Individuals with type 2 diabetes with appreciable self-efficacy and social support are found to perceive better problem-solving skills with their diabetes management, according to a study published in ‘The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care’.

      The researchers conducted a secondary analysis with a descriptive, cross-sectional study design using the baseline data from a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of a problem-solving-focused intervention on medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were suggested to complete the Symptom Distress Scale to measure perceived symptom distress. The scores ranged from 13 to 65, with a higher score indicating more distress. The Self-Efficacy Scale for people with type 2 diabetes was used to measure self-confidence in diabetes management with a higher score indicating greater confidence. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List was used to collect social support data with a higher score indicating greater support. The Problem-Solving Inventory was used to assess participants’ perceived level of problem-solving for diabetes management, with lower scores indicating better perceived problem-solving skills.

      The results showed that self-efficacy, social support, and symptom distress were independent predictors of problem-solving and they significantly improved the prediction of perceived problem-solving in diabetes management after controlling covariates.

      The authors urged that researchers and clinicians should give importance to both personal and psychosocial factors tailored interventions to improve diabetes management.