Article Title: Experiencing Type II Diabetes in Pakistan
Author(s): Shirmeen Ijaz and M. Asir Ajmal
Institute(s): Department of Psychology, GC University, Lahore
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2011, Vol. 9, 50-56
Correspondence Address: Shirmeen Ijaz, Department of Psychology, GC University, Lahore. Email: shirmeenijazi@yahoo.com
Abstract
The present study was conducted to explore the experiences of type II diabetes in patients and their caregivers in Pakistan. Sample consisted of 8 participants, 4 were diabetic patients and 4 were their caregivers. Age range of diabetic patients and caregivers was 40-70 years and 17-50 years respectively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data was analyzed by Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA). Four common themes emerged from the patients and caregivers were perceived severity of disease, diabetes related distress, positive emotional reaction, and living with a changed life. Furthermore, the themes diabetes overpowering physical health, family, friends, and relatives reaction, diabetic views about non-diabetic and conquering diabetes emerged in diabetic patients and hassles of living with a diabetic patient, coping with care giving responsibilities, caregivers views about non-caregivers and conquering diabetes and their own distress emerged in caregivers. Findings and implications are discussed in the light of cultural differences.
Keywords: type II diabetic patients, caregivers, semi-structured interview, IPA.
