Type 2 diabetes self-care improves subjective well-being, but demands patient commitment (Dissertation defence: MSc FangFang Zhao, 4.12.2019, nursing science)
Type 2 diabetics should be motivated to take more responsibility of their care, shows Msc FangFang Zhaos' dissertation. Zhao points out that theory-based teaching affects self-care more than normal teaching. Also objective support was meaningful and self-care was proven to be connected to the reducing of perceived stress and the improvement of subjective well-being of the patient.
Complications of diabetes affect the quality of life in many ways and can lead to multiple organ failure. Worldwide about 10% of adults have diabetes, but they do not commit to their care in the best manner, even though research shows benefit of diabetes self-care.
FangFang Zhao studied the contributing factors of self-care of people affected by type 2 diabetes. In the empirical study background factors and care results were analyzed in two phases.
As a part of her research Zhao also did a systematic literature review, that shows theory based patient self-care teaching affects self-care more than normal teaching.
-Based on the literature it also shows that type 2 diabetics should be supported, so they would be more motivated to take more responsibility of their care, said Zhao.
Social support, acceptance of support and optimism are linked to the quality of self-care
In the first phase of the research 251 patients answered a questionnaire, in which the background of the patient were mapped, such as demographic factors, health factors and received social support and optimism. Data on negative feelings and achieved positive health benefits were also collected in the questionnaire. After three months 155 patients returned another questionnaire, which focused on what kinds of affects getting support and optimism had on the self-care measures.
Based on Zhao’s research, self-care can improve subjective health and well-being, even though statistical link to resilience or quality of life related to the illness could not be proven.
-Successful self-care seemed to be linked for example reducing of perceived stress, Zhao told.
Empirical research brought up points, which could be used to improve self-care.
-Research showed that social support, acceptance of support and optimism are significantly connected to the level of self-care, Zhao lists.
Dissertation research produced more information about how individuals could be encouraged to take more active role in their self-care to improve subjective well-being and to decrease stress. Also pointing out the role of optimism could increase attention to it in diabetes care in the future.
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MSc FangFang Zhao defends her dissertation The diabetes-related self-care activities of people with type 2 diabetes: their level and associated factors, 4.12.2019, 12pm, PharmaCity Pha1-auditorio, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4, Turku.
Opponent: Eija Paavilainen (University of Tampere)
Custos: Helena Leino-Kilpi (University of Turku)