Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its management imposes significant burden on an individual’s quality of life (QOL) and mental health. This study aimed to provide deeper insights into the interaction between lived experiences of people with T2DM and their QOL and further explore prior quantitative findings that demonstrated the efficacy of a community-based lifestyle intervention (Co-LID) in improving QOL. A qualitative study involving five focus group discussions was conducted with 40 people with T2DM (Co-LID participants) in Kavrepalanchowk and Nuwakot districts. An inductive thematic analysis with experiential orientation was adopted for data analysis in NVIVO V15 and Ferrans et al.’s conceptual model was used for findings interpretation. The concept of good QOL was centred around having a sound physical and mental health in the absence of T2DM symptoms and comorbidities. Participants highlighted their struggles with dietary behaviour due to socio-cultural influences, leading to feelings of isolation. While many perceived family and social support to provide psychological support, few expressed sharing experiences made them anxious due to fear and myths around T2DM. Healthcare dissatisfaction and fear of out-of-pocket expenditure were perceived to cause emotional distress. The Co-LID study was perceived to foster autonomy in health behaviour change and community connectedness, leading to improved QOL. QOL emerged as a multidimensional concept encompassing physical, psychosocial, and systemic aspects. Early psychosocial interventions; strategies for complications prevention and treatment; family-centred peer-led intervention that are culturally appropriate; and health systemic reforms are imperative for better QOL and psychological health in people with T2DM.

Authors:
Ashmita Karki, Central Queensland University, Australia
Corneel Vandelanotte, Central Queensland University, Australia
D.L.I.H.K Peiris, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Biraj Karmacharya, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Nepal
Lal Rawal, Central Queensland University, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Ashmita is a full-time PhD student at Central Queensland University. Her research interests include quality of life and mental health research, chronic disease research and health systems research and translating findings to improve health and well-being of vulnerable population groups.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmita-karki-4011a9a5/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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