ABSTRACT
Communication of risk is not solely the transfer of information; it is an interaction and exchange of ideas between concerned individuals. Health care provider communication about type 2 diabetes risk status may influence individual participation in behaviours that prevent or delay the disease, which is concerning from a public health perspective. The term prediabetes is used to convey risk status and little is known about how health care providers view or use the term. In this article, we describe health care provider use and perceptions of the term prediabetes drawing on data from a survey conducted between August and November 2011 of 15 health care providers practicing in Southeast Wyoming and Northern Colorado USA. We used a grounded theory research design to guide data collection and analysis and in the interviews invited providers to describe their use and perception of the term prediabetes. We found that providers use of the term 'prediabetes' depended on their view of the term's meaning (such as, whether patients were likely to understand or be confused by it) and impact (in terms of motivating patients to mitigate risk). We found there were differences in providers' perceptions of the negative and positive associations of the term and this influenced whether or not they used it. These findings are not surprising given the lack of consensus over definitions and diagnosis criteria for prediabetes. Given this this lack of agreement, there are difficulties about the use of the term prediabetes and its use should take place within effective risk communication. Health care providers must consider essential aspects of risk communication in order to enable individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes to mitigate the risk and by doing so reduce incidence and prevalence rates of the disease.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the current study was to describe health care providers' perceptions as to why individuals may or may not follow recommendations for reducing risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A grounded theory research design guided data collection and analysis. Data were collected from 16 health care providers through semi-structured interviews. Results demonstrated that health care providers perceived prevention adherence as related to individual characteristics of the patient and activities of the provider. Specifically, providers described assessment of patient-based characteristics associated with behavior, context, and traits. In addition, providers discussed giving attention to the patient-provider relationship and helping the patient incorporate small lifestyle changes. Providers might utilize social cognitive theory to understand personal and socio-structural aspects of adherence. In addition, providers should focus assessment and relationship building efforts on factors that support self-efficacy.
