Effects of family function, depression, and self-perceived burden on loneliness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a serial multiple mediation model

Abstract

Background Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a major lifestyle disease endangering human health worldwide. Patients with T2DM face varying degrees of loneliness, which adversely affects their family and the larger society. This study investigates the serial multiple mediating roles of depression and self-perceived burden between family function and loneliness in the T2DM population of China. Methods In total, 260 T2DM patients were included. They rated themselves based on UCLA Loneliness Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Family Care Index, and Self-Perceived Burden Scale. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to clarify the association among variables. The SPSS macro-PROCESS program was used for a series of multiple mediation analyses. Results Family function, depression, self-perceived burden, and loneliness were significantly correlated (P < 0.01). Family function not only has a direct negative impact (effect = -2.809; SE = 0.213; 95%CI: LL = -3.228, UL = -2.390) on loneliness, but also has an indirect impact on loneliness through the independent mediating role of depression (effect = -0.862; SE = 0.165; 95%CI: LL = -1.202, UL = -0.567) and self-perceived burden (effect = -0.288; SE = 0.107; 95%CI: LL = -0.525, UL = -0.114) and the chain mediating role of depression and self-perceived burden (effect = -0.202; SE = 0.066; 95%CI: LL = -0.342, UL = -0.088). Conclusions Diversified interventions aimed at improving family function of T2DM patients would help in reducing the level of depression and self-perceived burden, and ultimately reducing loneliness.

Mediating the Role of Perceived Social Support Between Frailty and Self-Perceived Burden in Elderly Patients with Diabetes

“…1 Controlling diabetes is influenced by several factors, such as medication, follow-up management and emotional and social support, as physiological and social functions have a serious negative impact on the mental states of patients with diabetes. 2 Self-perceived burden (SPB) refers to negative emotions such as anxiety, depression and loneliness, which are caused by physical worries about the illness and psychological stress that encompasses feelings of guilt, dependence and fear of imposing a burden on others during the care-receiving process. 3 Recent studies 4 have shown that the frailty arising from chronic diseases among elderly patients is in close connection with SPB.…”

Family Functioning and Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

“…(5) Se destaca la importancia de abordar la funcionalidad familiar como un factor crítico en la aparición de los síntomas depresivos, y se reconoce a la familia como un espacio crucial con un gran potencial para influir positivamente en la salud y el bienestar de la persona con DT2. (6,7) En este sentido, el enfoque holístico en la atención primaria de enfermería, que incluye la participación activa de la familia en el proceso de saludenfermedad, se considera esencial para comprender y atender las diversas necesidades de la persona con DT2. (8)…”