Gowri Aravind, Lawrence Soosai Nathan, Senthil R Kumar, Aravindakumar Subramanium, Karthikeyan Aravindakumar Gowri, Dhasaratharaman Thirunavukkarasu, Samuel J Tromans, Rohit Shankar
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Diabetes distress, whereby people with diabetes experience distressing psychological symptoms associated with living with their condition, is an emerging problem in India. Diabetes distress leads to self-care deficits, suboptimal glycaemic control (which can lead to increasing risks of complications) and impaired quality of life.
Aims: To determine the burden of diabetes distress and its associated factors in an Indian tertiary care centre in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India, covering a population of 1.25 million.
Method: This prospective observational study involved a structured questionnaire covering demographic and clinical details, which was given to patients. The Diabetes Distress Scale 17 (DDS-17) was used to assess diabetes distress levels. The DDS-17 also measures four subdomains: emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress and diabetes-related interpersonal distress. Patients were divided into two groups based on their DDS-17 score: no diabetes distress (DDS-17 score <2) versus diabetes distress (DDS-17 score ≥2) and compared. Correlation analysis, chi-squared tests and t-tests were used, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Of 1019 respondents (mean age 56 years; 59.6% male, 40.4% female), diabetes distress was reported in 24.4% (n = 249). Factors significantly associated with higher DDS-17 scores were younger age (<45 years) (P < 0.0001), long-standing diabetes (>10 years) (P < 0.0001), and smoking and alcohol (P < 0.05). Significant protective factors for diabetes distress included working, daily exercise, no comorbidities and medical insurance cover (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation between DDS-17 score and all four subdomains was observed (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and holistic management strategies in diabetes care, to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
期刊介绍：
Announcing the launch of BJPsych Open, an exciting new open access online journal for the publication of all methodologically sound research in all fields of psychiatry and disciplines related to mental health. BJPsych Open will maintain the highest scientific, peer review, and ethical standards of the BJPsych, ensure rapid publication for authors whilst sharing research with no cost to the reader in the spirit of maximising dissemination and public engagement. Cascade submission from BJPsych to BJPsych Open is a new option for authors whose first priority is rapid online publication with the prestigious BJPsych brand. Authors will also retain copyright to their works under a creative commons license.
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