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A cross sectional study on diabetes related distress (drd) and its impact on self care behaviours and health related quality of life (hr-qol) in type II diabetes mellitus patients in a south indian tertiary care hospital
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Diabetes is a complex chronic disease that not only affects a person's physical well being but can also have a profound impact on the individual’s mental health as well. Substantial burden of impaired functioning and self management can contribute to poor mental well being and psychological difficulties. This study points out the awareness gap that still remains among the people with DM regarding the disease and the self-management strategies which necessitate the need of a self-management education and support
OBJECTIVE
To assess of the Impact of Diabetes Related Distress (DRD) on self-care activities and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in type II DM patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross sectional study was conducted for 6 months, enrolled 300 type II diabetes mellitus patients who visited the IP/OP departments of various specialties. Patients were selected based on the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. DDS screening was done using Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS 17) questionnaire. The level of self management was analyzed using Diabetes Self Management Questionnaire (DSMQ) and Health Related Quality of Life (WHO BREF-QOL).
RESULTS
There exists statistical difference between the mean age of DRD group (61±1.765 years ) and non DRD group (52.84)(t value=7.738)(p=0.001). Major portion of the DRD population had poor and very poor self management in all the levels, very poor glucose management (n=13), very poor dietary control (n=12), very poor physical Activity (n=3), very poor health care use (n=11). The mean scores of 4 items of DSMQ were low in DRD patients. Glucose management (4.642), Dietary control (4.57), Physical activity (4.544) and Health care use (4.533)) compared to patients without DRD) (p value =0.001). The mean QoL scores of the DRD patients were calculated in comparison to patients without DRD which showed comparatively poor quality of life in DRD patients than patients without distress.
CONCLUSION
Diabetes is a complex and burdensome disease that requires the person with diabetes to make multitude of decisions and perform complex care activities. Adequate self-care improves metabolic control and quality of life and reduces disease related complications and related hospitalizations. There exists a dire need of self management education in clinics to eliminate the awareness gaps.
Keywords
References
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