PsychologicalSymptoms and Functional Status in African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

This study describes the psychological symptoms (depressive and anxiety) and functional status (basic activities daily living [BADL] and intermediate activities daily living [IADL]), and the relationships among these variables in African American adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This secondary data analysis utilized cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational data with a convenience sample of 58 African Americans with T2DM (n=45 women and n=13 men) aged 35 to 73 years, enrolled in primary care centers in the southeastern US. Four instruments were used: 1) Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); 2) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STA-I); 3) Personal, Health and Sociodemographic Questionnaire; and 4) Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ). Summary scores on the STAI and CES-D indicated moderate anxiety and subthreshold depressive symptoms. FSQ scores indicated good physical function. Relationships were noted among summary STAI scores and CES-D scores (p =.001); age (p = .03); HbA1c (p=.03); BADL (p=.05) and IADL (p=.02). Relationships were also noted among depressive symptoms and age (p=.005); body mass index [BMI] (p=.004); and IADL (p=.04). A weak relationship between trait anxiety and HbA1C levels was found and a relationship between depressive symptoms and BMI was evident. Both STA-I and CES-D scores were related to functional status variables. Findings suggest that moderate anxiety and subthrehold depressive symptoms may be related to HbA1 c, BMI, and functional status in African Americans with T2DM.