Illness Perception and Depressive Symptoms among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in Clinical Settings in Nepal

Background. This study aimed to assess the relationship between illness perception and depressive symptoms among persons with diabetes. Method. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 379 type 2 diabetic patients from three major clinical settings of Kathmandu, Nepal. Results. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.1% (95% CI: 39.1, 49.1). Females (p<0.01), homemakers (p<0.01), 61–70 age group (p=0.01), those without formal education (p<0.01), and people with lower social status (p<0.01) had significantly higher proportion of depressive symptoms than the others. Multivariable analysis identified age (β=0.036, p=0.016), mode of treatment (β=0.9, p=0.047), no formal educational level (β=1.959, p=0.01), emotional representation (β=0.214, p<0.001), identity (β=0.196, p<0.001), illness coherence (β=-0.109, p=0.007), and consequences (β=0.093, p=0.049) as significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated a strong relationship between illness perception and depressive symptoms among diabetic patients. Study finding indicated that persons living with diabetes in Nepal need comprehensive diabetes education program for changing poor illness perception, which ultimately helps to prevent development of depressive symptoms

COVID-19 PANDEMIC: STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNITY BY REENGINEERING AMONG MENTAL HEALTH TANGLES

Currently, all of us are experiencing the unforeseen circumstances of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that have developed a spectrum of effects, which can be best understood in terms of psychological, physical, and immunity problems among people. For this reason, we are particularly interested in the role of mental health in strengthening the immune system in times of COVID-19. What protective factors help maintain and support the good mental health and well-being of any person who faces extreme pandemic-like situations? The Pandemic has had significant and variable impacts on people’s mental health and immunity system. Every family who faces the Pandemic directly or indirectly experiences partial or no control over their thinking, emotions, actions, and coping related to COVID-19 and deaths. To achieve good mental health and a strong immunity system, maintaining the homeostasis of mind and body, engagement in close connections, and social support, using low-stressor techniques, nearness to the environment, practicing Yoga and meditation, infusing positivity, and following healthy lifestyles are necessary for people. In addition, there is an emphasis placed on various approaches to the 4 M’s, which include mental health, mental immunity, mindset, and stressor, to jettison all mental health tangles and minimize the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thus, mental health and immunity can be restored by controlling the overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and actions of COVID-19 through the inculcation of life-savior techniques and the 4 M’s as a part of daily life

Illness Perception and Depressive Symptoms among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in Clinical Settings in Nepal

Background. This study aimed to assess the relationship between illness perception and depressive symptoms among persons with diabetes. Method. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 379 type 2 diabetic patients from three major clinical settings of Kathmandu, Nepal. Results. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.1% (95% CI: 39.1, 49.1). Females ( &lt; 0.01), homemakers ( &lt; 0.01), 61-70 age group ( = 0.01), those without formal education ( &lt; 0.01), and people with lower social status ( &lt; 0.01) had significantly higher proportion of depressive symptoms than the others. Multivariable analysis identified age ( = 0.036, = 0.016), mode of treatment ( = 0.9, = 0.047), no formal educational level ( = 1.959, = 0.01), emotional representation ( = 0.214, &lt; 0.001), identity ( = 0.196, &lt; 0.001), illness coherence ( = −0.109, = 0.007), and consequences ( = 0.093, = 0.049) as significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated a strong relationship between illness perception and depressive symptoms among diabetic patients. Study finding indicated that persons living with diabetes in Nepal need comprehensive diabetes education program for changing poor illness perception, which ultimately helps to prevent development of depressive symptoms