Types and Sources of Social Support among Adults Living with Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Communities in the Dominican Republic

Citation

Wallace, Deshira D.; Gonzalez Rodriguez, Humberto; Walker, Elizabeth; Dethlefs, Hans; Dowd, Rachel A.; Filipi, Linda; & Barrington, Clare (2019). Types and Sources of Social Support among Adults Living with Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Communities in the Dominican Republic. Global Public Health, 14(1), 135-146. PMCID: PMC6173988

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes management hinges on various determinants, including the role of interpersonal relationships in self-management behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the types and sources of social support received by adults in the diabetes diagnosis and self-management processes. We conducted qualitative interviews with 28 men and women at two rural clinics in the Dominican Republic and used a combination of narrative and thematic analytic techniques to identify key sources and types of social support in their diabetes experiences. Participants described three stages in their diabetes experience: diagnosis, programme-enrolment, and long-term management. During diabetes diagnosis, most participants described receiving no support. At the programme-enrolment stage, friends and neighbours frequently provided informational or instrumental support to get to the clinic. In long-term management, cohabiting partners provided the most support, which was often assistance with their diet. Our findings highlight he need to assess and leverage distinct types and sources of social support at different stages of the diabetes experience.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2018.1444782

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2019

Journal Title

Global Public Health

Author(s)

Wallace, Deshira D.
Gonzalez Rodriguez, Humberto
Walker, Elizabeth
Dethlefs, Hans
Dowd, Rachel A.
Filipi, Linda
Barrington, Clare

PMCID

PMC6173988

ORCiD

Barrington - 0000-0001-7802-4051
Wallace - 0000-0003-1300-6957