A qualitative study on the barriers and nursing needs of insulin injection among diabetic patients in rural areas

Objective To explore the needs of diabetic patients in rural areas regarding insulin injection and provide a basis for developing a health education program for insulin injection patients in rural areas.

Methods A qualitative research method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 15 diabetic patients in rural areas. Content analysis was employed to organize and analyze the data and to describe the themes.

Results Four themes were identified as barriers to the standardized insulin injection among diabetic patients in rural areas, including inconvenience of carrying insulin, economic pressure, complications caused by insulin injection and negative emotions.Three themes were identified regarding nursing needs, including knowledge and beliefs, skills and abilities, and social support.

Conclusions Diabetic patients in rural areas have insufficient knowledge and skills regarding insulin injection, exhibit negative attitudes, and lack social support. Healthcare providers should attach great importance to this issue and take targeted measures to help patients overcome various barriers, thereby improveing their self-management ability.