Types and sources of social support among adults living with type 2 diabetes in rural communities in the Dominican Republic

• Published in: Global public health Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 135 - 146
• Main Authors: Wallace, Deshira D., Gonzalez Rodriguez, Humberto, Walker, Elizabeth, Dethlefs, Hans, Dowd, Rachel A., Filipi, Linda, Barrington, Clare
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.01.2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Aged; chronic disease management; Clinics; Cohabitation; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - psychology; Diagnosis; Diet; Disease management; Dominican Republic - epidemiology; Female; Friendship; Humans; Interpersonal relations; Leverage; Male; Medical diagnosis; Middle Aged; qualitative; Qualitative Research; Rural areas; Rural communities; rural health; Rural Health Services; Rural Population - statistics & numerical data; Selfmanagement; Social Support; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Dominican Republic; chronic disease management; qualitative; diabetes; rural health; Social support
• ISSN: 1744-1692; 1744-1706
• DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1444782

Type 2 diabetes management hinges on various determinants, including the role of interpersonal relationships in self-management behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the types and sources of social support received by adults in the diabetes diagnosis and self-management processes. We conducted qualitative interviews with 28 men and women at two rural clinics in the Dominican Republic and used a combination of narrative and thematic analytic techniques to identify key sources and types of social support in their diabetes experiences. Participants described three stages in their diabetes experience: diagnosis, programme-enrolment, and long-term management. During diabetes diagnosis, most participants described receiving no support. At the programme-enrolment stage, friends and neighbours frequently provided informational or instrumental support to get to the clinic. In long-term management, cohabiting partners provided the most support, which was often assistance with their diet. Our findings highlight he need to assess and leverage distinct types and sources of social support at different stages of the diabetes experience.