Diabetes-related distress and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tunisia

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related distress (DD) is one of the psychological disorders affecting patients with diabetes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and level of DD and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, carried out with patients followed for type 2 diabetes at the endocrinology consultation. The participant’s sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained through face-to-face interviews and medical records. DD was assessed using the Arabic version of diabetes distress scale (DDS-17). The DDS contains 17 items, each rated on a 6-point Likert scale. The scale yields a total diabetes distress score, and scores for four subscales: emotional burden, regimen distress, physician distress and interpersonal distress. RESULTS: There were 103 subjects. The mean age was 59.31 ±10.83 years with a sex ratio (M/F) = 1.19. Median duration of diabetes was 7 years (IQR 3 ; 12 years). Among our patients, 31.1% of patients had properly controlled diabetes (HbA1c < 7%) and 41% had at least one diabetes complication. The prevalence of diabetes related distress was 70.90% in which emotional distress was the most prevalent (78.60%) domain. Low socio-economic level (p=0.001), married status (p=0.034) having diabetes complications (p=0.008) younger age at onset of diabetes (p=0.001) were associated with diabetes related distress. Poor HbA1c control (HbA1c≥7%) was significantly correlated with DD (p≤0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that diabetes related distress was highly prevalent in type 2 diabetes patients in Tunisia. Active screening for DD should be an integral part of diabetes care. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared