A qualitative study to explore the perception of patients towards diet in Javanese culture

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to explore the patient's perceptions about dietary control from Javanese type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Method

This study used qualitative design. The researchers conducted a Focus Group Discussion Session (FGD) in primary health care. The FGD was used to get answers about participants’ diet in Javanese culture, including challenges and their actions to control blood glucose.

Results

Fourteen DM type 2 patients’ age were 18–70 years old with Javanese culture experienced dissection. Participants were mostly female (n: 9), and all were Javanese (n: 14). When the researchers asked some participants about food control, they explained that food served when visiting people's houses could not be refused, including fried food. Some patients had a culture of having to eat all the food served.

Conclusion

People with DM type 2 have the perception that to respect the host, they must eat the food served.