Perceived Stress Level and its Associated Factors Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifestyle-related disorder, it has been linked to an elevated risk of perceived stress (PS).  Addressing the stress in DM management is crucial. Stress levels among DM patients and the factors that contribute to them have received very little attention in Bangladeshi literature. The aim of the study is to determine the level and associated factors of PS among type 2 DM patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Rajshahi Diabetic Association General Hospital in Rajshahi, Bangladesh from June 2023 and August 2023. A total of 250 patients with Type 2 DM were included in the study based on specific criteria using a purposive sampling technique. Each patient provided informed written consent. Demographic characteristics, family history, comorbidities, risk behaviors, and diabetes-related information were collected using a pretested data collection sheet. Bangla-validated perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10) was used to determine the stress of the patients. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.03±11.05 years. Among the patients, 7.2% were suffering from high PS. Among the patients with stress, 57.2% were female. Patients with age (≤55 years), residing in urban areas, suffering from dyslipidemia, and having HbA1c (>7%) significantly increase the odds of perceived stress by 1.963 (95% CI: 1.052-3.665), 2.252 (95% CI: 1.211-4.188), 1.927 (95% CI: 1.030-3.606), 2.798 (95% CI: 1.324-5.914) times, respectively. Conclusion: A remarkable DM patients were suffering from severe perceived stress.  Age (≤55 years), urban residence, dyslipidemia, and uncontrolled diabetes were independent as risk factors for perceived stress. For patients at risk of PS, including stress reduction health education in diabetes management would be advantageous.