Date of Award

5-1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder of the endocrine system that affects virtually every system of the human body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are over 16 million persons with diabetes in the United States alone. Hyperglycemia, which is sustained over a long period of time, can lead to heart disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and blindness. To avoid hyperglycemia and its associated ramifications, several self-care activities and life-style changes are necessary.

Depression is present in 8-32% of people who have diabetes. Poor glycemic control is often the result when depression and diabetes are concurrently present in the same individual. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible correlation between self-care activities necessary to avoid the long-term effects of hyperglycemia, depression, and coping in persons with diabetes.

Sixty-six persons with diabetes participated in the study. They completed a survey of diabetes-related self- care activities, a Beck Depression Inventory, and a Self IX care Management Process-Guarding, Self Subscale. Results were reported following statistical examination of each of the instruments. Possible correlations, along with their importance to persons with diabetes, were examined but found not to be significantly related.

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