Experiences of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Who Recovered From COVID-19 in the Pandemic Period: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection can induce acute and chronic complications by affecting the self-management behaviors of individuals with diabetes. The objective of this study is to examine the physical, psychosocial health, and self-management experiences of type 2 diabetes patients who have recovered from COVID-19, 1 year after the infection. The study adopted a qualitative research design, specifically content analysis. In all, 14 patients with type 2 diabetes who presented to the diabetes outpatient clinic were interviewed by teleconferencing, which lasted approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines were used. Based on the participants' responses, four main themes were determined: obstacles in activities of daily living, feeling of psychosocial problems, changes in health and treatment management, and patient self-management practices. Amid the pandemic, diabetes nurses should strive to recognize the issues that diabetes patients encounter. To assist patients, telemedicine should be leveraged, and evidence-based practices must be developed.