Correlation of Symptom Distress, Self-Efficacy, and Social Support With Problem-Solving and Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Issue 1 (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ji, Meihua; Sereika, Susan M.; Dunbar-Jacob, Jacqueline; Erlen, Judith A.
• Is Part Of: Science of diabetes self-management and care. Volume 47:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Patient education -- Periodicals; 616.4620071
• DOI: 10.1177/0145721720983222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2635-0114

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the associations of self-efficacy, social support, and symptom distress with perceived problem-solving and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes. Method: Using baseline data from a parent study, which examined the effect of a problem-solving-focused intervention on medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes, this secondary analysis examined the relationships among self-efficacy, social support, symptom distress, problem-solving, and A1C. Of 358 patients enrolled at baseline, 304 (mean age = 64.1 years, 57.2% female) were included in the current analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to identify potential correlates of problem-solving and A1C. Results: The results showed that self-efficacy, social support, and symptom distress were independent predictors of problem-solving; they significantly improved the prediction of perceived problem-solving in diabetes management after controlling covariates. Adding problem-solving to the model did not improve the prediction for A1C. Conclusion: The current study suggests that self-efficacy, social support, and symptom distress are essential factors associated with patients' perceived problem-solving in diabetes management. Researchers and clinicians should consider both personal factors and psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy, social support, and symptom distress when examining patients perceived problem-solving and developing tailored interventions to improve diabetes management. In addition, health care providers should consider these important aspects when providing tailored care to this patient population.