COVID-19 Experiences of Diabetes Patients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become the most important pandemic affecting humanity in the last 100 years. Determining the experiences and needs of individuals with diabetes during the pandemic process and identifying the situations that prevent diabetes management will provide the basis for producing solutions in this and the following crisis periods. In this study, it was conducted to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals with diabetes, their needs, and diabetes management. Material and Methods: The study is descriptive qualitative research. After data saturation, the final sample consisted of a total of 25 individuals with diabetes. Interviews were conducted under the guidance of standardized questions prepared by the researchers and voice recordings of the participants were taken. Results: In the analysis of the research, descriptive analysis was carried out by using the inductive method. The main themes and sub-themes obtained in the analysis of the data; emotions experienced by individuals with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic process (fear, anxiety et. al.), physical/psychosocial problems of individuals with diabetes (decreased physical activity, deterioration in sleep patterns, weight gain, mental stress et.al.), met/unmet physical and psychosocial needs/expectations of individuals with diabetes during the pandemic process (access to medical supplies, home health services, tele-health et.al.), diabetes management (glycemic variability, frequency of glucometer use et. al.). Conclusion:The study revealed that individuals with diabetes have physical, psychological, social problems and unmet needs during the pandemic process. It also shows the power of health services and the aspects that need to be structured.