Patient-Doctor Relationship and Illness Perceptions in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Primary Care Study

Background This study aimed to explore patient-doctor relationships and disease perceptions among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and to assess how their communication with doctors influences these perceptions. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with Type 2 DM who visited family health centers. Data collection tools included an introductory information form, the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire-9 (PPHQ), and the Brief Illness Perception Scale (BIPS). Results The study included 171 patients, of whom 57.3% were female. The patient-doctor relationship worsened as the duration of the disease increased (p = 0.005). Patients who followed up with their family physicians for diabetes care had significantly more positive relationships with their doctors than those who saw other specialists (p = 0.002). Patients using only oral antidiabetic medications, those who felt comfortable communicating with their physicians, and those who received sufficient consultation time experienced more positive patient-doctor relationships (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients' perceptions of their disease became more positive with age (p = 0.033, r=-0.163). Those on insulin therapy and with diabetes-related complications had more negative perceptions of their disease (p < 0.001). Participants who found the outpatient clinic environment more suitable, felt comfortable talking with their physicians, and reported adequate consultation time also had more positive perceptions of their illness (p < 0.005). Conclusions This study found that the length of time a person has had diabetes can negatively affect the patient-doctor relationship. It also revealed that regular check-ups with a primary care provider, treatment with only oral antidiabetic medications, feeling comfortable during exams, and having enough time for appointments were associated with better outcomes. Patients who viewed the clinic environment as welcoming and felt at ease communicating with their doctors were more likely to see their illness in a positive light. A moderate negative correlation was observed between patient-doctor relationship scores and the disease outlook. This indicates that more meaningful and supportive communication between doctors and patients can promote a more positive attitude toward illness and enhance disease management.