“Don’t Just Say, ‘You Got Type 2 Diabetes’ and Then Tell Me Nothing Else”: Exploring Self-Management Challenges and Information Needs Among Low-Income Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
This qualitative study explored the self-management behaviors, challenges, motivations, and information needs of low-income people with type 2 diabetes. Four themes emerged: <i>1</i>) low-income adults are navigating behavioral modification amid challenges; <i>2</i>) low-income adults need comprehensive and personalized education for proficient self-management; <i>3</i>) digital health tools are desirable; and <i>4</i>) fear, support, and health aspirations drive self-management engagement. The findings of this study underscore the need for improved clinician awareness of evidence-based diabetes education and support programs, and for innovative approaches to bridge the gap between low-income patients' educational needs and their access to such services.
Authors
- Anthony Idowu Ajayi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6004-3972)
- Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5575-7842)
- Gabriel Q. Shaibi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6890-2903)
- Michelle D.S. Boakye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5641-0645)
- Anand Rajan
Institutions
- Boston University (US)
- Arizona Department of Health Services (US)
- University of Massachusetts Boston (US)
- African Population and Health Research Center (KE)
- Arizona State University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Clinical Diabetes
- Published
- 2025-10-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.2337/cd25-0069
- Primary Topic
- Diabetes Management and Education
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00