Greater Social Support Tied to Lower Diabetes-Related Distress

FRIDAY, Nov. 20, 2020 — A higher level of perceived social support is associated with lower diabetes-related distress among patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

Clipper F. Young, Pharm.D., M.P.H., from the Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, and colleagues investigated the association between diabetes-related distress and perceived social support among 101 low-income adults (aged 40 to 80 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were seen at least once at a clinic between December 2015 and December 2016.

The researchers found that models showed a statistically significant association between total Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) scores and total Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale scores. Additionally, there was a significant association noted between MSPSS family subscale scores and total PAID scores. Higher perceived support from family members was found to be significantly associated with lower total PAID scores among the three MSPSS subscales.

“Osteopathic physicians have a central role in providing comprehensive, patient-centered, holistic care, and the attention to social support in chronic disease management can help remove barriers in providing optimal care,” the authors write.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Source: Read Full Article