Assessment of psychological distress and related factors in type 2 diabetic patients in diabetes center of Shahroud University of medical sciences in 2014

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Due to the chronic nature and its complications, the disease can lead to emotional distress and depression. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate emotional distress and related factors in type 2 diabetic patients.
In this descriptive analytical study, all eligible patients with diabetes referred to diabetes center of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences recruited from February 2013 for a year. Data were collected by demographic and PAID questionnaire. Statistical analysis of data was performed by the T-Test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient tests.
The average overall score for PAID was 22.28±1.60 that showed low emotional distress (cut- off point≥ 33). In comparison areas with each other, treatment barriers had higher distress for diabetic patients. At the 0.05 level of significance, patient’s age was associated with total score (P=0.041) and the “Depression- Related Problems” area (P=0.035). Also, a significant relationship was found between having hypoglycemia history (P=0.033) and hospitalization due to diabetes (P=0.011) with “psychological distress in relationship to diabetes management” area. Moreover, statistically significant relationships were found among adherence to the diet with the total score (P=0.016) and “Psychological distress in relation to diabetes management” (P=0.032), “Depression- Related Problems”(P=0.021) and “Treatment Barriers”(P=0.003). Daily exercise program had a significant relationship with the total score (P=0.029) and “Treatment Barriers” area (P=0.001).
Regarding to the importance of coping with the emotional distress in diabetic patients, it is recommended considering the emotional distress during treatment and care of these patients.