The social determinants of health for people with type 1 diabetes that progress to end-stage renal disease

Kathleen Hill, Jonathan Gleadle, Mariastella Pulvirenti, Darlene McNaughton

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    20 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: Self-management of type 1 diabetes over a lifetime is complex and challenging even in the best of circumstances, and the social environment can be a powerful determinant of health behaviours and outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify how social determinants of health can impact on the capacity of young people to manage their glycaemic control. Methods: The findings emerged from a constructivist grounded theory approach through an in-depth examination of life course events that were recounted through qualitative interviews. The rich descriptive detail obtained from this enquiry locates common experiences and the context in which concordance with therapies occurs and health behaviours develop. Results: This qualitative study of young people with type 1 diabetes who have developed end-stage renal disease demonstrates that there are many factors beyond individual control that can contribute to health outcomes. The social determinants of childhood environment, education, socio-economic status, gender and the culture of public health can contribute to disengagement from treatment regimens and the health-care system and to the development of microvascular complications at a comparatively young age. Conclusion: These findings challenge the assumptions of health-care practitioners about individual responsibility and highlight the importance of considering how social determinants can shape lives, behaviours and health.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2513-2521
    Number of pages9
    JournalHealth Expectations
    Volume18
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2015

    Keywords

    • End-stage renal disease
    • Social determinant
    • Type 1 diabetes mellitus

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