The role of family in supporting adherence to diabetes self‐care management practices: an umbrella review

Aims Synthesize a review of reviews of the family's role in supporting adherence to diabetes self-care management practices (DSMP) for adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2).

Design An umbrella review.

Data sources Scopus, Web of Science including MEDLINE, CINAHL via EBSCO, PubMed and Science Direct were searched for systematic reviews from their year of establishment until June 2021.

Review methods The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for umbrella reviews. The JBI data extraction form for systematic reviews and research syntheses was used for data extraction. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic reviews and Research Syntheses.

Results Nineteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. The key findings were summarized using a narrative and thematic analysis methods. Four main themes were identified: family interactions and diabetes self-management, family support as informal social support, factors affecting families’ roles, and tailoring culturally sensitive family-based interventions.

Conclusion There appears to be a consensus regarding the impact of family on adults' self-management of DM2. Additional research is needed to comprehend the role of the family in underrepresented populations and examine what constitutes a family and the diverse family functions in different groups.

Impact Enhancing adherence to self-care management practices is crucial for the well-being of adults with DM2. Family support is a key to successful self-care management at home. However, understanding the unique needs of adults with DM2 and their families can help healthcare professionals plan appropriate support strategies and sustainable family-based interventions.

No Patient or public contribution This review did not incorporate direct patients or public input as it summarizes evidence from previously published systematic reviews.