Perceived Social Support in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is considered a worldwide chronic metabolic pathology, same that comprises a group of metabolic disorders which is considered in an elevated blood glucose level (hyperglycemia). Aim: to analyze perceived social support in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus attending the Loma Grande Type A Health Center. The sample consisted of 105 voluntary patients with DM2 over 60 years of age. A 12-item survey was used, which are closed questions previously validated for the topic of perceived social support in individuals with DM in the province of Cotopaxi. Results: With respect to perceived social support, it is evident that 57% use the help of family members and that they always need emotional or physical support from them; in addition, 20% of patients need social support from a figure other than a family member. Conclusions: Social support from the perspective of patients with DM2 at the Loma Grande Health Center shows a high level and is mostly provided by the family. The family environment was fundamental as a means of support for the patients, and to a lesser extent, but no less important, the support received from health personnel and friends. It is evident in this study how the presence and role of the family is constituted as a form of social support.

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