Psychosocial contributing factors that affect mental well being in diabetic patients

The rate of diabetes as a cause of disease burden has increased over time. Psychological well being could be considered as an important factor in improving of chronic disease management and decrease of mortality and morbidity of disease. Despite, increasing of Diabetes and its burden in Iran, there is a few researches about psychological aspects of treatment. The aim of this study was identifying of psychological contributing factors in determination of psychological well being in Iranian diabetic patients. Methods – This cross-sectional study was done in 350 diabetic patients that hospitalized for diabetes or related problems. The questionnaire`s survey was assessed presence of depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale – HADS), family behaviors (Diabetes Specific Family Support – DSFS), quality of life (Iranian Diabetes QOL), self care (Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire) and mental health (General Health Questionnaire -GHQ). For analysis of data, we used Descriptive statistics, correlation and Two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). P-value less 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results – About 2/3 of participants had depression and anxiety. Anxiety, depression and non supportive behaviors had negative correlation with well being, quality of life and self care. Increasing of anxiety and depression was decreased the well being about 50% and 65%, respectively. Being single would be decrease the mental well being about 2.5 times. Conclusion – The results of recent study support the recommendation to assess psychological well-being in patients with diabetes as one part of diabetes management.