Adherence to diabetes treatment and management is continuously emphasized; however, coping with diabetes by maintaining healthy behaviors and having the psychological capacity to support positive diabetes outcomes can be difficult. The purpose of this study is to identify the types of coping strategies, social support systems and health care coverage that are utilized by two groups of individuals with diabetes. Coping was assessed by utilizing the Brief COPE questionnaire and social support was assessed by using the Inventory for Socially Supportive Behaviors. Specifically, 40 patients with Type 2 diabetes from Thomason General Hospital and 35 participants at the El Paso Diabetes Association management classes were interviewed. The results of this study indicated that the participants who reported accepting a stressful situation, using alcohol or drug disengagement, or planning to come up with action strategies by thinking about what steps to take during a stressful situation, were positively associated to better quality of adherence to diabetes management. In contrast, participants in this study who reported that they turned to religion for stressful events or denied a stressful situation were more likely to demonstrate poorer quality of adherence to diabetes management. With regard to social support, this study revealed that participants, who received non-directive support such as expressions of intimacy or esteem and tangible assistance such as receiving shelter or money were more likely to demonstrate better quality of adherence. Lastly, participants who reported having health care coverage also demonstrated better quality of adherence.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Diabetes, Behavioral Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.