NC Arts for Health Training Institute 2003 - Using Qualitative Software - Handout: Sample Interview for Diabetes Study

Using Qualitative Software
Presented by
Colleen Dillon, MPH, PhD Candidate University of Washington-School of Public Health

Handout: Sample Interview for Diabetes Study

Interviewer: Colleen Dillon
3/28/02
Service Provider

I: What are some of the barriers that you observe when working with students?

R: There are quite a lot. We are seeing more of Type II diabetes. Type II is hard to control and is directly related to what they eat. Also exercise helps maintain blood glucose levels. Some do not understand how to exercise properly. It is either not enough exercise or not the right kind.

Finance is a big consideration. Supplies and medication are expensive. Some won’t test in order to save money. Tests are important.

Emotionally there are considerations. Some people won’t want people to know they have diabetes, even roommates. There are safety issues with this. If a person goes into DKA in the middle of the night, they might not be able to communicate to their roommate if they need help. The roommate needs to know what to do.

Drinking can be a problem, because drinking can lower blood sugar. Peer pressure is an issue. Some try to limit how much they drink, while others will adjust their insulin around how they drink. This can be dangerous because you never know what the right level is. This is a college campus and drinking happens on a college campus. It is important for them to know how to drink safely.

I: What can the University do to help with finance barriers?

R: There is a crisis fund. It would be nice if students with chronic illnesses could have a fund that would pay for medical expenses.

I: What can the University do to help with the emotional considerations?

R: There is not much. It is really internal, but the professors can help. When meetings go long, professors should allow for opportunities for more breaks.

I: What are some improvements that can be made at the food court?

R: Considering serving sizes. What is in it? The FDA posts a lot of ingredients of foods on the web. So it would not be hard for the school to post these. Otherwise students have to guess how much insulin to give themselves. It is hard to know if it is enough.