QUALITY OF LIFE, DEPRESSION AND TREATMENT COMPLIANCE AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with high prevalence worldwide and high morbidity and mortality rates. In the context of the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with DM, depression and treatment compliance are important variables to be considered. Objectives: To evaluate QoL, the presence of depressive symptoms and treatment compliance among individuals with type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: This was an exploratory, descriptive study including a sample of 38 subjects. The Problem Areas in Diabetes - B-PAID, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Adherence Measure to Treatment – AMT were used to evaluate the QoL, the presence of depressive symptoms and treatment compliance, respectively. Results: The B-PAID total was found to be 59.3, and the B-PAID domain that obtained the highest average was emotional problems (37.40). Half of the participants had depressive symptoms, ranging from mild to severe depression and most adhered to treatment (94.7%). Conclusion: The study participants had impaired QoL and depressive symptoms, suggesting that DM may interfere with the emotional aspect and did not affect treatment compliance. DESCRIPTORS: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Quality of Life. Adherence to Medication. Depression.