Relationship Between Self-care Activities and Stigmatization in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Aims: This study was performed to determine the relationship between diabetes self-care activities (SCA) and stigmatization of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study. The data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) Measure, and Type-2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2) Results: Patients with T2DM experience moderate levels of stigmatization. They have a moderate level of self-care activities (SCA) in the Diet, Blood Glucose, and Foot care subscales and low levels of SCA in the Exercise subscale. A negative correlation exists between stigmatization and exercise, blood glucose, and foot care—which are subscales of the self-care activities scale (p < 0.05). A positive correlation exists between BMI (Body Mass Index) and stigmatization and a negative correlation between BMI and Diet, Blood Glucose, Foot care, and Exercise subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the scope of holistic care, determining psychosocial factors including stigmatization as well as physiological parameters is important in routine follow-up of patients. Preventing stigmatization will positively affect self-care activities and, consequently, disease management.