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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Journal of Social Health and Diabetes 2014; 02(01): 030-036
DOI: 10.4103/2321-0656.120268
Original Article
NovoNordisk Education Foundation

People with diabetes in Estonia: Standard of living, aspects of health, and coping behavior

Virve-Ines Laidmäe
Institute of Social Work of Tallinn University, Uus-Sadama 5, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia
,
Tarmo Tuisk
1   Department of International Relations of Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
,
Ulvi Tammer-Jäätes
2   President of the Estonian Diabetes Association, Tallinn, Estonia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 November 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that aggravate everyday life, health status, living conditions, economic coping, medical rehabilitation, and training needs of people with diabetes. Materials and Methods: In 2001, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Estonia and the Institute for European Studies, the Estonian Chamber for Disabled People conducted a survey among people with different disabilities. The survey also included people living with diabetes. A total of 974 people were surveyed; 86 of them had diabetes. The data were analyzed using frequency tables. The results reflect the subjective opinions of the people surveyed. Results: There are more women (64%) among people with diabetes than men. The disease is more frequent among the older population (74% in the age group of 26-45 years). Persons living with diabetes display a variety of health complaints (vision problems, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, tooth decay, etc.). Of the people surveyed, 75% are satisfied with the medical care they have received. Of the people with diabetes, 63% were hospitalized for 6-30 days during the past year. The need for a helper was often (63%) cited as something that would facilitate coping with everyday life. Catering services are especially important for persons living with diabetes (30%), but the need for a conversation partner was also highlighted (21%). Conclusions: The efficiency of the impact of adjustment courses should be considered more. There is an apparent contradiction - although they are of working age, not everyone can find work. People with diabetes rarely have the courage to talk about the difficulties they are faced with in their everyday life. Help and financial support from the state are needed to solve the problems. The organization itself could do a lot more favorable conditions for its activities, which were established.

Coping - health - living conditions - need for help - people with diabetes
 

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