Social Representations of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Concerning Care Provided by Health Workers

Abstract

This study identifies the social representations of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus concerning the care provided by health care providers. This descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach is based on the Social Representations Theory according to Moscovici and Jodelet. A total of 14 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were interviewed through a semi-structured script in a Brazilian primary health care service in 2009. The interview script addressed personal data and information related to care provided by health care providers. Thematic content analysis was used in data analysis. It was identified two prominent thematic categories in the social representation of diabetes care: Disbelief in care provided by health workers, and Belief in efficacy of care provided by health profissionals. The social representation of care suggests care is detached from the population’s psychological, cultural and social context. Therefore, a mismatch between the approach of health care providers and the patients’ needs is observed, which may result in interventions with low problem-solving capacity.