Diabetes Control Experiences Among the Syrian Females; A Qualitative Research

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of the Syrian type 2 diabetic females and the way they control it. A qualitative design based on the content analysis approach was used to collect data and analyze the females'' experiences with type 2 diabetes. Semi-structured interviews carried out with 12 females who had visited the Diabetic Center in Lattakia from March to December 2011. Seven major themes emerged out of the study as strategies for diabetes control: responsibility taking, illness confirmation, acquiring diabetes knowledge, self-care, socio-family support, hopefulness and religious beliefs. The findings of the study can be used to empower Syrian diabetic population and can provide nurses and other health professionals with more profound understanding of how the Syrian with diabetes view their lives and their sources of strength.