The role of social connectedness in type 2 diabetes during a pandemic

Moulson, Hannah

Abstract

Objective: To understand the role of perceived social connectedness in diabetes self-management, perceived competence, and diabetes related distress among adults living with type 2 diabetes in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: The study utilised a cross-sectional design and was conducted online. Participants were 142 adults living in the UK with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Participants completed self-report questionnaires to measure outcomes: social connectedness (SCS-R), diabetes self-management (DSMQ), perceived competence in diabetes (PCDS) and diabetes distress (DDS17).

Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted and indicated that social connectedness is a significant predictor of diabetes self-management, diabetes distress, and perceived competence in diabetes. Regression results indicate that higher social connectedness levels are associated with a decrease in diabetes self-management, an increase in perceived competence in diabetes, and a decrease in diabetes distress levels among adults living with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion: The current study addresses a gap in research by exploring the role of social connectedness in type 2 diabetes. It is important to consider psychosocial factors in diabetes management and findings suggest that identifying and targeting social connectedness has the potential to improve outcomes. Further research should be conducted to extend our understanding of the role of social connectedness in diabetes and guide future interventions.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 27, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 9, 2022
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7705140
• Award Date: May 9, 2022