Understanding Lived Experiences of Digital Health Education for Self-Management Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
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Abstract
Digital self-management education has become an increasingly important component of chronic disease care, particularly in promoting patient autonomy and long-term behavioral change. While the effectiveness of these digital interventions is well documented through quantitative metrics, little is known about how patients with type 2 diabetes experience and interpret such education in their daily lives. This study addresses the gap by asking: How do patients with type 2 diabetes perceive and make meaning of digital health education for self-management? Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this study explores the lived experiences of patients engaging with digital education platforms and reveals how they emotionally and cognitively respond to such interventions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants and systematically analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The analysis process involved iterative coding, theme development, and cross-case comparison to ensure rigor and depth of interpretation. The analysis uncovered four major themes: reclaiming control through digital engagement, learning beyond the clinic, emotional resonance and peer connection, and barriers of trust and technological fatigue. These themes illustrate that digital education is not only an informational tool but also an emotionally embedded and socially contextualized experience. The findings underscore the significance of digital health education in fostering patient empowerment, enhancing self-reflection, and supporting sustained lifestyle adaptation, while also revealing critical challenges that need to be addressed in design and implementation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of patient-centered health education and calls for more culturally sensitive and narrative-driven digital interventions. Future research should expand across more diverse populations to explore how these experiences vary and evolve over time.
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