How Families Influence Self-Management Among the Role of Family to Patients With Type 2 Diabetes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

AIM: To explore how families influence self-management among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative and mixed-methods studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregative approach.

DATA SOURCES: We conducted a comprehensive search across 10 databases: Pubmed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Sinomed from inception to April 2025.

REVIEW

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative and mixed-methods studies was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregative approach.

RESULTS

Families influenced self-management via two pathways: family status (habits, coping, economy) and family participation (reasons for involvement, facilitators, barriers). Diabetes reshaped roles, relationships and finances. Supportive behaviours (companionship, encouragement, healthy lifestyles) promoted management, while control, conflict and burden hindered it.

CONCLUSION

Families exert dual effects on T2DM self-management, which depend on support style and family dynamics.

IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should engage families in diabetes education, build communication and caregiving skills and design culturally sensitive, economically supportive interventions.

IMPACT: Findings highlight the dual role of families in diabetes care, informing practice and policy for patients, caregivers and educators in family-oriented contexts.

REPORTING METHOD: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This systematic review does not need patient or public contribution.