Body perception and self-care in subjects with diabetes mellitus 2: A phenomenological approach

Abstract

This is a qualitative research that aimed to analyze the perception of the body and self-care in subjects affected by diabetes mellitus 2. Ten participants were interviewed, assisted by a Family Health Strategy located in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. As a methodological resource, semi-structured interviews were used; the data were analyzed through thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin. As a theoretical matrix, the phenomenological perspective of Merleau-Ponty was used. The analysis of the narratives made it possible to create two categories: 1) body wit: facing the unexpected; 2) assumed body: learning to live with the disease. The interpretation of the data revealed that the subjects showed attitudes of surprise, feeling sad, not accepting the changes in the body, but also conforming to the diagnosis. The subjects went through dietary difficulties and medication management until they assumed the body altered by the incorporation of new habits. In conclusion, it is noteworthy that only with the alignment of the habitual body to the current body, by incorporating treatment procedures, does the attitude of self-care begin to be part of everyday life.