How Do Basic Human Values Affect Self-Care of Type 2 Diabetes Patients? A Multicentre Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Human values are recognized as potential factors influencing self-care behaviors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
• However, basic human values have not been previously described in the T2DM population, and their association with self-care remains unassessed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe basic human values and self-care practices in adults with T2DM.
• To investigate the associations between different basic human value profiles and self-care in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, multicenter study involving 390 T2DM patients.
• Data collected via chart review for sociodemographic and clinical information.
• Utilized the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) for basic human values and the Self-care of Diabetes Inventory for self-care assessment.
• Employed multiple regression models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• Patients were categorized into four value profile groups: (A) Openness to Change/Self-Transcendence, (B) Conservation/Self-Transcendence, (C) Conservation/Self-Enhancement, and (D) Openness to Change/Self-Enhancement.
• Group D exhibited significantly lower self-care maintenance and monitoring compared to Group A.
• Group D also showed significantly lower self-care monitoring and management compared to Group B, and lower self-care monitoring compared to Group C.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with T2DM who prioritize self-enhancement and openness to change may demonstrate poorer self-care behaviors.
• Conversely, those valuing conservation and self-transcendence may exhibit better self-care.
• Clinical interventions for improving T2DM self-care should consider patients' underlying value systems.