Lived experience of having type 2 diabetes: A phenomenological research in three villages in rural Northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The study was aimed to explore the lived experience among patients with type-2 diabetes living in rural settings.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study design was used in this study.

Results: First, the patients' reactions were a mixture of denial and shock regarding their diagnosis of diabetes. Second, they faced challenges of having debilitating disease. Third, all were Muslims, and their faith led them to accept their disease as their destiny from Allah. Fourth, they psychologically accepted the disease to gain the physical acceptance of their condition. Finally, the participants demonstrated a degree of adaptation.

Conclusion: The study findings suggested that type-2 diabetes is viewed as a matter of destiny. Although participants in the current study revealed natural feelings of shock and denial towards their illnesses in the early stages; however, they soon became more familiar with their disease and expressed a feeling of acceptance and adaptation, especially during Ramadan.

Keywords: Lived experience; phenomenology; rural areas; type-2 diabetes.