Initial psychological reaction and social support in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Delhi

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM) is a progressive chronic disease which places a significant burden of self-management on the individuals and their families. Negative attitude and lack of social support, particularly from friends and family, are considered the barriers to adherence and self-care. Objective: To assess the initial psychological reaction, attitude and social support in patients of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Materials and Methods: A community based prospective follow up study was conducted in rural and urban areas of Delhi. A total of 98 patients, either known diabetics or those after testing positive with blood-test during screening for diabetes, were selected after systematic random sampling and interviewed using pretested pre-designed questionnaire after 4 months of initial screening survey for diabetes. Data was analysed using SPSS software (version 16). Chi-square and fisher's exact tests were used and accepted statistically significant if P value was less than 0.05. Results: It was found that more rural patients (56, 88.9%) felt disappointed compared to those residing in urban areas (13, 61.9%), when their families denied them from eating prohibited diet (2=13.82, P=0.001). Rural families were reported to be more supportive for food and exercise issue (2=12.51, P=0.001). A higher proportion of patients in urban area (13, 41.9%) compared to rural patients (3, 4.5%) perceived that disease would affect their married life (2=22.15, P=0.001). However, no significant difference in negative attitude and social support was found during the gender, occupation and education status assessment. Conclusion: Psycho-social management of diabetes need to be targeted and addressed. Diabetes management programs should find ways to build and improvise social support for patients.