Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the ways social support works in the daily life of patients with type 2 diabetes living in conditions of social and economic marginality, in order to understand how that support relates to treatment compliance.MethodsSequential mixed methods research was used. The sample of patients was obtained from primary health care units and selected considering regional representativeness, and levels of morbidity and mortality for type 2 diabetes.ResultsResults point to the nuclear family as the main source of support. Regardless of the area of residence, four main dimensions of support were identified: economic support, help with treatment compliance, emotional support, and material aid.ConclusionsWe conclude that the support network assists the patient in different ways and helps cope with the disease, but in conditions of social and economic marginality, does not guarantee the quality of attention nor enable the self-management of treatment.
Highlights
In Mexico, as around the world, the number of people with chronic non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes is steadily increasing
We conclude that the support network assists the patient in different ways and helps cope with the disease, but in conditions of social and economic marginality, does not guarantee the quality of attention nor enable the self-management of treatment
In Mexico, recent data indicate that only 26.8% of persons with a diagnosis of diabetes modified their eating habits and 10% reported exercising as part of the treatment [6]
Summary
In Mexico, as around the world, the number of people with chronic non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes is steadily increasing. There are about 347 million of people with diabetes; by 2030 this disease will be the seventh leading cause of death in the world. Diabetes can lead to serious complications due to comorbidities (dyslipidemia, hypertension) and associated consequences (blindness, kidney disease, amputations) at advanced stages [5]. Diabetes has no cure but can be controlled by following prescribed treatment and lifestyle change; the goal is that the patient be able to self-manage the disease. In Mexico, recent data indicate that only 26.8% of persons with a diagnosis of diabetes modified their eating habits and 10% reported exercising as part of the treatment [6]
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