Non-diabetics Perception and Knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study.
Citation
(2016) Non-diabetics Perception and Knowledge of Type 2
Diabetes: A Qualitative Study., no. 104.
Abstract
Research Focus: This research focuses on Identifying what the general public's knowledge is
surrounding diabetes and how they think its complications affect the individual's body.
Research methods: This research met the research aim by an extensive study of the relevant literature
and the implementation of practical research. The latter was carried out through interviews at a
Physiotherapy and Foot Clinic in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
Findings: This research produced a number of findings, all participants had the knowledge that there
are two types of diabetes, most of the participants had a relative who has been diagnosed with diabetes
or know someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes (77%). Most of the participants understood
that eating a healthy diet (88.89%) would help to decrease a person's risk of developing diabetes, and
66.67% of participants knew that a poor diet could increase a person's risk in developing diabetes.
Overall, knowledge was good, particularly surrounding diet and healthy lifestyle. However, no
participants mentioned that ethnic origin would increase a person's risk of developing Diabetes. All
participants said they had 'no idea' how much money was spent on Diabetes by the NHS every year.
Conclusion: The main conclusion drawn from this research, is that non-diabetic individual's perception
of what diabetes is, is lacking in knowledge and detail. Most of the participants knew bits of information
but were also lacking in detail, many of them being overwhelmed when told how much money is spent
each year from the NHS in treating the complications of Type 2 diabetes. Many of the general public
showed key elements of knowledge as to why diabetes is increasing and becoming a big problem in the
western world.
Recommendations: This research study has suggested that there is a lack of knowledge of nondiabetic
individual's as to what diabetes is and how it can affect a persons life, they have knowledge
regarding some areas but not in great detail. A wider study could be beneficial to the researcher to
indicate whether or not it is appropriate to initiate an educational programme.