Experiences of people with prediabetes in a self-compassion and physical activity intervention: a qualitative study using participatory theme elicitation
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Date
2024-07-30
Authors
Kullman, Sasha
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Abstract
Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition that impacts almost one in 10 people in Canada. Prediabetes signifies high T2D risk and is a call to action for risk-reducing behaviours like physical activity. Difficult emotions, stigma, and lack of support can prevent people with prediabetes from getting active. Self-compassion is a kind and protective approach taken towards oneself that should help people cope with prediabetes. The MOVE IT Study is a group-based intervention that teaches people with prediabetes self-compassion and physical activity behaviour-change strategies. Research is needed to explore how MOVE IT Study participants used self-compassion to improve their physical activity. Participatory Theme Elicitation (PTE) is a method of analyzing qualitative data alongside people with lived experience that should be useful for the present study.
Aims: (1) To qualitatively explore how participants in the MOVE IT Study used self-compassion to cope with prediabetes and improve their health. (2) To evaluate the acceptability and usefulness of PTE as a co-analysis technique.
Methods: A critical realist lens and the principles of patient engagement framed this research. Fourteen MOVE IT Study intervention sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed, representing N = 14 participants (Mage = 54 years, SDage = 7 years; 100% women). Transcripts were subjected to PTE alongside five co-researchers who had previously completed the MOVE IT Study (Age range = 51-74 years, 100% women, 40% White, 40% Indigenous, 20% Filipino). PTE was evaluated using the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool and a group interview with co-researchers.
Results: Six themes were generated from the data representing a “prototypical” participant’s journey of learning self-compassion and becoming more physically active through the MOVE IT Study. Cutting across these themes, participants in the MOVE IT Study used self-compassion to identify opportunities for growth, cope with physical activity setbacks and support their mental health, take action to protect their physical health, and support long-term lifestyle change.
Conclusions: Self-compassion training is relevant and useful to people with prediabetes who are seeking to become more active. PTE was a practical, highly acceptable method of co-analysis that produced meaningful results and should be used in future research.
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Keywords
health promotion, exercise, self-care, participatory research, patient engagement