Illness perceptions among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to investigate illness perceptions and their predictors among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, and exploratory design was used. The Chinese version of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire was modified and used to collect data between September 2016 and February 2017. Results: On average, patients recognized fewer than five of the 14 common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Of the six causal factors, "dietary behaviours" had the highest mean score, while "psychological factors" had the lowest score. Most patients lacked understanding of type 2 diabetes mellitus. They perceived it as a chronic and stable illness, without negative affective response, and controllable by themselves and through treatment. Gender, age, marital status, educational level, family income, employment status, diabetes duration, diabetes-related complications, comorbid conditions, number of hospital admissions, and the level of haemoglobin A1c were predictors of illness perceptions. Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that the illness perceptions of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes should be improved. This evidence may enrich the theoretical understanding of illness perceptions and be used to develop interventions for enhancing illness perceptions in such patients.

Relationship between Illness Perception and Depressive Symptoms among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in China: A Mediating Role of Coping Style

“…In addition, the severity of complications may negatively influence illness perception and this population was composed of inpatients requiring comprehensive treatment. Alternatively, these patients demonstrated high levels of self-control and treatment control, consistent with previous studies [ 7 , 10 ].…”

“…Inappropriate perception of illness can lead to psychological disorders [ 7 ], and a recent study found that maladaptive illness perception was directly associated with depression in diabetes patients [ 8 ]. However, few studies have examined illness perception among T2DM patients in China [ 9 , 10 ], and even less attention has been paid to the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between illness perception and depression.…”

A systematic review of illness perception interventions in type 2 diabetes: Effects on glycaemic control and illness perceptions

“…These findings have been supported by subsequent research that found lower HbA 1c was associated with perceived personal control over diabetes 12,13 and more chronic timeline perceptions 14 . Illness perceptions associated with higher HbA 1c include greater consequences, 13 stronger illness identity, 13,15 more cyclical timeline beliefs 4,16 and greater emotional distress 13 …”

Analysis of Present Situation and Influencing Factors of Coping Methods by Parents of Children with Central Nervous System Tumors

“…In contrast, parents in cities are more educated, with better medical insurance, more medical resources and higher family income, as well as a better understanding of the tumor. Moreover, they are better at understanding and dealing with family nursing and medical treatment, which is more conducive to family stability and doctor-patient cooperation [13]. Healthcare staff should care more about the parents with low income and educational level in remote areas, help the parents and other family members to learn more about the disease, and encourage the families to support and participate in the family nursing of children, so as to strengthen family bonds.…”