Social isolation in people with type 2 diabetes: A concept analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Social isolation is a significant concern for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• Existing definitions lack comprehensive operationalization, hindering targeted interventions.
• Understanding the multifaceted nature of social isolation is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an operational definition of social isolation in people with type 2 diabetes.
• To identify the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of social isolation in this population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO).
• The Walker and Avant approach was utilized for concept analysis.
• Inclusion criteria focused on quantitative and qualitative studies concerning social isolation and type 2 diabetes.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial 2918 articles.
• Defining attributes include objective and subjective experiences of isolation.
• Antecedents encompass personal, physiological, psychological, behavioral, and social factors; consequences include physiological, psychological, behavioral, and quality of life impacts.

Conclusions:

• An operational definition of social isolation in type 2 diabetes was formulated, integrating antecedents and consequences.
• This definition highlights reduced social networks, support, contact, involvement, and feelings of disconnection.
• Findings support the development of measurement tools and interventions targeting the interplay of antecedents and social isolation.