Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a global epidemic, and many people feel stigmatized for having this disease. The stigma is a relevant barrier to diabetes management. However, evidence in this regard is scarce in Latin America. This study aimed to analyze the level of stigma surrounding type 2 diabetes in the Colombian population and its relationships with sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial variables and behaviors related to management of the disease (self-management behaviors). This cross-sectional study included 501 Colombian adults with type 2 diabetes. We estimated the relation between stigma and selected variables through linear regression models. Additionally, we analyzed the mediator role of psychosocial variables in the relationship between stigma and self-management behaviors through structural equation models. A total of 16.4% of patients showed concerning levels of stigma. The time elapsed since diagnosis (β = −0.23) and socioeconomic status (β = −0.13) were significant predictors of the level of stigma. Stigma was negatively correlated with self-efficacy (β = −0.36), self-esteem (β = −0.37), and relationship with health care provider (β = −0.46), and positively correlated with stress (β = 0.23). Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and the relationships with health care providers had a mediation role in the relationship between stigma and self-management behaviors. These variables would be part of the mechanisms through which the perception of stigma harms self-management behaviors. The stigma of type 2 diabetes is frequent in the Colombian population and negatively associated with important aspects of disease management.
Highlights
According to the latest report from the International Diabetes Federation, 88.8 million people have type 2 diabetes in Latin America, and this number is expected to increase to 108 million people by 2045 [1]
As predicted in Hypothesis 2 (H2), stigma was linked to lower perceived self-efficacy and self-esteem, greater psychological stress, worse perceived relationships with health care providers, and a lower tendency to engage in self-management behaviors
The analysis showed that part of the effect of stigma on self-management behaviors depends on self-efficacy, self-esteem, and relationships with health care providers
Summary
According to the latest report from the International Diabetes Federation, 88.8 million people have type 2 diabetes in Latin America, and this number is expected to increase to 108 million people by 2045 [1]. In Colombia, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is 8.5%, which is equivalent to more than 2 million people [2,3]. Many people with diabetes do not know their diagnosis. Barengo et al [4] estimate that the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in Barranquilla Colombia was 5.1% in a general population sample. Risk screening systems are crucial to address this situation [4]. Recent progress in this area has been made; an example is the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to develop locally adapted screening tools [5,6]. These advances make it possible to act promptly and reduce the complications of this disease
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
