Beliefs and attitudes of persons with diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Physicians seem to agree that noncompliance by diabetic patients is a problem. Despite this, there have been few qualitative studies on the actual behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes of diabetic patients. The present study was conducted to explore these parameters to help discover ways that physicians might enhance diabetic patients' compliance.

METHODS

This research used a variation of grounded qualitative theory to assess the beliefs and attitudes of 14 non-insulin, adult-onset diabetic patients with a disease duration of at least 3 years. Of these, seven were considered compliant and seven noncompliant by their primary physician.

RESULTS

Most of the patients felt they had a good understanding of diabetes, were compliant with their medical regimen, and considered diabetes a serious disease. Although many of the patients expressed strong emotions of frustration and anger, a majority felt that diabetes had led them to a healthier and/or happier lifestyle. Noncompliant patients were more likely to believe that diabetes would not affect the eventual outcome of their lives. They were less likely to want no further information from their physician and less likely to report following their physician's instructions.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of patients' beliefs and attitudes may help physicians increase motivation, understanding, and compliance of diabetic patients.