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Bruijnes M, Kesteloo M, Brinkman WP. Reducing social diabetes distress with a conversational agent support system: a three-week technology feasibility evaluation. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1149374. [PMID: 37383944 PMCID: PMC10294428 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1149374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People with diabetes mellitus not only have to deal with physical health problems, but also with the psycho-social challenges their chronic disease brings. Currently, technological tools that support the psycho-social context of a patient have received little attention. Objective The objective of this work is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an automated conversational agent to deliver, to people with diabetes, personalised psycho-education on dealing with (psycho-)social distress related to their chronic illness. Methods In a double-blinded between-subject study, 156 crowd-workers with diabetes received a social help program intervention in three sessions over three weeks. They were randomly assigned to receive support from either an interactive conversational support agent (n=79) or a self-help text from the book "Diabetes burnout" as a control condition (n=77). Participants completed the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) before and after the intervention, and after the intervention, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), Feeling of Being Heard (FBH), and System Usability Scale (SUS). Results Results indicate that people using the conversational agent have a larger reduction in diabetes distress (M=-0.305, SD=0.865) than the control group (M=0.002, SD=0.743) and this difference is statistically significant (t(154)=2.377, p=0.019). A hypothesised mediation effect of "attitude to the social help program" was not observed. Conclusions An automated conversational agent can deliver personalised psycho-education on dealing with (psycho-)social distress to people with diabetes and reduce diabetes distress more than a self-help book. Ethics Study Registration and Open Science This study has been preregistered with the Open Science Foundation (osf.io/yb6vg) and has been accepted by the Human Research Ethics Committee - Delft University of Technology under application number 1130. The data and analysis script are available: https://surfdrive.surf.nl/files/index.php/s/4xSEHCrAu0HsJ4P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merijn Bruijnes
- Utrecht University School of Governance, Faculty of Law, Economics, and Governance, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Mitchell Kesteloo
- Department of Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Willem-Paul Brinkman
- Department of Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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Kelly CS, Nguyen H, Luo W, Chapman K, Poon JL, Perez-Nieves M, Baker L, Wolf WA, Mitchell B. Emerging Adult and Caregiver Psychosocial Experiences with Severe Hypoglycemic Events and the Perceived Impact of Nasal Glucagon: A Cross-Sectional Study. Diabetes Ther 2023:10.1007/s13300-023-01425-1. [PMID: 37268778 PMCID: PMC10299968 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-023-01425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe hypoglycemic events are distressing. Although past studies have shown that young adulthood is a potentially distressing time, few studies have explored distress about severe hypoglycemia in this age group. The real-world psychosocial experiences of potential severe hypoglycemic events and the perceived impact of glucagon treatments like nasal glucagon are currently unknown. We explored perceptions of severe hypoglycemic events and impact of nasal glucagon on psychosocial experiences with these events in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes and caregivers of emerging adults and children/teens. Further, we compared perceptions of preparedness and protection in handling severe hypoglycemic events with nasal glucagon versus the emergency glucagon kit that requires reconstitution (e-kit). METHODS This observational, cross-sectional study enrolled emerging adults (aged 18-26; N = 364) with type 1 diabetes, caregivers of emerging adults (aged 18-26; N = 138) with type 1 diabetes, and caregivers of children/teens (aged 4-17; N = 315) with type 1 diabetes. Participants completed an online survey about their experiences with severe hypoglycemia, perceptions of nasal glucagon impact on psychosocial experiences, and perceptions of feeling prepared and protected with nasal glucagon and the e-kit. RESULTS Many emerging adults (63.7%) agreed that the experience of severe hypoglycemic events was distressing; 33.3% and 46.7% of caregivers of emerging adults and