The investigation of the efficacy of diabetes self - management among patients with type 2 diabetes and their fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic disease and COVID-19 pandemic have significantly affected people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and possibly could reduce the effectiveness of diabetes management and subsequently, these patients’ health and quality of life.
Purpose: The purpose of the present study is the investigation of the efficacy of self - management of diabetes among patients with type 2 diabetes and of their fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Methodology: The population of the present study consisted of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in Kozani. The sampling was conducted by convenience sampling and the tool of the present research was the questionnaire. The questionnaire included 3 sections: the demographic – clinical characteristics, the “Diabetes Management Self – Efficacy Scale – Greek Edition” (GR - DMSES), and the “Fear of COVID - 19 scale” (FCV-19S). The statistical analysis was performed with the use of the statistical package SPSS v22 and included descriptive and inductive statistical analysis.
Results: The overall efficacy in diabetes management in the sample was found to be moderate to high (M ± SD 67,27 ± 15,46, min - max: 26 - 94, range = 68). Regarding the overall degree of fear of COVID-19 observed in the sample, there were moderate to high levels of fear of COVID-19 (M ± SD 23,34±9,09, min - max: 7 - 35, range = 28). Several demographic and clinical parameters were significantly associated with the diabetes management self-efficacy of and the fear of COVID-19. Regarding the relationship between the diabetes management self-efficacy and the fear of COVID-19, the fear of COVID-19 was correlated significantly and negatively with the efficacy in terms of diet, with the efficacy in terms of physical activity, and with the total diabetes management self-efficacy.
Conclusions: Overall, in the present study, regarding the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and the efficacy, there was a significant correlation and the increased levels of fear correspond to low efficacy. Therefore, it is considered necessary to find different ways to improve the diabetes management self-efficacy and to reduce the fear of levels of patients, with the ultimate goal of promoting the health of people with type 2 diabetes.