Factors associated with high stress levels in adults with diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary diabetes care center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
This study showed high levels of stress in more than one third of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients
Abstract
Objective
The authors aimed to determine perceived stress levels among adults aged over 20 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in a tertiary care diabetes center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, assess their association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and assess the possible risk factors for stress and coping strategies
Methods
A mixed methods (triangulation design) study with quantitative methodology (survey) and qualitative methodology (interviews) was carried out. Stress levels were assessed among type 2 DM patients attending a diabetes clinic using a 5 point perceived stress scale 10. One on one interviews were carried out with 376 participants with DM having high/very high stress levels to understand the reasons for perceived stress and explore their coping mechanisms.
Results
The prevalence of high/very high stress was 35% among DM patients. Age 30–40 years, working in professional jobs, and lack of physical activity were factors significantly associated with stress. The perceived major stress inducers were related to family, work, financial issues, and the disease itself.
Conclusions
This study showed high levels of stress in more than one third of DM patients. Potential solutions include regular, formal assessment of stress levels in the clinic, providing integrated counseling and psychological care for DM patients, and promoting physical activity.
This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development’s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)
Citation
Sendhilkumar M, Tripathy JP, Harries AD, Dongre AR, Deepa M, Vidyulatha A, Poongothai S, Venkatesan U, Anjana R, Mohan V. Factors associated with high stress levels in adults with diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary diabetes care center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism [Internet]. 2017;21(1):56–63.