Psychosocial Correlates of Diabetes Self-management Practices.

BACKGROUND: Self-Management is a crucial regimen for patients with diabetes mellitus. Many factors have affected patients' self-management practice including psychosocial factors. Literature revealed contradictory results concerning the psychosocial correlates of patients' self-management practices. Therefore, this study assessed the psychosocial correlates of diabetes self-management practices among Jordanian diabetic patients.

METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was utilized to collect data (conducted in the middle region of Jordan in 2015) from 341 Jordanian outpatients with diabetes using self-reported questionnaires (Social Support Scale, CES-D, and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities) and chart review.

RESULTS: Participants reported practice rate of 2.85/ 7 ( SD =1.3), with diet practice the most ( M =3.66, SD =1.5) and exercise the least ( M =1.53, SD =2.1). Participants reported receiving social support ( M =3.23, SD =1.3) less than needed ( M =3.39, SD =1.3). High levels of depressive symptoms were reported ( M =17.1, SD = 11.4). Diet practices had significant positive correlation with family support attitude ( r = .266, P = .000) and negative correlation with depressive symptoms ( r = - .114, P = .037). Testing blood sugar significantly correlated with both support needed ( r = .144, P = .008) and support received ( r = .166, P = .002).

CONCLUSION: Jordanian DM patients were found to practice less than optimum DM self-management practices, and to consider diet practices than exercise practices. This study confirmed that the subcategories of DM self-care management should be considered rather than considering the general plan.