The Lived Experience of Native Americans with Diabetes within a Transcultural Nursing Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to advance transcultural nursing knowledge based on the lived experiences of Native Americans with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The phenomenological qualitative research method was used to discover Native Americans lived experiences. Data was gathered in rural Oklahoma through non-structured interviews and clinical observations of Native Americans with NIDDM. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes and patterns of similar statements among informants. Six major thematic categories were identified: reactions to NIDDM, responses to loss of health, identification with others, fear associated with the disease process, peace related to the diagnosis of NIDDM, and grieving associated with the diagnosis of NIDDM. The informants' experiences were reconstructed into transformed meanings that characterized the life world of Native Americans with NIDDM.