OBJECTIVE: Diabetes requires complex self-management routines to prevent the development of functional disability. Social support is associated with positive health outcomes in people with diabetes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: People with type 2 diabetes [n=90] received a screening questionnaire assessing anxiety symptoms Arabic scale modified from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Ninety-two healthy matched control group included in this study. Then all subjects responded to all questionnaires of mental toughness questionnaire, emotional Security scale, and adult hope scale.
RESULTS: Significant increase in anxiety among diabetic patients than the control group. No significant difference was found between two groups as regards emotional security scale, while significantly decreased in Challenge factor of mental toughness questionnaire among diabetic patients compared with control group. Significant positive correlation was found between total emotional security and total anxiety scale [r=0.287; p=0.0001]. A negative significant correlation was found between anxiety and total mental toughness questionnaire [r=-0.285; p=0.001].
CONCLUSION: The results explained a significant correlation between anxiety and diabetes. Regarding prevention, we suggest that, a chronically ill young adult should be recognized as a risk group for anxiety that would probably benefit from guidance in learning more active coping skills and maintaining a sense of personal control in facing chronic physical illness.
