Quinary Prevention in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Included in the Family Adoption Programme of a Medical...

Background Diabetes-related misinformation adversely affects treatment adherence, health-seeking behaviour and disease outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Quinary prevention aims to prevent harm arising from the spread of inaccurate health information by promoting evidence-based communication and countering misconceptions. However, evidence regarding diabetes-related misinformation and Quinary prevention strategies in community settings remains limited. The study was mainly aimed at exploring misinformation related to T2DM management and its sources and exploring the Quinary prevention strategies employed by local practitioners and barriers faced by them in countering misinformation. Materials and methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in Khatipura and Luniyawas among diabetic patients using focus group discussions. A total of 31 patients were identified: 16 in Khatipura and 15 in Luniyawas, while five local practitioners were interviewed using a pilot-tested interview guide. Data included patients' statements verbatim showing diabetes-related misconceptions, measures taken by the local practitioners and the barriers faced by them in countering such misinformation. Descriptive results were displayed using tables and pie charts. Results The most common beliefs included that allopathic medicines lead to multi-organ failure, insulin is the end stage in diabetes and twice-daily consumption of bitter gourd and aloe vera juice reverses diabetes. Counselling of patients was the most frequently adopted Quinary prevention strategy by the local practitioners. The most common barriers faced by local practitioners in countering misinformation included patient resistance to medical advice and over-reliance on quacks. Informal healthcare providers were the primary source of misinformation. Conclusion Diabetes-related misinformation remains highly prevalent and poses a significant challenge to effective T2DM management. The efforts of local practitioners in tackling the misinformation involved Quinary prevention, which was constrained by several factors such as poor health literacy, patient resistance to medical advice, over-reliance on quacks and long-standing faith in home remedies.