Annals of Medical Research, cilt.31, sa.3, ss.204-210, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
Abstract
Aim: This study was carried out to determine the factors affecting the health and social
lives of individuals with Type I diabetes.
Materials and Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 14 individuals with Type
I diabetes living in Istanbul province. The quantitative data of the study were collected
using a personal information form, and the qualitative data were collected through two
open-ended questions.
Results: Content analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data. The mean age of
the individuals with Type I diabetes was 36.1% (n=14) years. As a result of the content
analysis, two main themes and eight sub-themes were determined. Accordingly, the themes
were negative emotions towards the illness and fear of being unable to maintain health
during the pandemic process.
Conclusion: In this study, individuals with Type I diabetes were found to have negative
thoughts and to experience anxiety and fear about their health due to the COVID-19
pandemic. During the pandemic process, they were particularly affected by the inability
to exercise enough and the deprivation of social life. In line with these results, the study
revealed that the mental and physical needs of individuals with Type I diabetes, which is
a disadvantaged group during the pandemic process. In these cases, it is recommended
to develop teams that will provide support for remote chronic disease monitoring of individuals
with type 1 diabetes, to train health professionals, to provide multidisciplinary
support to individuals by investing in these issues, and to create emergency action plans
that include all elements.