Psychological distress, coping methods and self-care among people with diabetes mellitus in Ibadan.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with serious complications if poorly controlled. Beyond routine clinical follow-up, people with diabetes (PWD) are required to engage in sustained self-care activities. Fear of complications and the demands of self-management may lead to psychological distress, which can negatively influence coping strategies and adherence to self-care practices. The study aims to determine the level of psychological distress among people with diabetes mellitus and to assess its relationship with coping styles and diabetes self-care activities.

METHODOLOGY: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PWD attending the Medical Outpatients' Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Two hundred participants completed a structured questionnaire comprising the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), a modified Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE), and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board (UI/EC/24/0064; 21 February 2024). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of respondents was 57.54 ± 10.87 years, with females constituting 51% of participants. Approximately 64% had attained tertiary education. High psychological distress was observed in 38% of respondents. The most commonly reported coping strategies were problem-focused approaches, including taking actions to improve situations and reframing diabetes positively, as well as seeking emotional support. High psychological distress was significantly associated with the use of avoidant coping strategies (p< 0.001). A significant association was also found between psychological distress and poor diabetes self-care practices (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

Psychological distress is common among people with diabetes and adversely affects coping mechanisms and self-care activities. Integrating routine psychological screening and promoting positive coping strategies within diabetes self-management education may improve overall patient outcomes.