Social Representations of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients in Cuautla, Mexico

Abstract

Objective.
The research aims to identify and describe the social representations of living with type 2 diabetes
mellitus in beneficiaries of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in the city of Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico
Method.
A qualitative methodology was used taking the theory of social representations as an interpretative
framework, we used a semi-structured interview as a data collecting technique; for the analysis we followed
an open coding and axial process. Ten beneficiaries (nine women and one man) with an age range from 30 to
60 years old from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social participated.
Each phase was highlighted as part
of the process an ethical care and respect for human dignity.
Results.
Among the main results, we were able
to identify concepts based on the representation extracted from the participants’ discourse that manifests a
structure of hierarchical links that emerge from the condition of patients associated with Diabetes as a disease,
its control and medical care.
Conclusion.
The constructed representation from the patient’s proclamation
colligates the disease as a negative element in the patient’s lifestyle and daily practices.