Assessment of diabetes empowerment amongst patients from India

Abstract

Background: Awareness about the disease is essential for all patients of diabetes to be part of patient centred approach. Patient empowerment is the central theme behind this new approach. We conducted this study to assess the psychosocial aspects and patient empowerment amongst patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods: We included 100 patients of diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2 only) with at least 2 years duration (age between 30-75 years, educated beyond graduation in any subject) in this cross-sectional observational study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (Age <60 yr) and Group 2 (Age >60 yr). Patient empowerment was assessed by Diabetes Empowerment Scale with three subscales reflecting the psychosocial aspects, readiness to change and the setting of diabetes goals. The data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests using Graphpad Prism Software, version 6. Results: The study participants (42M and 58F) had a mean age of 56.5 ± 13.7 yr, mean duration of the diabetes was 10.1 ± 7.7 yr and body weight of 67.2 ± 11.4 kg. More number of elderly patients attended diabetes education programme, comfortable in posing a question about diabetes and were open to change with regard to their diabetes (P < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed that the psychosocial aspects of diabetes improved with age and duration of diabetes (<0.0001). Conclusion: Old age and longer duration of diabetes are the major determinants for patient empowerment in diabetes. Patients have the potential to be empowered after more education and awareness about the disease.

Diabetes Mellitus - diabetes survey - patient′s empowerment

• References

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