Characterizing a Sample of Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Selected Health Outcomes

Abstract

The current study was part of a dissertation project titled "Diabetes Self-management and Health Outcomes Among Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes" by Meihua Ji in fulfilling the requirement for the PhD program at School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh. We extend our sincere thanks to the clinic nurses (Xiaojing Wang, Huan Dong, Wenying Zhao, Ping Wang, and Qianqian Li) who worked at the Endocrinology Center at Luhe Hospital, where the study was conducted. We also thank Ran Sun, PhD candidate, from the School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, for assisting us with the translation and verification of the Chinese documents used in the current study. In addition, Dr Ying Wu, dean and professor from the School of Nursing, Capital Medical University (Beijing, China), provided assistance during implementation of the study.

<p>Barriers to Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes During COVID-19 Medical Isolation: A Qualitative Study</p>

“…20 Although the data regarding diabetes management for T2DM patients recovering from COVID-19 during isolation remain scarce, notably, previous studies have reported that among Chinese T2DM patients, only 22.76%-40.09% have achieved optimal glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c level<7.0%, 53 mmol/mol) [21][22][23] and 9.20%-16.43% have manifested good self-management behaviors. 21,24 This raises the issue of how to identify factors that hinder diabetes selfmanagement and to address these potential barriers. Studies in developed countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore have found that common barriers to self-management include poor communication between patients and healthcare providers, limited accessibility to healthcare facilities, lack of family support, inadequate disease knowledge and limited disease treatment methods, lack of motivation for change, physical and cognitive disorders, limited access to diabetes education, and financial barriers.…”

Correlation of Symptom Distress, Self-Efficacy, and Social Support With Problem-Solving and Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

“…It has been widely used and reported as a valid instrument in many studies, 28 with acceptable internal consistency shown among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (Cronbach’s α = .85) and caregivers of patients with memory loss (Cronbach’s α = .92) for the total scale. 29,30 In addition, the Cronbach’s α of the PSI was .90 in the current sample.…”

Exploring Factors Associated with Self-Management Compliance among Rural Elders with Diabetes

“… 25 Some empirical studies have found that social support, including perceived informational, affective, tangible, and appraisal support, was related to compliance among diabetic patients. 18 However, other studies showed that social support did not directly predict patients’ self-management behaviors. 26 In addition, a U.K. study revealed that doctor-patient trust was a primary factor that influenced medication adherence among patients with diabetes.…”

“…For instance, patients with higher levels of education have a better understanding of how to manage their diabetes, and hence higher treatment compliance. 18 In addition, patients with higher education display more favorable attitudes toward treatment protocols, which is also an important predictor of diabetes compliance. 10 Accordingly, a U.S. review supported the effectiveness of self-management education for patients with chronic diseases including diabetes.…”

“…10 Accordingly, a U.S. review supported the effectiveness of self-management education for patients with chronic diseases including diabetes. 19 Studies have also reported that higher cognitive functioning is associated with higher rates of compliance, 18 , 20 especially among older individuals. 21 Socioeconomic status also influences compliance through access to care, quality of care, social support, and community resources for individuals with diabetes.…”