Abstract
BackgroundThe number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases among empty-nest elderly increases with increasing aging in China. Self-care plays an important role in preventing and reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes; however, few studies focus on self-care experiences of empty-nest elderly with T2DM.ObjectiveTo explore self-care experiences for a chronic disease among empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM in mainland China.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for 15 empty-nesters with T2DM. Interviews were implemented in department of endocrinology at a tertiary teaching hospital located in Shandong province, east of China.ResultsThe participants were poorly adept with monitoring their blood glucose and lacked the ability to deal with abnormal blood glucose levels. Most participants had a good relationship with medication and physical activity. Living without children was perceived as a benefit that improved dietary management and is a disadvantage in terms of economic and emotional support and access to medical resources. Elderly empty-nesters also lacked knowledge about diabetes and paid little attention to potential complications.ConclusionEmpty-nest elderly patients with T2DM value medication compliance and lifestyle modification more than blood glucose monitoring, complication prevention, and coping with negative emotions. Friends and spouses play indispensable roles in patients’ self-care motivation and maintenance. Diabetes education on self-care, access to medical resources, and social support is needed for better diabetes management.
Highlights
Aging is a worldwide phenomenon, more than 1.5 billion people will be aged 65 and over, accounting for 16% of the total population in 2050 [1]
The results indicated that self-care, in terms of diet, physical exercise, blood glucose monitoring, medication, and foot care, were poorer among empty-nesters than those living with children
Our findings show that empty-nest elderly patients lack the understanding and proper implementation of self-care behaviors
Summary
Aging is a worldwide phenomenon, more than 1.5 billion people will be aged 65 and over, accounting for 16% of the total population in 2050 [1]. The concurrent increase in the nuclear family, as well as the aging population, implies that a number of older adults will have an empty-nest experience. In 2010, the number of empty-nesters aged 60 years and above accounted for 50% of the total number of the elderly, which is expected to reach 90% by 2030 [3]. The number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases among empty-nest elderly increases with increasing aging in China. Self-care plays an important role in preventing and reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes; few studies focus on self-care experiences of empty-nest elderly with T2DM
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