Management of a Dual Low Sodium and Diabetic Diet by Patient-Caregiver Dyads: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

The purpose of the study was to explore factors surrounding management of simultaneous dietary recommendations for heart failure and type 2 diabetes among patient-caregiver dyads.

Qualitative description was used to explore dyad experiences managing a dual diet. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with a concurrent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and heart failure and their family caregiver. Each 60-minute interview was conducted virtually. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted with coding used for themes at dyadic-and individual levels.

Twelve patient-caregiver dyads (N = 24) were interviewed. The mean age was 57 years (±15 years). Most participants were white (75%); patients were predominantly male, and caregivers were predominantly female (83.3% for both). Dyadic-level themes that emerged included factors that influence simultaneous management of dual diet recommendations. Themes included shared barriers, facilitators, motivators, and strategies for dual diet management. Individual-level themes discussed by patients were barriers and motivators to dual diet management, and caregivers discussed barriers to supporting dual diet management.

Findings from the study highlight that patients and caregivers often work together and share similar barriers, facilitators, motivators, and strategies for adhering to a dual diet. The results provide insight into chronic disease management at the family level and can guide health care providers' efforts to promote family involvement with dietary recommendations for patients with multiple comorbidities.