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Perceptions of diabetic/hypertensive patients and primary healthcare providers regarding disease management (San José, Costa Rica ‐ Chiapas, México)
Author(s) -
Alvarado Nadia,
Dengo A. Laura,
López Erika,
Castro Maricruz,
Peña Liz,
Beausset Indira,
Martínez Homero,
Murillo Sandra
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.827.5
Subject(s) - feeling , medicine , disease , intervention (counseling) , focus group , isolation (microbiology) , family medicine , nursing , perception , primary care , health care , gerontology , psychology , neuroscience , social psychology , marketing , economics , microbiology and biotechnology , business , biology , economic growth
Objective To understand why patients have difficulty managing chronic diseases, we studied the perceptions of type 2 diabetic/hypertensive (DM2/HTN) patients and health personnel regarding services offered at primary healthcare (PHC) centers. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted with patients (10 groups, total n=76) and PHC staff (4 groups, total n=25) from 4 urban communities (San José=2; Chiapas=2). We focused on: perceived knowledge and attitudes about disease, self‐care practices, PHC quality, and communication issues. Results Patients affirmed that having DM2 and HTN is a physical, financial and emotional burden both to them and their families. Family members were not perceived as supportive, resulting in feelings of isolation. Genetics was considered the main risk factor for DM2, above modifiable lifestyle factors. Most patients stated not knowing how to manage their DM2/HTN. Patients and staff lacked nutritional education; however, they acknowledged the role of nutrition in disease management. PHC staff should encourage more proactive self‐care skills but did not feel prepared to deal with patients’ attitudinal and know‐how issues. Conclusions These results will be used to tailor an intervention to strengthen patient‐staff communication, facilitate a bi‐directional learning process, and empower patients to take control of their health. Funding: NHLBI‐HHSN 268200900028C