Abstract
AimPsychosocial distress can act as a barrier to diabetes self-care management and thus compromise diabetes control. Yet in Ghana, healthcare centres mainly focus on the medical aspect of diabetes to the neglect of psychosocial care. This study determined the relationship amongst psychosocial distress, clinical variables, and self-management activities associated with type 2 diabetes management.MethodQuestionnaires were administered to 162 patients from four hospitals in Accra, Ghana, to assess psychosocial distress (e.g. diabetes distress), clinical variables (e.g. glycaemic control), and self- management activities (e.g. medication intake) related to diabetes. In assessing diabetes distress, the use of the PAID allowed evaluation of broader range of emotional concerns (diabetes-related emotional distress), while the DDS allowed evaluation of factors more closely related to diabetes self-management (diabetes distress).ResultsDiabetes-related emotional distress, diabetes distress and depressive symptoms were reciprocally positively correlated, while non-supportive family behaviour correlated negatively with these psychological variables. Diabetes-related emotional distress correlated positively with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and correlated negatively with exercise regimen. On the other hand, diabetes distress correlated negatively with dietary and exercise regimen and correlated positively with glycaemic levels, while depressive symptoms correlated positively with glycaemic levels, diabetes complication and systolic blood pressure. Contrary to the literature, non-supportive family behaviour correlated positively with diet, exercise and medication regimen.ConclusionThe positive association of psychological variables with glycaemic levels and blood pressure levels, and the positive association of non-supportive family behaviour with self-management activities suggests the need for psychosocial care to be incorporate in the management of type 2 diabetes in Ghana. Patients can be screened for diabetes-related distress and symptoms of depression and provided psychosocial care where necessary.
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major chronic noncommunicable disease that is on the increase globally
The positive association of psychological variables with glycaemic levels and blood pressure levels, and the positive association of non-supportive family behaviour with self-management activities suggests the need for psychosocial care to be incorporate in the management of type 2 diabetes in Ghana
Patients can be screened for diabetes-related distress and symptoms of depression and provided psychosocial care where necessary
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major chronic noncommunicable disease that is on the increase globally. The barrier when not addressed can contribute to decreased physical and mental quality of life [4] and escalate into psychological disorders, which can hinder selfcare behaviour and compromise diabetes control. Poor glycaemic control has been associated with higher diabetes-related distress and impaired health related quality of life [5, 6]. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of decreased psychological well-being [7, 8]. Diabetes distress has been positively associated with, and predicted poor glycaemic control among Ghanaians patients [9]. Aikens [10] suggests that while high diabetes-related distress might predict reduced medication adherence and poor glycaemic control, depressive symptoms may be more important to lifestyleoriented behaviours and blood glucose self-testing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: 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.
