Using 17th Century Medication for Modern Diabetes Management: Doctors’ Perceptions of Self-medication Practices – a Qualitative Study

Abstract Background: Self-medication practices are common among people living with type 2 diabetes. No studies conducted to understand doctors’ perception towards self-medication practices.Aim: To explore doctors’ perceptions and understanding of the self-medication practices of people living with type 2 diabetes in southwestern India. Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with doctors experienced in treating patients with type 2 diabetes in Mysuru, India, between July 2019 and January 2020. The interviews explored factors affecting self-medication practices among people living with type 2 diabetes and doctors’ perception on western and traditional medications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. All the interviews were audio-recorded and thematic analysis was performed inductively. Results: Twenty doctors were interviewed. Doctors reported greater belief in western medications over traditional medications and expressed concern that their patients favoured traditional medications over western. Factors such as social media, accessibility of healthcare facilities and pill burden influenced adherence to western medications. Lack of knowledge about traditional medications and trust in western medications available under government schemes were observed among doctors. Common medication prescription strategies implemented by doctors to overcome challenges of self-medication practices included educating patients on the detrimental effects of self-medication and insisting patients only take western medications when desired blood glucose levels were not observed.Conclusion: The results suggest that multi-prong approach involving all levels of healthcare is needed to overcome the challenges of self-medication practices. Given the contrasting beliefs between doctors and patients, future studies should explore the impact of integrative medicine on health outcomes diabetes people.