Exploring The Relationship Between Diabetes Distress, Health Anxiety, Psychological Distress, And Quality Of Life Among Patients With Type I And Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in Pakistan presents serious obstacles to the psychological well-being of diabetes patients. The impact of diabetes distress, health anxiety, and psychological distress on quality of life is significant. There exist a limited number of studies in Pakistan that examine these factors. This cross-sectional study investigates the interplay among diabetic distress, health anxiety, psychological distress, and quality of life in T1DM, and T2DM patients. Total 250 patients were taken from various hospitals in Faisalabad using purposeful sampling. The demographic form, Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) scale, were used for data collection. The findings indicated a significant interconnection among diabetes distress, health anxiety, and psychological distress, with all three factors correlating with a diminished quality of life (p < .01). The results indicate that individuals with Type 2 diabetes experience heightened levels of psychological distress. Research indicates that psychosocial factors play a crucial role in the management of diabetes, and the integration of mental health treatments within diabetes care is of significant importance in Pakistan. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes may enhance their mental well-being and overall quality of life by effectively managing stress and anxiety.