The Patient’s Attitude Toward Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, a Qualitative Study

Diabetes is an important health problem through the world. In comprehensive diabetes care, therapists must understand not just the observable behavior but the underlying attitudes which drive that behavior. Health, then sickness, has many aspects, and one of the famous descriptions is guided by WHO. This study aimed to explore dimensions of attitudes in diabetic patients about their disease, attending two medical centers in Tehran (capital of Iran). We conducted the open semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 27 patients. We used new methods for collecting data, reliability, validity, analyzing and ethical approval. We identified eighteen themes in four aspects of attitude: physical, mental, social and spiritual. Based on health promotion idea, we can divide themes in two broad categories: progressive attitude toward the higher level of health care and inhibitors attitude for this. The result of this research can be used in evidence-based education and management programs in comprehensive care of type 2 diabetes mellitus.