People with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and other
metabolic abnormalities such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle choices of
physical inactivity and diets high in fat and refined carbohydrates are significant
contributory factors for obesity and diabetes in people living with schizophrenia, but
there is a growing body of research and interest into the additive factor of psychotropic
medications on weight gain and diabetes risk. The incidence of diabetes and the
morbidity and mortality rates are reported to be approximately 2 to 3 times higher in the
population with schizophrenia compared to the general population. This increased
vulnerability for health complications is reflected in the profound challenges that are
experienced in the population with schizophrenia.
My aim for this qualitative research inquiry has been to place into questioning the
encounter with diabetes mellitus for people living with schizophrenia. I entered into
dialogue with seven participants to explore new possibilities of understanding that
emerged between the understandings that we each bring to the conversations. It was also
my intent to bring into flux the assumptions of living with two interrelated chronic
iv
conditions and to increase the understanding of that experience through a reflexive
process that illuminates that which may be hidden or obscured.
I approached this inquiry mainly drawing on Gadamerian hermeneutics; the main
task being the study of ‘texts’ that give evidence to what being human means and the
analysis of how different interpretations and understandings are variable depending on
their cultural and historical contexts. I expect this work to contribute to the generation of
a richer understanding of these co-existing conditions and to create an opportunity and
desire for ethical action in diabetes prevention and management for this high-risk
population.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uvic.ca/oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/1381 |
| Date | 28 April 2009 |
| Creators | Morrell, James |
| Contributors | McDonald, Carol, McIntyre, Marjorie |
| Source Sets | University of Victoria |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Available to the World Wide Web |
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