Assessment of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and their Correlation with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity Level

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing prevalence and morbidity of diabetics makes the need for holistic treatment of the disease urgent in order to prevent serious physical complications and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Aim: This study focuses on the study of people with type 2 diabetes and the identification of signs of depression and
anxiety in them.
Material and Method:. The sample of the study consisted of 123 patients with type 2 diabetes who visit the Karpenisi
Health Centre for regular examinations or prescriptions. Data were collected by the completion by the participants of
the questionnaires “MED DIET SCORE”, “International Physical Activity Questionnaire” and the H.A.D.S. “Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale”. The independent variables were sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the sample. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-25 statistical package. Statistical significance was set at <0.05
level.
Results: Of the total type 2 diabetics who participated in the study, 69 were men and 54 were women, with an average age of 69.28 years. The results of the mental health assessment questionnaire showed that 26.80% have high
levels of depression and 21.10% have high levels of anxiety. However, the results after the inductive statistical analysis
showed that there is a relationship between a high level of depression and reduced physical activity p<0,05. Also, the
overall H.A.D.S. - Depression is positively associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) (r=0.22, p=0.018), Waist Circumference (r=0.18, p=0.048), and Age (r=0.33, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Τype 2 diabetes are directly related to the onset of depressive symptoms, especially in vulnerable groups
such as the elderly, widows and those living alone.