LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, DISEASE UNCERTAINTY AND STRESS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES IN OLDER ADULTS, SALTILLO, COAHUILA, MEXICO

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Diabetes is a disease that represents a serious problem for health care systems. It is caused by various biological, physical, genetic and/or metabolic factors; however, risk factors such as such as knowledge, uncertainty and stress caused by the disease are rarely considered but play an important role in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. OBJETIVE. To analyze the relationship between knowledge of diabetes, uncertainty and stress in older adults with type 2 diabetes in Saltillo, Coahuila. METODOLOGY. The method used was quantitative research of correlational design. The target population was older adults with type 2 diabetes in the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, during the period from October 10 to November 8, 2022. RESULTS. The results showed no significant correlation between the level of knowledge about diabetes, and the uncertainty regarding the disease and the level of stress; however, a significant correlation was found between uncertainty and stress (r_s= 0.471; p= <0.05). CONCLUSION. despite having an adequate level of knowledge, participants continue to experience psychological effects such as uncertainty and stress related to diabetes. It is therefore recommended that the further study of variables that address the emotional and psychological well-being of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes be considered.