Characterizing facilitators and barriers to Hypoglycemic Confidence among patients with diabetes: a qualitative descriptive study

AimTo explore the experiences of Hypoglycemic Confidence among Chinese adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes and identify contextual facilitators and barriers affecting its development and sustainability.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes from the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital in Eastern China. Inductive content analysis of the transcribed data was guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) direct behavioral experience; (2) vicarious observation and learning experiences; (3) verbal persuasion and external support; (4) physiological and emotional arousal.ConclusionHealthcare professionals should pay more attention to Hypoglycemic Confidence in patients with diabetes and call for social support and safety nets, thereby facilitating psychological care, enhancing knowledge provision, and acknowledging the psychosocial comforting role of culture. These strategies may have positive implications for optimizing patient-centered diabetes care and improving the health and well-being of patients in the long term.