Abstract

COLUNGA-RODRIGUEZ, Cecilia; GARCIA DE ALBA, Javier E.; ANGEL-GONZALEZ, Mario  and  SALAZAR-ESTRADA, José G.. Psychosocial characterization of type 2 diabetes patients in primary health care. Rev. cub. salud pública [online]. 2008, vol.34, n.4, pp. 1-7. ISSN 0864-3466.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0864-34662008000400005.

Objectives: To describe psychosocial characteristics of type 2 diabetes persons. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 200 diabetic persons. Self-esteem, stress, depression and control locus were evaluated with Coopersmith, Seppo Aro, Zung and Control Locus Scale respectively, all of them with Cronbach's alpha from 77 to 85. Sociodemografic variables, glycemia, seniority and diabetes staging were recorded. Descriptive analysis and comparisons between sexes were made using several software. Results: Seventy four percent were females, age 59.2±11.5; 80 % married, 55 % were housekeepers, 3rd grade schooling, seniority of 10.3±8.5 years, glycemia equal to 174.2±75.9 mg/dL, 81 % presented with uncontrolled diabetes or complications. Also, 59 % showed medium to low self-esteem, 26 % were highly stressed, 27 % suffered severe depression, external locus found in 41 %. No difference found between sexes except for greater self-esteem in women and higher glycemic values in men (p<0,05). Conclusions: Lower self-esteem in half of the sample, stress and/or depression in one fourth of the participants, high external locus. Self-esteem only differs in women.

Keywords : Type 2 diabetes; psychosocial factors; primary care level.