Coping with employment discrimination against diabetics: trends in social medicine and social psychology.

ABSTRACT

In many European countries, social-medical aspects in the management of diabetes mellitus are not satisfactorily respected. Our contribution reports a study addressing the impact of diabetes on the patient's career and daily work, in order to determine the extent to which diabetics are being discriminated against at work. Type I diabetics were questioned about their experience, and not on the objective burden. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate patients' social and employment problems. Few elements of an education program for Type I diabetes optimizing social skills (social competence) are demonstrated. In a group of 6-8 patients, assertive behavior in the work place is modelled (e.g., for hypoglycaemia, social phobia) by applying psychological methods (behavior modification role-playing). These methods can help diabetic patients to master their discrimination. They learn assertive behavior in social situations with superiors and colleagues and develop self-confidence (self-efficacy). This special education program supports Type I diabetics in coping with employment discrimination.