Fear of Hypoglycaemia and Its Associated Factors Among Empty-Nest Older Adults With Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background As population aging accelerates and family structures become increasingly nuclear, living separately from adult children has become commonplace among older people. Against this backdrop, empty-nest older adults with diabetes represent a distinct and increasingly important population in diabetes management.Fear of hypoglycaemia can interfere with glycaemic management in empty-nest older adults with diabetes and may, in turn, compromise their quality of life. Aims This study investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with fear of hypoglycaemia (FOH) among empty-nest older adults with diabetes, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development and implementation of targeted interventions. Methods A total of 217 empty-nest older adults with diabetes were recruited. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the General Information Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Chinese version of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II - Worry Scale (CHFSII-WS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), and the Gold score. Descriptive analysis, univariate and correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results The mean CHFSII-WS score among empty-nest older adults with diabetes was 9.30 ± 10.85. Having children, the frequency of visits from relatives/children, positive/negative coping styles, and the severity of diabetes distress were significantly associated with FOH in empty-nest older adults with diabetes (all p < 0.05). Conclusion FOH among empty-nest older adults with diabetes was generally moderate. Being alone when hypoglycaemia occurred was the situation that caused the greatest concern. Healthcare professionals and family members should pay particular attention to factors that may exacerbate FOH, support patients in adopting more active coping strategies, and strengthen their confidence in managing hypoglycaemic episodes.