Diabetic patient experiences of public and government messaging and help-seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on the global population, impacting on both mental and physical health. Despite the increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, there is a paucity of research exploring the experiences of individuals with underlying health conditions during the pandemic, particularly in relation to government messaging and its impact on help-seeking behaviours. This thesis seeks to address these gaps by focusing on the experiences of people living with Type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

Informed by a critical realist epistemology, this qualitative study employs semistructured interviews with 13 participants to explore how government and public health messaging was experienced and the resultant impact on help-seeking behaviours. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: 'Diabetes Identity,' 'Becoming [In]visible' and 'Going it Alone.'

Participants reported experiences of stigmatisation and feelings of shame as a consequence of messaging, along with the psychological impact of losing both social and healthcare support. They also described challenges in grappling with being positioned as 'vulnerable' and the poor differentiation with the use of this label, as well as issues around self-disclosure and a renegotiation of their relationship with their diabetes.

Recommendations for further research and improvements to government policy and guidelines are provided to better address the importance of considering the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with pre-existing health conditions, as well as the need for more inclusive and sensitive public health messaging to minimise stigmatisation and promote help-seeking behaviours.