children/teens, respectively, reported distress. Participants reported positive perceptions of nasal glucagon impact, particularly improved confidence in other people's ability to help during severe hypoglycemic events: emerging adults, 81.4%; caregivers of emerging adults, 77.6%; caregivers of children/teens, 75.5%. Participants demonstrated higher perceptions of preparedness and protection for nasal glucagon than for the e-kit (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Participants reported improved confidence in other people's ability to help during severe hypoglycemic events since having nasal glucagon available. This suggests that nasal glucagon may help broaden the support network for young people with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S Kelly
- T1D Exchange, 11 Avenue de Lafayette, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Huyen Nguyen
- T1D Exchange, 11 Avenue de Lafayette, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Weixiu Luo
- TechData Service, King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine Chapman
- T1D Exchange, 11 Avenue de Lafayette, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wendy A Wolf
- T1D Exchange, 11 Avenue de Lafayette, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
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Corathers S, Williford DN, Kichler J, Smith L, Ospelt E, Rompicherla S, Roberts A, Prahalad P, Basina M, Muñoz C, Ebekozien O. Implementation of Psychosocial Screening into Diabetes Clinics: Experience from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Network. Curr Diab Rep 2023; 23:19-28. [PMID: 36538250 PMCID: PMC9763798 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-022-01497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although advances in diabetes technology and pharmacology have significantly and positively impacted diabetes management and health outcomes for some, diabetes care remains burdensome and can be challenging to balance with other life priorities. The purpose of this article is to review the rationale for assessment of psychosocial domains in diabetes care settings and strategies for the implementation of psychosocial screening into routine practice. Survey data from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Network is highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS Implementation of psychosocial screening requires identifying the population; selecting validated tools to assess target domains; determining frequency of screening and mode of survey delivery; and scoring, interpreting, documenting, and facilitating referrals such that these processes are part of clinical workflows. Recognizing the influence of psychosocial factors for people with diabetes (PWD), professional society guidelines for comprehensive diabetes care recommend the integration of psychosocial screening into routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Corathers
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Desireé N Williford
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Laura Smith
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Priya Prahalad
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Marina Basina
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia Muñoz
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Osagie Ebekozien
- T1D Exchange, Boston, MA, USA
- University of Mississippi School of Population Health, Jackson, MS, USA
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4
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Helgeson VS, Allen NA, Tracy EL, Butner J, Berg CA. Diabetes stress contagion among romantic partners: a daily diary investigation. J Behav Med 2022; 45:716-727. [PMID: 35819741 PMCID: PMC10369354 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The stress of diabetes management not only affects persons with type 1 diabetes (PWD) but also their social network. We examined the extent to which romantic partners of PWD (n = 199) identified their most significant daily stressor as diabetes-related (i.e., partner diabetes stress) using a 14-day daily diary design. Utilizing a communal coping framework, we examined appraisal and communication as predictors of partner diabetes stress and examined links of partner diabetes stress to supportive/unsupportive behavior and mood by assessing each construct daily. We also examined whether a survey measure of partner anxious attachment moderated these links. Results showed that viewing diabetes as a shared problem and greater diabetes communication were associated with greater partner diabetes stress. Partner diabetes stress was linked to partner provision of greater supportive and unsupportive behavior-especially so for anxiously attached partners. Importantly, partner diabetes stress was not linked to mood for PWDs or partners.
