Family caregivers of people with diabetes mellitus: care concepts

Abstract

This study aims to identify the concepts of care that relatives of people with Diabetes mellitus have, considering the demands faced by the diabetic patient and their family at home. It is a qualitative and descriptive study, which was carried out in three cities of the State of Parana (Bandeirantes, Campina da Lagoa and Enéas Marques), in September, 2006. The participants were individuals identified by the patients as their informal caregivers. A total of nine individuals participated. The study followed the ethical principles established by the resolution 196/96 of the National Health Council. The content analysis technique was used for processing the data. Thus, two categories were noticed: (1) living with Diabetes mellitus at home; and (2) the process of care and the family relationship. First, the study describes how the family caregiver sees the care rendered to the person with Diabetes mellitus and second, it describes the family experiences regarding the daily difficulties in controlling the disease. This study contributes for a better understanding of behavioral and emotional features that should be taken into account when planning health actions to grant full assistance to such population.