Diabetes-related distress and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction Diabetes-related distress (DD) is one of the psychological disorders affecting patients with diabetes. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and level of DD and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods This was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, carried out with patients followed for type 2 diabetes at the endocrinology consultation. The participant’s sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained through face-to-face interviews and medical records. DD was assessed using the Arabic version of diabetes distress scale (DDS-17). The DDS contains 17 items, each rated on a 6-point Likert scale. The scale yields a total diabetes distress score, and scores for four subscales: emotional burden, regimen distress, physician distress and interpersonal distress. Results There were 103 subjects. The mean age was 59.31 ±10.83 years with a sex ratio (M/F) = 1.19. Median duration of diabetes was 7 years (IQR 3 ; 12 years). Among our patients, 31.1% of patients had properly controlled diabetes (HbA1c < 7%) and 41% had at least one diabetes complication. The prevalence of diabetes related distress was 70.90% in which emotional distress was the most prevalent (78.60%) domain. Low socio-economic level (p=0.001), married status (p=0.034) having diabetes complications (p=0.008) younger age at onset of diabetes (p=0.001) were associated with diabetes related distress. Poor HbA1c control (HbA1c≥7%) was significantly correlated with DD (p≤0,001). Conclusions Our study suggests that diabetes related distress was highly prevalent in type 2 diabetes patients in Tunisia. Active screening for DD should be an integral part of diabetes care. Disclosure of Interest None Declared