Comparison of diabetes-related socialpsychological issues between China and other countries: results from Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study

Abstract

Objective To compare the Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2) results between China and other countries. Methods In the year of 2012, a total of 504 Chinese patients with diabetes and 8 092 patients with diabetes from other countries were surveyed with questionnaires via online, telephone or in person methods. The survey was related to quality of life, psychological well-being, self-management, empowerment and health care support. The value was estimated with generalized linear mixed models and compared with t test. Results As evaluated by Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale 5 (PAID-5), the composite score for Chinese patients with diabetes(37.6) was statistically significantly higher than the average level of other countries(33.7)(t=-3.37, P<0.001); incidence of diabetes related distress was reported by 47.3% in Chinese patients with diabetes, and it was significantly higher than that in other countries(41.3%)(t=-2.58, P=0.010). As evaluated by Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form (DES-SF), the composite score in Chinese patients (47.3) was significantly higher than that in patients from other countries(37.6) (t=- 8.89, P<0.001). As evaluated by the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), in the past 7 days, Chinese patients performed foot check for an average of 2.9 days, which was significantly lower than that in patients from other countries(3.6 days) (t=5.29, P<0.001). As evaluated by Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care(PACIC), the composite score in Chinese patients was 42.4 and it was significantly higher than that in patients from other countries(36.5) (t=- 4.99, P<0.001). However, the rate of patients reporting ' I was satisfied that my care was well-organized' was 25.6% in Chinese patients and it was significantly lower than that in other countries(52.4% ) (t=10.25, P<0.001). Conclusions Diabetes is apparently a physical and psychological burden to Chinese patients. Chinese patients with diabetes are empowered well. The health care support should be improved and special attention should be paid to mental health and foot care those patients. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Quality of life; Self-management; Empowerment