Predicting quality of life and self-care behaviors in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy based on psychological factors

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is the main pathogenic factor in diabetic foot problems. The present study aimed to predict the quality of life (QoL) and self-care behaviors based on self-compassion, mental pain, and emotional expressivity in patients with PDN. This was cross-sectional research and the study population included patients with PDN referred to the diabetes clinic in Yasuj City in 2022. A total of 171 participants were selected using convenience sampling methods. Demographic form, The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Orbach Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale (OMMP), self-care questionnaire, self-compassion scale, and emotional expressiveness scale were used to collect data. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS-25. Participants were male and female in 49 (28.7%) and 122 (71.3%) of cases, respectively. The results showed a significant relationship between QoL and self-care behaviors with self-compassion, mental pain, and emotional expressivity (P < 0.01). Also, self-compassion, mental pain, and emotional expressiveness were significant predictors of QoL and self-care behaviors (P < 0.05). Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to self-compassion, mental pain, and emotional expressivity in psychological interventions to improve QoL and self-care behaviors of patients with PDN.