COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SELF-CARE IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH PERSONALITY TYPES A AND B

Background & Aims: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease. Proper management of this disease requires proper self-care behaviors. One of the most effective psychological factors that predict the self-care behavior is personality type. The aim of this study was to determine and compare levels of self-care in diabetic patients with personality types A and B. Materials & Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical study. In this study, 342 diabetic patients were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using self-care questionnaire in diabetic patients and personality type A and B questionnaire. After data collection, the data were entered into SPSS 22 software. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: According to the results, the standard deviation and the mean score of total self-care as well as self-care in blood glucose control and foot care dimension in personality type A were higher than individuals in personality type B (p > 0.05). On the other hand, standard deviation and mean score of self-care in terms of nutrition, drug behavior, and physical activity were higher in type B personality group than group A (p > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the overall score of self-care in patients with personality type A is higher than personality type B. However, the mean score of self-care in most subscales in diabetic patients with personality type B is higher than patients with personality type A. Therefore, more studies are needed in this regard.