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Intimacy and women with type 2 diabetes: an exploratory study using focus group interviews
Anna Sarkadi1, Urban Rosenqvist1
1The Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
The Diabetes Educator
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Women with type 2 diabetes often experience guilt and shame impacting social and sexual intimacy. Addressing these sensitive issues during routine care can improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes significantly impacts women's lives beyond physical health.
- Social and sexual intimacy are crucial aspects of well-being often overlooked in diabetes care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how women with type 2 diabetes perceive the disease affecting their social and sexual intimacy.
- To determine if women desire professional attention for sexual disturbances related to diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving five focus group interviews with 33 women (ages 44-80) with type 2 diabetes.
- Participants also completed a questionnaire on sexual functioning.
- Demographics included two-thirds married and one-third sexually active.
Main Results:
- Key themes identified: guilt, embarrassment, shame, and sexual dysfunction as an "invisible problem" for female patients.
- Women reported self-blame and embarrassment concerning diabetes and sexual health.
- Barriers to care for sexual dysfunction (e.g., vaginal dryness, pain, low desire) were identified.
Conclusions:
- Routine follow-up visits provide an opportunity to discuss intimacy concerns.
- Contextually sensitive inquiry can help women address social and sexual intimacy issues related to type 2 diabetes.
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