Lived Experiences of Coping With Type1 Diabetes Among Palestinian Youth: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Type 1diabetesmellitus(T1DM)inadolescentsrequirescontinuousself-careandemotionaladjustment.Palestinian youth withT1DMfaceuniquechallengeswithinthecontextoftheWestBankhealthcaresystem,wherepoliticalinstability, resource limitations,andculturalfactorscreateadditionalbarrierstooptimaldiabetesmanagement.Theseyouthexperience heightened socialstigma,culturaldietarypressures,andrestrictedaccesstospecializedhealthcareservices. Aim: To explorethelivedexperiences,challenges,andcopingstrategiesofPalestinianyouthwithT1DMintheWestBank. Methods: ThisqualitativecontentanalysisstudywasconductedfromMay–June2025.EighteenPalestinianadolescents (12–18years)withT1DMwererecruitedthroughpurposivesamplingfromWestBankdiabetesclinics.Participantswereapproached directlyatclinicsbytrainedresearcherswhoexplainedthestudy’s voluntarynatureandensuredunderstandingthatparticipation wouldnotaffectclinicalcare.Forminorsunder16,guardianswerepresentduringconsent,andallparticipantsprovidedappropriate consent/assent.Datawerecollectedviasemi-structuredinterviews(45–90min)andanalyzedusingconventionalcontentanalysis methods.Credibilitywasestablishedthroughprolongedengagement,peerdebriefing,andmembercheckingwith five participants. Results: Four mainthemesemergedfromtheanalysis:challengesfromsocialandculturalpressures,includingstigmaanddietary expectations; relianceonsupportsystemsinvolvingfamily,peers,andhealthcareaccess;emotionalandspiritualcopingthrough resilience, anxietymanagement,andfaith-basedstrategies;dailyself-managementfocusedoninsulinroutinesandfoodplanning. Participants describedsignificant barriers,includinglimitedhealthcareresources,medicationshortages,culturalfoodpressures during religiousfastingperiods,andsocialmisunderstandingsaboutdiabetes.Despitethesechallenges,manydemonstrated remarkable resiliencethroughfamilysupport,religiouscoping,andadaptiveself-careroutines. Conclusion: Palestinian adolescentswithT1DMnavigatecomplexchallengesthatextendbeyondmedicalmanagementtoinclude cultural, social, and political barriers. Their coping strategies are deeply embedded in family support systems and religious faith. The findings high light the critical need for culturally responsive, family-entered diabetes care that addresses both medical and psychosocial needs while considering the unique context of life in the West Bank.