Relationship between A Coping Style and Self-Care Activities of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) at Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Al-Basra City: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes self-care is primarily the patient's responsibility. Adherence to diabetes self-care regimens can be challenging with a greater focus on complication avoidance. The patient has to make several changes in his diet and lifestyle by taking diabetes self-control. These improvements are called coping mechanisms. The coping ability affects glycemic control of the patient for the long term through possible risks, this affects self-management adherence.

Aims of the study: To assess a coping style and self-care activities of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at endocrinology and diabetes center in Al-Basra city and found relationship between them.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive purposive study is conducted through the period of 17th November, 2020 to 3rd April, 2021 in Al-Basra city/ Iraq. The study was purposive (non-probability) composed of (60) patients.

Results: The study findings Shows that participant's age group at a level (46-65 years) were (62%). (51.7%) were males. The study shows a significant statistical correlation between coping and exercise on one hand and blood tests and medications on the other hand (p values <0.05), the correlation coefficient was not large enough to consider strong correlations. All other parameters were not correlated.

Conclusion: Findings of the study shows the association of diabetes self-care activities and socio-demographic characteristics of study participants. There is a significant correlation between self-care activities and coping style.

Recommendations: Educating patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 to maintain self-care activities to control, and prevent complications of diabetes.