Factors Related to Diabetes Management in Mentally Ill Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Focusing on Diabetes Knowledge

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic disease that cause premature death worldwide. The rate of testing for diabetes among mentally ill patients is 1.5 times that of the general population, and intervention in diabetes care is needed for patient with severe mental illness and diabetes.METHODS: This study was conducted using cross-sectional surveys distributed to patient with severe mental illness (n=54) among those who visited and were hospitalized at the National Mental Health Center.RESULTS: According to the assessment of the knowledge level of diabetes in patient with severe mental illness accompanied by type 2 diabetes, the correct answer rate was lower than that in the general population. Education and income affected the level of diabetes knowledge, and as diabetes knowledge level increased, blood sugar level were observed to decrease. The linear regression model showed that self-efficacy and education level were found to be predictors of diabetes knowledge, and diabetes knowledge level were predictors of fasting blood sugar levels.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the higher education level and self-efficacy of the patient with severe mental illness and diabetes increased the diabetes knowledge and affecting glycemic control.