Emergence of a butterfly: the life experiences of type 1 diabetes Taiwanese patients during the 16–25 years old transition period

Yueh Tao Chiang*, Hsing Yi Yu, Fu Sung Lo, Chi Wen Chen, Tzu Ting Huang, Chi Wen Chang, Philip Moons

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the life experiences of patients with type 1 diabetes transition from adolescence into adulthood in Taiwan. Methods: Descriptive phenomenological design was used. Fourteen participants were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Results: The life experiences of patients with type 1 diabetes transition from adolescence into adulthood experience a metamorphosis from awareness of responsibility to figuring out a way to care for themselves. Six themes emerged: (1) hibernation: awareness of responsibility; (2) emergence: attempts to take responsibility; (3) perseverance: encountering difficulties; (4) anxiety: multiple worries; (5) hesitation: back-and-forth,” and (6) exit: finding a way out.” Conclusions: During the transition phase, the participants experienced the trials of various situations. Regardless of whether they are able to independently bear the responsibilities of self-management, they all hope to turn around the challenges of disease control and take ownership of their disease. Like a butterfly that emerges from a cocoon, they hoped to overcome the dangers of taking flight through trial and error and navigating the world. The results of this study can serve as a reference for clinical care and developing localized intervention strategies targeted to the transition period between adolescence and young adulthood.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1748362
JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • Type1 diabetes
  • life experiences
  • transition; adolescent; young adults; nursing; qualitative

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