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Developing a web-based support using self-affirmation to motivate lifestyle changes in type 2 diabetes: A qualitative
Emelia Mellergård1, Per Johnsson2, Frida Eek1
1Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Margaretavägen 1B, 222 40 Lund, Sweden.
Aims:
The aim of the present study was to explore patients' experiences of diabetes self-management and views on a digital lifestyle intervention using self-affirmation to motivate lifestyle changes.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews focusing on needs, attitudes, and barriers to diabetes self-management were conducted with 22 individuals with type 2 diabetes recruited from the All New Diabetics in Scania (ANDIS) cohort. The interviews were followed by three additional study visits, where participants gave feedback on computer-based assignments based on self-affirmation. Interviews and feedback were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Participants described a range of barriers to diabetes self-management, and a varying sense of urgency and distress related to diabetes management. A need for accessible, reliable, and relevant information was reported, as well as a sense that required lifestyle changes was incompatible with current life situation. Further, the use of self-affirmation was described as relevant, motivating and engaging.
Conclusions:
Barriers to diabetes self-management need to be addressed when supporting diabetes self-management, e.g. through carefully matching the support to the patient's readiness to change, supporting patient autonomy and focusing on long-term changes. Using self-affirmation may raise acceptability of a digital lifestyle intervention and help connect diabetes self-management with overall life context, by guiding the patient to focus on personal relevance.
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