The relationship between the avoidance of disease and self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the avoidance of disease and self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and any differences in their self-care behavior based on the pattern of psychological flexibility. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed for 124 patients with T2DM. In addition, an analysis of variance was performed to assess the presence of a significant difference in self-care variables based on the degree of avoidance or clusters. Patients with a high avoidance of diabetes had more DM distress, external eating behavior, and emotional eating behavior than did those with a low avoidance of diabetes. The 124 total patients with T2DM were classified into 3 clusters (C1-C3). C1 consisted of high cognitive fusion (CF), low mindfulness, and high continuing behavior (CB). C2 consisted of standard CF and mindfulness and low CB. C3 consisted of low CF, high mindfulness, and slightly high CB. Patients in C1 exercised more frequently than did those in C2 but had more DM distress and emotional eating behavior than did those in C 3. The characteristics of self-care behavior were in accordance with the balance of psychological flexibility. Accordingly, appropriate interventions should also be developed.