Phenomenological Insights into Rural Patients’ Experiences of Nutrition Education in Type 2 Diabetes Management
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Abstract
Type 2 diabetes remains a major global health challenge with cultural and social dimensions, especially in rural communities. While nutrition education programs aim to promote healthier behaviors, little is known about how rural patients interpret and internalize these initiatives. This study addresses the gap in understanding how patients negotiate lifestyle changes and construct meaning around community-based diabetes education in resource-limited settings. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with rural patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Analysis revealed three key themes: cultural resistance to dietary changes, the dual role of social networks as support and barrier, and the redefinition of health practices as acts of resilience and family care. These findings emphasize that patients’ engagement with nutrition education is shaped by cultural identity and social context. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, community-grounded strategies that empower patients to translate medical advice into meaningful daily practices.
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