Prevalence of Distress among Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetics Residing in Rural and Urban Areas of District Amritsar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Patients with diabetes face psychological issues which may be part of the spectrum of disease
experience, distinct from depression, which hinder glycemic control. Therefore, this study was planned to
determine the prevalence of diabetes related distress, and its association with socio-demographic variables,
treatment status, and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among diagnosed type 2 Diabetic patients
residing in urban and rural field practice area of Government Medical College, Amritsar. Data was collected for
period of one year. Pre-tested, validated questionnaire Diabetes Distress Screening Scale 17 (DDS17) was used.
Quantitative and Qualitative variables were compared using t- test and Chi-square test respectively. P value <0.05
was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: Overall, 18% of study participants were found to be distressed. Distress was slightly higher among urban
study participants (21%) in comparison to rural study participants (15%) but this difference was not statistically
significant. Significantly higher distress levels were observed among study participants who reported inadequate
treatment, uncontrolled glycemic status and complications due to diabetes.
Conclusions: Diabetes related distress is associated with treatment status, glycemic status and complications due
to diabetes. There is need to manage diabetes well and achieve glycemic control in all patients to reduce level of
distress among them.