The Outlook of Healthcare Providers on the Involvement of Diabetic Patients as Health Promoters for Diabetes Prevention Among Their Family Members: A Qualitative Study

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 15; no. 7; p. e42108
• Main Authors: Alsulami, Ghaida, Alharbi, Muna, Alanazi, Mona, Aseeri, Abeer, Bajamal, Eman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto Cureus Inc 19.07.2023; Cureus
• Subjects: Chronic illnesses; Diabetes; Disease management; Disease prevention; Empowerment; Health risk assessment; Health risks; Interviews; Lifestyles; Medical Education; Other; Patient admissions; Perceptions; Public Health; Quality of life; Saudi Arabia
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42108

Background and objectiveExamples of patients becoming health promoters for diabetes prevention in their own families, although few, are on the rise. Nevertheless, despite this increase in patient involvement in diabetes prevention, there is scarce research regarding healthcare providers’ perspectives on the active engagement of patients as health promoters for their family members. In light of this, we aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers working at primary health clinics regarding patient involvement in diabetes prevention among their own family members and close relatives.MethodologyThis study was conducted between July and December 2022 at the Primary Healthcare Clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Semistructured interviews based on purposive sampling were conducted with 13 participants, and their data were thematically analyzed.ResultsTwo main themes emerged from the interviews: the patients' readiness to be health promoters and the willingness of healthcare staff to support promoter patients. Healthcare providers perceived the involvement of diabetes patients in promoting the health of their family members and close relatives as beneficial; however, several barriers may prevent these patients from becoming effective health promoters.ConclusionsHealthcare providers understand the significance of involving patients with diabetes as health promoters for their family members and close relatives. Patients can offer unique insights into the lived experience of diabetes management, as well as provide practical advice for lifestyle adjustments. Nevertheless, healthcare providers should also recognize the limits of patients’ knowledge and skills and ensure that patients receive proper training and support to serve as effective health educators.