Self-Management Social Support in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Concept Analysis

Aims. The aim of this concept analysis was to clarify the conceptual characteristics, antecedents, consequences, definition, and proper use of self-management social support in the context of type 2 diabetes. Background. Self-management social support has been found to be positively correlated with improved patient outcomes and a reduced occurrence of type 2 diabetes complications. In the context of type 2 diabetes, there is no uniform definition of the concept of self-management social support. In addition, the attributes of the concept and the antecedents, as well as the outcome consequences, should be identified. Design. A concept analysis. Methods. Walker and Avant’s (2019) framework for concept analysis. Results. Self-management social support could be defined as the presence of a supportive social network that exhibits supportive reinforcing behaviors that could facilitate positive behavioral change and promote disease self-management that leads to improved biobehavioral and psychosocial outcomes for patients. Conclusions. The findings suggest that self-management social support promotes self-efficacy, self-competence, and self-confidence in the self-management of type 2 diabetes. Patient characteristics, attributes of social support sources, patient-caregiver relationships, and disease severity should be taken into consideration when studying the relationship between social support and patients’ outcomes. Effective social support will lead to improvements in the biological, psychological, and social well-being of type 2 diabetes patients. Self-management social support should be preceded by the formulation of a supportive network that provides patients with active reinforcement. Implications. Self-management social support can promote self-efficacy, self-competence, and self-confidence in the self-management of type 2 diabetes and thereby improve health outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients.