Health beliefs and stress among non-insulin dependent diabetes outpatients in a rural teaching hospital in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the health beliefs and stress among non-insulin dependent diabetes out patients. The sample included 60 respectively, 20 (33%) males and 40 (67%) females within the age range of 41 to 76 (Mean age 61 years, SD = 8.5) from a rural teaching hospital (Mankweng) in Limpopo Province of South Africa. Main outcome measures included the exploratory illness interview schedule, the perception of diabetes mellitus questionnaire and the questionnaire on stress in patients with diabetes-revised. Psychosocial stresses were found to have an important impact on the life of the diabetics. 'Leisure time' was identified as the most important stress factor, followed by physical complications resulting from the disease and the way diabetes affect the relationship with their partners. Most study participants emphasised medical treatment and only used alternative treatments as secondary strategies. A number of diabetic patients suffer from considerable psychosocial stress sometimes associated with poor diabetic control. These patients need psychosocial care incorporating both the patients' family and family background. Health care providers need to consider using different counselling strategies to motivate patients to comply with the treatment regimen and use the self-perception of compliance held by patients to consolidate progress being made by the patient, to enhance self-esteem and further improve overall patient functioning.