Gender differences in the perception of difficulty of self-management in patients with diabetes mellitus: a mixed-methods approach

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the challenges of self-management of diabetes comparing gender. Methods Sixty-four women and 129 men (mean age 63 vs. 60 years) with diabetes mellitus (DM) were interviewed using 12 categories (classification codes b1300, d240, d570, d620, d845, d920, e410 + e414, e420, e425, e465, e560) related to self-care management selected from 99 categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for DM. In a mixed-methods analysis, interviews were analyzed according to the Grounded Theory approach, and gender effects on ICF categories related to self-care management were investigated using logistic models. Results In quantitative data, compared with men, women tended to experience greater difficulty obtaining foods/ingredients for well-balanced meals to maintain appropriate glucose level ( P = 0.004); handling stress and other psychological demands around diabetes treatment ( P = 0.034); and social norms, practices, and ideologies that defined an experience of unpleasant treatment after disclosure of DM diagnosis to close family and friends ( P = 0.023). Qualitative data shows that women perceived prejudice against people with DM from close family, friends, and neighbors. In contrast, men reported excessive media information on diabetes treatment, which induced prejudice by family members and at the workplace. Conclusions Women were more likely to be sensitive to attention from close family and friends, whereas men were more likely to be occupied by work and daily living concerns. Health professionals should pay attention to such gender differences in a patient–professional relationship.