The goal of this study was to analyze the relationships between anxiety, depression symptoms, and functionality as predictors of quality of life, in patients with diabetic foot ulcer taking in consideration clinical variables. A sample of 202 participants indicated for a lower limb amputation surgery, were assessed before the surgery, on physical and mental quality of life, functionality, a anxiety and depression symptoms. Anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as functionality level were predictors of mental quality of life. Pain, having a first amputation, depression symptoms, and functionality were predictors of physical quality of life. In order to promote quality of life, psychological variables should be targeted, in clinical practice.
In Portugal, diabetes affects 11.7% of the population, of whom about 90% have type 2 diabetes. Patients and their partners are affected and the latter have a direct impact on patients' adaptation to diabetes. A large proportion of patients, at diagnosis, have to readjust their daily routines in order to integrate self-care behaviours related to diabetes. The goal of this study was to analyse the relationship among partner support, social-cognitive variables about self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) (intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, action planning and coping planning), adherence and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients, diagnosed in the past 12 months. A total of 179 people with diabetes participated in the study. The instruments used were: Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire; Revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale; and Planned Behavior Questionnaire-Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose. Glycaemic control was assessed by HbA 1c. The perception of positive support from partners and intention to perform SMBG predicted adherence to SMBG. Furthermore, positive support mediated the relationship between intention and adherence to SMBG. Positive and negative partner support were positively associated with intention, action and coping planning and adherence to SMBG. Good metabolic control was negatively associated with negative support. The results show the importance of partners' support and social-cognitive variables, regarding self-monitoring of blood glucose, on patients' adherence.
The social demographic variables play an important role in diabetic foot ulceration. Given that the neuropathic ulcers are more easily preventable, systematic monitoring of patients with neuropathy is important. In patients with neuroischemic foot, strategies to cope or manage more efficiently the pain are paramount. Intervention should be multidisciplinary and take into account sociodemographic and clinical factors, as well as the presence, intensity and interference of pain in the patient's daily life activities and whether the patient has family or caregiver support.
Tailored multidisciplinary interventions need to be developed providing support before and after an amputation surgery, in order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and promote psychological adjustment to limb loss.
Literature shows that spirituality is a helpful resource for patients to cope with illness, having a positive impact on their quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric qualities of the Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness (SpREUK) using a sample of 128 Portuguese Alzheimer's patients. Results showed that the instrument kept its original factorial structure, with a good adjustment and reliability in all subscales, and associations with quality of life and mindfulness. Therefore, the Portuguese version of the SpREUK has appropriate psychometric properties and is an important resource to assess spirituality in Alzheimer's patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.