Understanding Diabetes Self-Management in Low-Income Patients: Insights From a Qualitative Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the self-management experiences of low-income patients with diabetes. METHODS: This qualitative study employed thematic analysis to derive inductive themes from in-depth interviews with 25 low-income patients with diabetes in Korea. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews between February and August 2022, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's 6-phase framework. RESULTS: The results revealed that participants developed diabetes due to factors including busy and stressful lifestyles, alcohol dependence, and treatments for other illnesses. Unemployment, smoking and drinking, and financial difficulties hindered self-management, resulting in the participants losing motivation. Financial instability made diabetes management more difficult. Their medical and living expenses were covered by government support, which led them to prioritize maintaining their eligibility for this assistance over having a job and income. However, this ultimately had a devastating effect on the management of their disease. CONCLUSIONS: The hardships of life, financial burden of diabetes self-management, and lack of motivation and education on diabetes self-management hinder effective self-management. It is recommended that a program be developed that can help low-income patients with diabetes cope with the disease, provide continuous motivation, and increase their self-efficacy. Educational programs on diabetes management following diagnosis are essential to support long-term self-management and reduce health inequalities in the country.