How psychological profiles, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours about the knowledge of the disease, its possible complications, treatment and therapies affect the management of diabetes in the elderly?

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

Declaration

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

The current study is an extensive research on the topic dealing with the way the perception, knowledge, attitude and treatment affects the diabetes in elderly people. The research study has been performed by applying the qualitative and survey research method. Through a brief survey questionnaire and a comprehensive qualitative research, the views of general population regarding the diabetes have been assessed. The analysis and discussion section of the dissertation discusses the views of the sample and through qualitative research; it establishes a conclusion for the study.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Problem Statement2

Aims and Objectives3

Research Question3

Electronic Database Searches4

Learning Process4

Theoretical Frame work5

Chapter I: Introduction5

Chapter II: Review of Literature5

Chapter III: Methodology5

Chapter IV: Critical Analysis and Discussion6

Chapter V: Conclusion6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

Diabetes Mellitus7

Diabetes Knowledge8

Attitudes and Behaviours9

Complications10

Diabetes Self-Management11

Lifestyle Modification11

Medication11

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose12

Summary12

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY14

Research Strategy/Design14

Data Collection15

Sample15

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION16

Analysis16

Discussion20

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION23

Overview of the Chapters23

Recommendations24

REFERENCES26

APPENDIX29

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The current study deals with the concept of diabetes management in the elderly people. It elaborates upon the psychological profiles, perceptions, attitudes, treatment and therapies which affect the management of diabetes in the population segment belonging to older age group. This chapter gives a description of the background, aims, objectives and chapter layout on which the entire dissertation is based.

Background of the Study

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced (Harris, Wyoskci, et al., 2000, pp. 1301). This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). Diabetes mellitus is one of the major causes of disease morbidity and mortality in the United Kingdom and throughout the world (Karter, Andrew, 2001, pp. 1).

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. There is no known cure. Diabetes affects every organ system of the body and can negatively affect one's quality of life. In 1985 an estimated 30 million people worldwide had diabetes. In a little over ten years that number has risen to 150 million people (Diabetes Atlas, 2000). The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that diabetes has reached epidemic proportions with the number of people having diabetes anticipated to reach 300 million by 2025. It is one of the most prevalent diseases in adults in ...