Are people with diabetes getting the support they need? Deficits between support desired and received from family and friends relates to poorer health. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delaney, Rebecca K.; Zhong, Lingzi; Wang, Xuechen; Sossenheimer, Linda; Neuberger, Julie; Fagerlin, Angela; Litchman, Michelle L.
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 110(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus -- Social support -- Self-care -- Self-management -- And coping behavior; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine the mismatch of desired support versus support received and to evaluate the impact of these mismatches on health outcomes of people with diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study is a secondary data analysis of medical record and survey data of participants with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes from a diabetes care and education program. Biophysical metrics included HbA1c, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and high- and low-density lipoproteins. Psychosocial and self-care survey outcomes included diabetes distress, diabetes self-care, and diabetes self-efficacy. Support mismatch was a difference score (support desired-support received). Descriptive statistics were computed for demographics, clinical characteristics, and primary outcomes. Multiple linear regressions were computed. Results: The percentage of participants experiencing support mismatch (surplus/deficits) across six domains was: 15%/27% (foot care), 22%/24% (take medicine), 24%/23% (test blood sugar), 21%/29% (physical activity), and 18%/34% (follow meal plan). Greater support deficits were associated with higher triglyceride levels, increased diabetes distress, and lower diabetes self-efficacy. Conclusions: Findings indicate that greater support deficits can be a risk factor for some poorer physical and psychosocial health outcomes. Practice Implications : Interventions to facilitate functional supportive behaviors are an avenue for future research and clinical practice. Highlights: 42–52% of participants with diabetes had a mismatch in diabetes-management support. Support deficits may be a risk factor for poorer health and wellbeing. Interventions to facilitate functional supportive behaviors are needed.