Abstract:
Introduction: Several parts of South Africa, including Limpopo Province, have been
experiencing high temperatures with limited rainfall and desertification. The effects of both cold
and hot temperatures have been noticed with higher susceptibility among People Living with
Diabetes Mellitus (PLDM). The heat weakens their thermoregulatory and orthostatic responses
because they respond to high temperatures. During cold periods the apparent loss of efferent
vasomotor control during diabetes neuropathy was particularly evident.
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to develop and implement the coping
strategies for PLDM to adapt to changing temperatures at the health care centres of Limpopo
Province.
Methods: A mixed method exploratory sequential research design was used, which is
collecting and analyzing qualitative data, based on qualitative results. A questionnaire was
developed for qualitative data collection. The study population consisted of all PLDM for more
than a year who come for treatment at the health care centres of Limpopo Province. Purposive
sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to select 185 participants for the
research study. Data were analyzed by Tesch’s open-coding method and the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25) with the assistance of the university
Biostatistician.
Results: PLDM experiences many challenges with regard to the impact of changing
temperatures. PLDM have expressed different coping strategies to adopt to changing
temperatures, perceived learning needs on coping strategies during changing temperatures,
and the description of available services to address challenges related to changing
temperatures.
Conclusion: To assist PLDM to adapt to changing temperatures, ongoing implementation of
coping strategies should be instituted. The Limpopo Province Department of Health has to offer
scheduled continuous in-service training sessions about the impact of changing temperatures
on PLDM for all categories of nurses.
