Factors influencing the sense of burden in diabetic patients taking insulin injections

Abstract

To determine the factors that influence the sense of burden among patients with diabetes receiving insulin, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among patients attending an outpatient clinic. The subjects were 284 patients. The questions included age, sex, HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), disease type, method of measuring blood glucose, work status, number of people living together, and self-care behavior. The diabetes burden was assessed using the problem areas in diabetes survey (PAID). Multiple regression analysis was performed on the association between the diabetes burden and each of the questionnaire items. Results showed that the factor that most influenced the sense of diabetes burden was sex (female) (β＝0.191, p＝0.002). Women who were not working and those who lived with their spouses and do not live with their parents had a greater sense of burden. Men and women differ biologically, psychologically, and socially. It is important for medical care providers to consider sex differences in patient involvement. Support for women with diabetes should be provided to reduce their sense of burden.