Patient-doctor relationship and illness perceptions among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a primary care study

This study aimed to evaluate the patient–doctor relationship and illness perceptions among people with type 2 diabetes and to examine sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with these constructs. This cross-sectional study included people with type 2 diabetes who presented to family health centers in Manisa, Turkey. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Patient-Physician Relationship Scale, and the Brief Illness Perception Scale. In addition to descriptive and univariate analyses, multivariate linear regression models were used to assess variables associated with patient-physician relationship and illness perception scores. A total of 171 individuals with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. A moderate, negative, and statistically significant correlation was observed between patient-physician relationship scores and illness perception scores ( r = − 0.336, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, follow-up with physicians other than family physicians was independently associated with lower patient-physician relationship scores (β = −2.569, p = 0.037). For illness perception, an insulin-based treatment regimen (β = 5.192, p = 0.004), the presence of diabetes-related complications (β = 6.771, p < 0.001), and female sex (β = 3.979, p = 0.005) were independently associated with higher illness perception scores. The results of this study suggest that in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the patient-physician relationship and disease perception are interrelated yet distinct constructs that should be evaluated from different perspectives. Specifically, the rate of family physician follow-up was associated with higher patient-physician relationship scores. Clinical and individual characteristics, including insulin-based treatment regimen, the presence of diabetes-related complications, and sex, were associated with disease perception scores.