Management of infections in type 2 diabetes from the patient's perspective: a qualitative approach.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the knowledge, and health beliefs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding management of infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) and lower respiratory tract (LRTIs).


METHODS
Three semi-structured focus groups with 23 patients with T2DM were conducted and analyzed.


RESULTS
Only a few patients mentioned specific preventive measures for UTIs and LRTIs, like not smoking and taking enough fluids (n=3). Making a nuisance of oneself, denying the seriousness of the disease and fear of insulin therapy were barriers to health-seeking behaviour. Some people did not complete the course of antibiotics (n=2) or forgot to take the tablets, especially when tablets had to be taken more than once a day (n=4).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that patients with T2DM lack knowledge and realistic health beliefs about common infections such as UTIs and LRTIs. Health education should aim to help patients with T2DM to interpret symptoms of infections correctly in order to take the appropriate action such as taking preventive measures or taking antibiotics. Identifying patients at high risk of a complicated infection may target education towards those who need it most.
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, The Netherlands.
Leonie M A J
LM
Venmans
Kees J
KJ
Gorter
Eelko
E
Hak
Maria H F
MH
Grypdonck
Olga
O
de Bruijn
Guy E H M
GE
Rutten
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D032882:Comprehension; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents