SELF-CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: NEW RECRUITS TO THE CHRONIC DISEASE PROGRAM IN TEMOAYA, MÉXICO

Abstract

The subjects of study were ten older adults averaging 63 years of age from the San Pedro Arriba health Unit in the Municipality of Temoaya. The health Unit is the location for patient teaching however the reality is that the older adults do not to apply what they learned in the training. The objective of the study was to describe the self-care activities of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus registered in the chronic disease program. A qualitative research methodology, ethnography with narrative analysis which differs from other types of ethnographic inquiry, was used. Data were gathered using in-depth interviews. The data were recorded with emphasis on descriptions of daily life and challenging situations that gave meaning to life of patients at the rural health center. The actions that the older adults carry out are: exercise, mouth care, diet, monitoring and care of their low extremities. Findings show that an important set of values, beliefs, traditions, symbols, language and social organization exist for members of this group of older adults.