International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 5 (7), pp. 285-291, July, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the qualitative research on diabetes self-management in middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan

Rashid M. Ansari*, Hassan Hosseinzadeh and Nicholas Zwar

School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.

Corresponding author. Email: *dr.ansarirm@yahoo.com

Received 03 July, 2016; Accepted 15 July, 2016; Published 22 July, 2016

Abstract

This review article aimed at exploring the qualitative health research in self-management of type 2 diabetes and patient’s perceptions and experiences of undertaking physical activity and eating behaviour as part of their diabetes self-management. In addition, the study analyzed how the health issue related to diabetes is viewed and addressed in the community of Pakistan and used the concepts of socio-ecological approach to self-management of type 2 diabetes and explored the factors affecting the self-management practices in that country. The other objective of this review was to examine the role of physical inactivity and obesity in the development of type 2 diabetes and its self-management in middle-aged population living in rural area of Pakistan and to propose a randomized controlled trial and evaluate a lifestyle intervention in the management of type 2 diabetes. This qualitative study would make a unique contribution to public health in the rural area of Pakistan addressing the issues and the ways in which diabetes is managed in that region. This study will help to integrate the skills and choices of individuals in managing the diabetes with the services and support they receive from the social environment of family, friends, organizations and cultures, communities and the governments.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, qualitative research, self-management, physical activity, lifestyle intervention, barriers to self-management, randomized controlled trial, Pakistan.