Chronic Illness
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2014, Pages 107-121

Illness perceptions in Turkish migrants with diabetes: A qualitative study (Article)

Yilmaz-Aslan Y.* , Brzoska P. , Bluhm M. , Aslan A. , Razum O.
  • a Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
  • b Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
  • c Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
  • d School of Health, Agri Ibrahim Çecen University, Agri, Turkey
  • e Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany

Abstract

Objectives: Illness perceptions are usually conceptualized using the self-regulatory model of illness. Although a few examinations of illness perceptions among Turkish language populations exist, the validity of the self-regulatory model of illness has never been confirmed for this population group. The aim of our study was to explore the validity of the self-regulatory model of illness in chronically ill Turkish migrants residing in Germany using diabetes mellitus type 2 as an example. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Turkish migrants with self-reported diabetes who were recruited through key persons. The core aspects of the qualitative data were extracted through a hermeneutic approach. Subsequently, a system of categories and sub-categories was developed by means of content analysis. Results: Seven distinct core dimensions of illness perceptions, each with a different number of sub-domains, could be identified in the sample. They comprised the perceived timeline of diabetes, its consequences, its causes, its controllability as well as the identity/coherence and the emotional response with respect to the condition. Discussion: As regards the conceptualization of illness perceptions, the dimensions identified are in line with the self-regulatory model of illness. Addressing illness perceptions through tailored interventions may contribute to improving health care and health outcomes in Turkish migrants. © The Author(s) 2013.

Author Keywords

illness perceptions diabetes mellitus type 2 qualitative Turkish migrants

Index Keywords

perception Germany educational status social psychology non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus sex ratio Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 human epidemiology social isolation middle aged population group Self Report causal attribution health status Aged self regulation model disease perception chronic patient illness behavior ethnology qualitative research disease duration Humans migrant psychology male Emigrants and Immigrants semi structured interview female clinical article self concept Turk (people) Article emotion adult content analysis Turkey age distribution attitude to health social behavior
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84900406533&doi=10.1177%2f1742395313501207&partnerID=40&md5=a0c9ffdbc2c7a6f3b651a91d5ce5e90a
DOI: 10.1177/1742395313501207
ISSN: 17423953
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English