Experiences and cultural beliefs of patients with diabetes: Lessons for nursing practice, education and policy

Background: In Ghana, traditional management and care of patients with diabetes is concentrated on the physiological needs of patients to the detriment of psychosocial factors and cultural beliefs impacting the condition. Objectives: This paper explores the impact of cultural practices and beliefs on the experiences of Ghanaian patients newly diagnosed with diabetes, and the implications for health care professionals providing diabetes care within Ghanaian health care settings. Method: The exploratory descriptive to qualitative approach was employed whereby 27 patients, newly diagnosed with diabetes, accessed via the diabetes clinic provided a convenience sample. Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings: Four major themes were identified: (1) participants’ insight into diabetes mellitus (2) shared meanings attached to diabetes (3) coming to terms with a diagnosis of diabetes and (4) in search of treatment and ‘cure’. Conclusion: A model of care, which recognizes and prioritizes the psychosocial determinants of health alongside the medical aspects of the condition is thought to be beneficial to patients, to healthcare professionals, nurse educators, and to the Ghanaian public.