PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF IMPLANTABLE INSULIN PUMP THERAPY IN DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS (MELLITUS, MULTIDIMENSIONAL HEALTH LOCUS OF CONTROL, BELIEF MODEL).
Contributors: University of Texas at Austin.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 360
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The psychosocial aspects of implantable insulin pump therapy were examined in this descriptive study. Data on the following areas were collected through the use of a semistructured interview: the perception of diabetes mellitus, the decision to receive an implantable insulin pump, individual adaptation to the pump, positive and negative aspects of having the pump, the impact of the implantable insulin pump on the individual's lifestyle, and the effect of the pump on social activities and family life. Data were also collected on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) of the implantable insulin pump recipients, as well as their perception of health as measured by the Health Perceptions Questionnaire, Form II (HPQ-II).

Twenty-three subjects from three research centers in the United States and Europe were interviewed. The results of the interviews revealed that the subjects generally perceived diabetes mellitus as having a minimal effect on their lives. Their concerns centered on the long-term complications of the disease.

The decision to receive an implantable insulin pump and the subsequent response to having the pump were discussed within the context of the Health Belief Model. Subjects wanted an implantable insulin pump in order to achieve better glycemic control.

Subjects adapted to the implantable insulin pump with minimal psychosocial difficulties. Subjects perceived the pump as having a positive impact on their lives, allowing them more freedom. The major negative aspect of having an implantable insulin pump was the inconvenience of frequent clinic appointments.

The implantable insulin pump had little effect on subjects' sexual activity. Relationships with family members or fellow workers were perceived as unchanged since having the implantable insulin pump.

All willing subjects (n = 58) from the three research sites completed the MHLC scales. Thirty-four subjects (59%) scored high on both the Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC) scale and the Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC) scale. These findings were consistent with other chronically ill populations.

Sixty-one subjects from the three research sites completed the HPQ-II. Results indicated that subjects were reluctant to let illness be a part of their lives. Overall the findings indicated a relatively positive perception of health.

The findings of this study provided a general description of implantable insulin pump recipients and their experiences with the pump. The significance of the research is in its contribution to the understanding of the biopsychosocial individual who is the recipient of implantable insulin pump therapy.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-06, Section: B, page: 2375.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, 1986.

School code: 0227.