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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Norbert Schmitz, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada, 1-514-761-6131, ext. 3379, norbert.schmitz@douglas.mcgill.ca

Objectives: Psychological problems may have different effects on disability depending on individual disease severity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between psychological distress, activity limitations in daily life, and functional disability in a community sample of people with diabetes. Methods: We used data from the Canadian Community and Health Survey (CCHS 1.2) which was a nationally representative survey conducted in 2002 by Statistics Canada. Psychological distress, diabetes, activity limitations in daily life and short-term disability were assessed by personal interview. Results: Prevalence of short-term disability was higher in diabetic subjects with co-existing psychological distress and activity limitations in daily life (66%) than in individuals with either activity limitations in daily life (33%) or psychological distress (21.8%) alone. The association between functional disability and activity limitations in daily life was mediated by psychological distress: for subjects with activity limitations, those with at least moderate levels of psychological distress were at higher risk for functional disability than those with low levels of distress. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is a joint effect of psychological distress and activity limitations on functional disability. Detecting and managing psychological distress might be particularly beneficial for persons with diabetes.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant should be informed about the interaction between psychological distress and activity limitations in people with diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes, Psychological Indicators

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered