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Relationship styles and mortality in patients with diabetes
Paul Ciechanowski1, Joan Russo, Wayne J Katon
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. pavelcie@u.washington.edu
Diabetes Care
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Individuals with diabetes who are less inclined to seek support, exhibiting an independent relationship style, face a higher risk of mortality. This study highlights the link between lower social support propensity and increased death rates over five years.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous studies link reduced social support to increased mortality in chronic illness.
- Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding relationship styles and support-seeking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between relationship style (propensity to seek support) and mortality in patients with diabetes.
- To determine if an independent relationship style predicts a higher risk of death in diabetic individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 3,535 adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes was followed for 5 years.
- Relationship style (independent vs. interactive) was assessed at baseline using attachment theory principles.
- Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze mortality risk associated with relationship style.
Main Results:
- The mortality rate was higher in the independent relationship style group (39 per 1,000) compared to the interactive group (29 per 1,000).
- An independent relationship style was associated with a 33% increased risk of death (unadjusted RR 1.33).
- Even after adjusting for covariates, an independent relationship style remained a significant predictor of increased mortality (HR 1.20).
Conclusions:
- A lower propensity to seek social support, characterized by an independent relationship style, is associated with increased 5-year mortality in adult patients with diabetes.
- These findings underscore the importance of social support in managing diabetes and improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is recommended to explore underlying mechanisms and develop interventions to promote support-seeking behaviors.
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