THE EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES ABOUT BARRIERS TO WALKING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: The chronicity of diabetes and its potential complications require the identification of easy and uncomplicated solutions to prevent its complications. One of these measures such as walking. Simple walking is a great sportthat does not require any special means and can be incorporated into the daily lives of people with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explain the experiences of women with type 2 diabetes about barriers to walking Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using directed content analysis. For this purpose, 17 women aged 30-60 years with type 2 diabetes, selected by purposive sampling, were interviewed using semi-structured individual interviews and group interviews at the Diabetes Center of Kerman from December 2017 to September 2018. The interviews were conducted according to an interview manual, and data analysis was conducted by the Lundman and Graneheim method.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 46.94 ± 8.2 years. Twelve subcategories, i.e., having physical problems, problems due to blood sugar imbalance, busy life, having a personal vehicle, lack of time, lack of patience, lack of proper facilities, lack of interest and tendency, lack of family support, Lack of safe and suitable environment, laziness, and bad weather, were reportedly drawn as the most important barriers to walking in diabetic women.

Conclusion: Identifying barriers to walking that is an easy and convenient physical exercise for women with type 2 diabetes can be effective in removing the barriers facing patients and empowering them to conduct effective walking.