INFLUENCE OF SELF-STIGMA ON SELF-CARE BEHAVIOUR AMONG SUBJECTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the association between self-care behaviour and self-stigma among patients with diabetes mellitus. It also sought to determine the prevalence of self-care and selfstigma, and the correlation between the two. Material and methods: The study was conducted at Iyyappa Hospital and Indian Diabetes Care, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A total of 382 subjects with diabetes mellitus were initially recruited, out of which 343 participants met the selection criteria and were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data collection involved a self-structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic details, medical history, and laboratory investigation reports. Assessment tools used were the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire and the Diabetes SelfStigma Assessment Scale. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis showed a strong overall significant relationship between self-stigma traits—such as being treated differently, being blamed or judged, and feeling stigmatized—and age, in both males and females. Further analysis revealed that the components of blame and judgment (t = -3.983, p < .001) and self-stigma (t = -3.358, p < .001) were statistically significant predictors for females but not for males. Conclusion: Multiple linear regression analysis showed a strong overall significant relationship between self-stigma traits—such as being treated differently, being blamed or judged, and feeling stigmatized—and age, in both males and females. Further analysis revealed that the components of blame and judgment (t = -3.983, p < .001) and self-stigma (t = -3.358, p < .001) were statistically significant predictors for females but not for males.