The relationship between Self-Stigma with Medication Adherence and Quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Self-stigma (SS) in patients with diabetes can lead to negative feelings about themselves, which can lead to negative effects on quality of life (QOL) and reduced medication adherence (MA) in patients. The aim of the study was determining the relationship between SS with MA and QOL in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 232 patients with type 2 diabetes, who had a record in the urban comprehensive health service centers at Babol-Iran University of Medical Sciences, were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using demographic and clinical questionnaires, Self-Stigma Scale (SSS), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and Quality Of Life Questionnaires (QOLQ). Results: The mean scores of SS, MA and Quality Of Life were 31.07±21.45, 4.97±1.62, 82.32±10.48 respectively. The results showed that there was a negative and significant correlation between SS with MA (P=0.001, r=0.07) and also QOL (P= 0.001, r=0.0036). Conclusion: Planning to reduce SS can be used to improve MA and QOL in people with type 2 diabetes.