Utilizing content analysis of counseling sessions to identify psychosocial stressors among patients with type II diabetes

This qualitative, descriptive study identified specific individual and family psychosocial stressors that impact on the ability of patients with type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to manage the self-care regimens recommended by healthcare professionals. A series of 2 to 12 counseling sessions was incorporated into a nationally recognized outpatient diabetes education program. Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews in which six patients with type II diabetes and their families discussed current problems associated with their diabetes. Content analysis identified the following themes and problem areas: patients' inner experience with diabetes, family stressors that affect patients with diabetes, coping strategies of type II diabetes patients, and psychopathology. Based on these findings, specific interventions that emphasize family involvement and support were developed for the healthcare team to use with patients with type II diabetes.