Psychosocial Aspects of Living With Diabetes Mellitus: An Enhancement of Diabetic Program of Primary Health Care in Doha, Qatar

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus has a detrimental impact on one's well-being. Psychological and social aspects play a significant role in diabetes care and it is believed that these issues are important in the overall health of Qatari patients with diabetes mellitus. This descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted to determine the psychological and social aspects of living with diabetes mellitus. Two hundred eighty patients with diabetes mellitus were included as respondents of the study. It has shown that the respondents were, in general, psychologically and socially well. They were satisfied with their own selves and lived in a purposeful manner, however, they were anxious about the complications of the disease. Family members were concerned about their condition wherein they could talk freely about diabetes mellitus. Educational attainment and living arrangement were significantly correlated with psychological well-being. Presence of illnesses not related to diabetes was significantly correlated with both psychological and social well-being. To conclude, despite having diabetes mellitus, the patients still feel good about themselves, maintain healthy relationships and exhibit good psychological health and social well-being. To achieve the goals of diabetes care and to meet the challenges of diabetes, psychosocial interventions should be included as part of ongoing diabetes management.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; psychosocial aspect of diabetes mellitus; diabetic program; primary health care