by the type of information sought. This process is informed by experiential knowledge and access to social resources. The data also suggest that socio-contextual issues are a strong influence on how information is sought and applied by those self-managing T2D, and that this needs to be taken into account in the provision of information to patients.