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Diabetes support from romantic partners during early emerging adulthood. J Behav Med 2022; 45:558-570. [DOI: 10.1007/s10865-021-00271-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Allen NA, Litchman ML, Neller S, Tracy EL, de Grey RGK, Grigorian E, Helgeson VS, Berg CA. Couples Managing Type 1 Diabetes Using Diabetes Technology. Diabetes Spectr 2021; 34:378-387. [PMID: 34866871 PMCID: PMC8603131 DOI: 10.2337/ds20-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetes technology has improved the lives of people with diabetes (PWD), but there is little research on how insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) affect couples' relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine how the use of diabetes technology affects couple interactions. METHODS In a secondary data analysis, we used a multiple-method qualitative analysis, including a constant-comparison approach, to examine similarities and differences in couple interactions related to diabetes technology. PWD and their spouses were interviewed separately, using a semi-structured interview guide; the interviews primarily focused on how couples coped with type 1 diabetes. RESULTS Participants (n = 134 couples) were using an insulin pump or CGM system. Average age was 44 ± 12.05 years for PWD and 44 ± 12.62 years for spouses. Couples' average length of relationship was 18 ± 12.50 years. Among the PWD, 54 used a pump only, 12 used CGM only, and 68 used both. Four main themes emerged: 1) diabetes technology facilitates shared diabetes management for couples, 2) diabetes technology facilitates spousal involvement in diabetes care, 3) diabetes technology is a source of relationship tension, and 4) diabetes technology causes positive/negative responses to sleep and alarms. CONCLUSION Overall, couples perceived diabetes technology as having a positive effect on their relationship by increasing collaboration, promoting communication, and reducing diabetes burden and vigilance. Technology also was perceived to increase relationship tension, lifestyle inconveniences, and positive/negative responses regarding sleep and alarms. Involvement of spouses in diabetes technology education should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A. Allen
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
- Corresponding author: Nancy A. Allen,
| | - Michelle L. Litchman
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
- Utah Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Sarah Neller
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Eunjin L. Tracy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Vicki S. Helgeson
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Cynthia A. Berg
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Jensen MV, Broadley M, Speight J, Scope A, Preston L, Heller S, de Galan BE, Pouwer F, Hendrieckx C. The impact of hypoglycaemia on the quality of life of family members of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: A qualitative systematic review. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14666. [PMID: 34327742 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM To summarize and critically appraise the recent qualitative evidence regarding the impact of hypoglycaemia on the quality of life of family members of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. METHODS Four databases were searched systematically (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library), and results were screened for eligibility. Article quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data were extracted, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Enhancing transparency in reporting of qualitative research (ENTREQ) guidelines. RESULTS Eight qualitative studies were included in the final review. The majority of participants were partners or spouses of adults with type 1 diabetes. Thematic synthesis resulted in six analytical themes: 'Hypoglycaemia alters everyday life, reducing freedoms and increasing disruptions', 'Hypoglycaemia has an adverse impact on sleep', 'Hypoglycaemia negatively changes the relationship with the person with diabetes', 'Hypoglycaemia negatively impacts emotional well-being', 'The detection, prevention, and treatment of hypoglycaemia consumes time and energy' and 'Family members have unmet needs for informational and emotional support regarding hypoglycaemia'. Across the six analytical themes, family members described how hypoglycaemia has a severe negative impact on different aspects of their lives, including daily living, personal relationships and emotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS Family members experience the impact of hypoglycaemia as a major recurrent challenge in their lives. The unmet needs of family members need further attention in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Broadley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jane Speight
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- The Australian Centre for Behavioral Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alison Scope
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Louise Preston
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon Heller
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Bastiaan E de Galan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Pouwer
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- The Australian Centre for Behavioral Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- STENO Diabetes Center Odense, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christel Hendrieckx
