The efficacy of optimism: benefit finding in the treatment of diabetes in Iranian patients.

Hossein Karimi Moonaghi,Leila Jouybari,Hossein Namdar Areshtanab

doi:10.1155/2014/371296

Abstract

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is on the rise around the world. Middle Eastern countries will be facing a vast increase in the number of diabetes mellitus cases by 2030. Diagnosis of a chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus can be a shocking and life-altering event. Conversely, a diagnosis of a chronic illness can also offer the patient opportunities to change unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise, making them healthier than before their diagnosis. This is referred to as “benefit finding”. This study reveals the many benefit findings of Iranian patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and illustrates how benefit finding can be an integral part of long-term patient care.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging and burdensome chronic diseases of the 21st century, and it is a growing threat to the world’s public health [1]
There have been no studies conducted in Iran on posttraumatic growth following type 2 diabetes mellitus
This study shows that the participants have realized positive changes following type 2 diabetes mellitus depending on what meaning they ascribe to it

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging and burdensome chronic diseases of the 21st century, and it is a growing threat to the world’s public health [1]. Most new patients with diabetes are from developing countries and it seems that the Middle East is among the regions that will have the largest increase in the prevalence of diabetes by 2030. According to the research results, the prevalence of diabetes is about 8.7% in Iranians aged 25–64 years (9.2% in women and 7.5% in men). More than 1% of the Iranian urban population older than 20 years develops diabetes mellitus each year [4]. Consequences of chronic diabetes include eye disease, circulatory problems and kidney failure, decreased quality of life, and increased use of health services [6]. Studies have showed that living with diabetes has a negative impact on many aspects of daily life and the quality of life for people with diabetes [8]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion