How do Saudi diabetic patients perceive their illness? A multicenter survey using revised-illness perception...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Illness perception questionnaires are increasingly valuable tools in healthcare.
• Limited research exists on illness perception in type 2 diabetes patients within Saudi Arabia.
• This study addresses the gap by investigating type 2 diabetes perceptions in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the illness perception among type 2 diabetes patients in Saudi Arabia.
• To understand Saudi patients' beliefs regarding the causes, controllability, and consequences of type 2 diabetes.
• To evaluate the internal consistency of illness perception scales used in the study population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
• Data were collected from 383 type 2 diabetes patients using questionnaires.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA using SPSS.

Main Results:

• The majority of participants (80.4%) were educated, 69.5% married, and 51% female.
• Most perceived diabetes as hereditary (75%) or diet-related (62.4%).
• High percentages believed they could control symptoms (80%) and influence their condition (73%), yet also felt little could be done to improve it (78%).
• Scales for identity, timeline, and emotional factors demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha).

Conclusions:

• Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes possess adequate knowledge of their disease.
• They perceive type 2 diabetes as a permanent condition with significant life impacts.
• Beliefs about controllability and consequences warrant further investigation in clinical practice.