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- The Australian Centre for Behavioral Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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Berry E, Davies M, Dempster M. Exploring the perceptions of emotional distress among couples living with Type 2 diabetes and among diabetes healthcare providers, and consideration of support needs. Diabet Med 2020; 37:1669-1678. [PMID: 31206755 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the emotional distress experienced by people with Type 2 diabetes with the perceptions of their partners, and to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers and how these differ from the perceptions and experiences of couples living with Type 2 diabetes regarding their support needs. METHODS A purposive sample of people with Type 2 diabetes and their partners was recruited through Diabetes UK media outlets and support groups, while healthcare providers were recruited through hospital and diabetes education teams. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Seven people with Type 2 diabetes and six partners took part in separate semi-structured interviews and seven healthcare providers took part in focus groups. Themes emerged regarding unique psychological struggles for people with Type 2 diabetes: 'sense of restriction'; 'disempowerment'; and 'acceptance of diabetes'. For partners the themes of 'feeling responsible' and 'need for greater involvement' emerged. Common themes arising from people with Type 2 diabetes, partners and healthcare providers highlighted diabetes-related stresses: 'self-care struggles' and 'perceived need for appropriate psychological support'. A key theme drawn from healthcare providers was 'perceived professional barriers to psychological support', which captures concerns related to providing emotional support in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS People with Type 2 diabetes, partners, and healthcare providers share a common understanding of the emotional stresses of living with Type 2 diabetes, but also experience diabetes differently depending on their role and responsibilities. All face barriers that need to be considered to ensure that emotional support in diabetes is meaningful and feasible in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Berry
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - M Davies
- Clinical Psychology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - M Dempster
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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9
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Landi G, Andreozzi MS, Pakenham KI, Grandi S, Tossani E. Psychosocial adjustment of young offspring in the context of parental type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Diabet Med 2020; 37:1103-1113. [PMID: 32043620 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To identify all available research on psychosocial outcomes in young people who have a parent with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. METHODS Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and ProQuest Social Sciences databases were searched according to a registered study protocol (PROSPERO CRD42019125301). Quality assessment, data extraction and data synthesis were carried out. RESULTS The initial search yielded 11 599 articles, 10 of which met the criteria for this review: six for type 1 diabetes and four for type 2 diabetes. Through thematic analysis, five categories emerged related to offspring psychosocial adjustment: offspring mental health, offspring physical health, offspring personal resources, parental illness characteristics and offspring caregiving. Overall, there were few studies focusing solely on the effects of parental type 1 and type 2 diabetes on young people. From the limited available research, there is weak evidence suggesting both parental types of diabetes can adversely impact young offspring. Illness-related variables were only explored in parental type 1 diabetes studies, while offspring caregiving was only examined in parental type 2 diabetes studies. CONCLUSIONS Research on the effects of parental diabetes on young people is scarce; however, there was weak evidence to suggest some young people are at risk of adverse psychosocial impacts. Given the rise in the incidence of diabetes globally, there is a pressing public health need to conduct more rigorously designed studies to ascertain the extent to which young people are at risk of mental and physical health problems and to identify risk and protective factors associated with youth adjustment in the context of parental diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Landi
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M S Andreozzi
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - K I Pakenham
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - S Grandi
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Tossani
- Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Baumgardner DJ, Chicoine B. Challenges of Pediatric Disease in Adulthood. J Patient Cent Res Rev 2020; 7:142-146. [PMID: 32377547 PMCID: PMC7197890 DOI: 10.17294/2330-0698.1756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J. Baumgardner
- Department of Family Medicine, Aurora UW Medical Group, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Brian Chicoine
- Adult Down Syndrome Center, Advocate Medical Group, Park Ridge, IL
- Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL
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Buin E, Pavin EJ, Silveira MSVM. High anxiety and depressive symptoms in partners of type 1 diabetes persons in a sample of the Brazilian population. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2020; 12:23. [PMID: 32211074 PMCID: PMC7092427 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-020-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects psychologically not only the persons with diabetes themselves but affects their family members. Few studies were conducted to investigate mental health in T1D partners. This study aims: (1) to investigate the frequency of depressive and anxiety symptoms in T1D partners and, (2) to investigate the associations among partners' depressive and anxiety symptoms and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, and (3) to investigate the associations among partners' depressive and anxiety symptoms and clinical, laboratory and demographic characteristics of their T1D spouses in a Brazilian population. METHODS In a transversal study 72 T1D partners were interviewed. Partners were invited to take part in the study during their T1D spouses' routine consultations. Those who consented to take part in the study signed the consent form. This study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the University Ethics in Research Committee. Inclusion criteria were T1D partners age ≥ 18 and T1D diagnosis > 6 months. Exclusion criteria were cognitive impairment, history of major psychiatric disorders, and severe chronic and terminal diseases. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADD) and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by the anxiety subscale of the same instrument (HADA). T1D partners were divided into subgroups according to score ≥ 8 and < 8 in both subscales. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from interview. Descriptive analyses were undertaken using means and percentages, as appropriate. Differences between groups were assessed by the Mann-Whitney test for numerical variables, by the Chi Square test or by Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, as appropriate. All analyses were undertaken using SAS version 9.2 for Windows. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS Of all 72 T1D partners, 72.2% were male, mean age was 42.7 ± 14.1 years old, years of school attendance were 11.8 ± 3.9 years, and 48.5% had income reaching until 3 Brazilian minimal wages. Forty-three percent reported high anxiety symptoms (HADA ≥ 8) and 18.1% reported high depressive symptoms (HADD ≥ 8). Comparing T1D partners group with HADA ≥ 8 and < 8, the first one was associated with CGM use (41.94% vs 19.51%; p = 0.03). Similarly, comparing T1D partners group with HADD ≥ 8 and < 8, the first one was associated with (1) longer duration of T1D of their spouses (28.6 ± 7.1 vs 22.4 ± 12.2; p = 0.02); (2) less years of school attendance of T1D partners (9.3 ± 3.2 vs 12.3 ± 3.8; p = 0.02), and (3) higher number of hypoglycemic episodes requiring other person's intervention (6.3 ± 8.9 vs 2.4 ± 4.7; p = 0.009). Seventy-six percent of partners who helped personally in their spouses' hypoglycemia recovery had HADD ≥ 8 vs 44.7% with HADD < 8 (p = 0.03). Likewise, 84.6% vs 54.2% of partners in which their spouses have T1D chronic complications had HADD ≥ 8 and < 8, respectively (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION This study showed a high frequency of relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms in this T1D partner population. Several issues related to T1D of their spouses were associated with these symptoms. These results emphasize the need to incorporate the psychological and psychiatric aspects into T1D partners' education and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Buin
- 1Internal Medicine Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E J Pavin
- 2Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M S V M Silveira
- 2Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Litchman ML, Wawrzynski SE, Allen NA, Tracy EL, Kelly CS, Helgeson VS, Berg CA. Yours, Mine, and Ours: A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Management in Older Adult Married Couples. Diabetes Spectr 2019; 32:239-248. [PMID: 31462880 PMCID: PMC6695253 DOI: 10.2337/ds18-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to understand perceptions of diabetes management responsibilities and the impact of diabetes on day-to-day activities in older adulthood for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their spouses. DESIGN AND METHODS This qualitative content analysis used a constant-compare approach to analyze individual interviews conducted with older adults and their spouses. People with type 1 diabetes (PWD) and their spouses were interviewed regarding how they coped or dealt with diabetes, what activities they carried out or avoided because of diabetes, and how they appraised diabetes as an individual or shared problem. RESULTS Participants (n = 52) included 26 older adults with diabetes (mean age 69 years, SD 2.56 years; 38.5% female) and their spouses (mean age 68 years, SD 5.11 years; 61.5% female). Half of the PWD (50%) and the majority of spouses (76.9%) appraised diabetes as a shared issue. Five themes emerged from the interview data: 1) Perceptions pf PWD of spouse involvement in diabetes care, 2) PWD underestimated the impact of diabetes on their spouse's daily lives, 3) gendered nature of spouses supporting diabetes management, 4) evolution of diabetes and the relationship across developmental time, and 5) differences in diabetes management among couples. CONCLUSION Older adults with type 1 diabetes and their spouses have different perspectives regarding diabetes support and responsibility and may not always realize what support is being provided or needed to optimize effective diabetes management. Advancing age with or without diabetes complications may necessitate that spouses provide diabetes support. Diabetes management training for spouses would likely be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Litchman
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
- Utah Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Nancy A. Allen
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Eunjin L. Tracy
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Caitlin S. Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Vicki S. Helgeson
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Cynthia A. Berg
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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