Effects of the diabetic patients' perceived social support on their quality-of-life.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this descriptive study was to determine effects of the diabetic patients' perceived social support on theirs life qualities.


BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetes and its treatment effects patients' quality of life. Quality-of-life is important for people with diabetes and their health care providers. Social support for diabetic adults has been shown to benefit disease management and adjustment.


METHODS
This research was conducted with 66 type 2 diabetic patients who came for control to the diabetes policlinic between May and June 2003 at diabetes polyclinic in Kocaeli State Hospital of Marmara Region in Turkey. Informed consent was obtained from patients. Data were collected by using the quality-of-life scale (SF-36), perceptional social support scale and the questionnaire prepared by the researchers.


METHODS
For the analysis of data, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis have been employed.


RESULTS
Perceived social support and quality-of-life were increased together. Male patients' and retired patients' quality life score and perceived social support were high. Meanwhile when educational level was increased, perceived social support and quality-of-life were increased. The quality life scores and perceived social support scores were high in patients who living alone and used oral antidiabetic drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
If perceived social support and quality-of-life were increased together, it means social support increases quality-of-life. That is why nurses must try to plan some strategies for increase social support of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment of social support of type 2 diabetic patients may assist in determining individualized goals and strategies. Enhanced social support in diabetes self-management may subsequently improve metabolic control, self-management and psychosocial adjustment to diabetes.
Göz
Fugen
F
Dicle Universitesi, Diyarbakir Atatürk Sağlik Yüksek Okulu, Diyarbakir, Turkey. fugengoz@dicle.edu.tr
Karaoz
Sureyya
S
Goz
Mustafa
M
Ekiz
Secil
S
Cetin
Ibrahim
I
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D019468:Disease Management; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents