Level of Diabetes Distress among Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Diabetes distress (DD) is a common psychological burden experienced by individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), particularly among young adults. Understanding diabetes distress and its relationship with sociodemographic factors is essential for occupational therapists and healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions that improve mental well-being and diabetes self-management. Aim: The aim of the study is to identify the level of diabetes distress among young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh. Methods: The study followed an analytical cross-sectional quantitative design. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews among 121 participants at BIRDEM- Women and Children Hospital using the Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS). Fisher's exact test or Chi-square test was conducted to determine significant associations between diabetes distress levels and sociodemographic variables. Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify unadjusted and adjusted associations. Diabetes distress was categorized as low (<2), moderate (2–2.9), and high (≥3). Results: The findings revealed a significant association between diabetes distress and sociodemographic variables including gender, educational level and current living status (p < 0.05). Most participants were unmarried (75.2%) and students (54.5%), with secondary-level education being the most common (38.8%).This study estimated that among the young adult T1DM patients 62% had moderate distress, 27.3% had high distress and 10.7% had little or no distress. Subscale analysis revealed the highest levels of distress in Family/Friends Distress (65.3% high), Powerlessness (54.5% high), and Eating Distress (52.9% high). Management Distress and Negative Social Perceptions were also notable, with 45.5% and 42.1% reporting high distress. Multinomial logistic regression highlighted both unadjusted and adjusted coefficient, offering insights into the factors influencing diabetes distress among the participants. Conclusion: This study helps us to better understand diabetes distress in young adults with T1DM in Bangladesh. The results highlighted the need for targeted psychosocial interventions and personalized support systems to address diabetes distress. Occupational therapists can play a vital role in enhancing coping mechanisms, self-care practices, and overall quality of life for individuals with T1DM. Keywords: Diabetes distress, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Young adults, Sociodemographic factors.