Diabetes (DM) is a growing pandemic that threatens the health and economic well-being of nations, especially low- and middle-income nations such as Jamaica. Suffering a shortage of health care personnel and a debt at 126% of its gross domestic product, Jamaica is limited in its ability to assist diabetics managing the disease, covering only 50% of the costs of care. Knowing more about how Jamaican diabetics are managing their disease is expected to assist health care providers focus their care and partner with patients for improved outcomes. This study (a completed, approved doctoral dissertation for Walden University) addressed how Jamaican diabetics accessed care and medicines, the psychosocial and economic impact of living with type 2 DM, health beliefs of diabetics, and differences between male and female diabetics. The health belief model was used to frame this hermeneutic phenomenological study to explore the perspectives of 41 adult type 2 diabetics in Kingston and Morant Bay, Jamaica. Participants were recruited from the waiting rooms of clinics of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica in both areas. Verbatim data from in-depth interviews were coded, using NVivo software, and analyzed for themes. Findings indicated most participants had inadequate funds to buy essential uncovered items. Almost all were committed to taking their medications and about keeping medical appointments. Some reported use of natural remedies in addition to prescribed medications. Both male and female participants indicated men were less likely to seek medical care than women. While respondents talked frequently about the need for modification of their diets, only about one third said they engaged in regular exercise. Participants in this study also indicated they did not learn about the disease diabetes until they had symptoms and were diagnosed with diabetes. Almost a quarter of the participants in this study had no worries, fears, or concerns related to having diabetes despite expressing awareness about the potential consequences of the disease. The experience of impotence in seven men and decreased sexual desire in two women were reported and attributed to having diabetes. Concerns about diabetes were mitigated by family support and faith in God in almost every case. The findings, shared with the Ministry of Health and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, have the potential to increase understanding of the effectiveness of current health messaging and help refine future public health communications aimed to decrease the incidence of diabetes, encourage screenings for early detection and prevent secondary complications. 
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MethodResultsDiscussion
Conflict of Interest
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose

Living with diabetes: experiences from Jamaican Diabetes Clinics in Kingston and Morant Bay