Burden and predictors of distress among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Excerpts of an observational study from Eastern India.

Abstract

Diabetes distress (DD) is a common psychological condition distinct from depression. This is a unique, hidden emotional burden and worry that the patient experiences under ongoing treatment. To assess the prevalence and predictors of DD among adult diabetics attending a tertiary healthcare facility. This hospital-based observational, analytical, cross-sectional study recruited 152 adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The sociodemographic and diabetes-related information was collected with the help of a predesigned, structured proforma. Clinical and anthropometric examinations were conducted. Distress was determined by the standardized Diabetic Distress Scale (DDS). Statistical Analysis Used: The mean (SE) value was calculated for quantitative variables. The mean item score in DDS of ≥2 is taken as the presence of distress. Fisher's exact Chi-square test was done to check for association. Two-tailed significance test with a <i>P</i> value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Majority of study participants were literate, married, and from the lower middle socioeconomic class. High blood pressure was the most common co-morbidity and tobacco use was the most prevalent addiction. The prevalence of diabetes distress was 77.0%. Emotional DD was found to be more common than regimen, interpersonal, and physician-related DD. The major determinants that emerged were young age, low socioeconomic class, physical inactivity, longer time duration to reach the hospital, associated known co-morbidities, and poor glycaemic control. A target-specific and routine counseling sessions merged with pronged strategic services are essential to improve the mental health of respondents.