Relationship Between Health Anxiety, Somatic Concern And Quality Of Life Among Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions worldwide, significantly impacting physical and psychological well-being. Among the psychological factors, health anxiety and somatic concerns play a crucial role in influencing the quality of life of diabetic patients. Health anxiety refers to excessive worry about having or acquiring a serious illness, while somatic concerns involve a heightened focus on physical symptoms, whether or not they are linked to diabetes. These psychological aspects often exacerbate distress, leading to poor adherence to treatment and deteriorating health outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between health anxiety, somatic concerns, and quality of life among diabetic patients. A sample of 50 diabetic individuals was selected from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, using a purposive sampling method. Standardized tools, including the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI-18), Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8), and WHO Quality of Life Scale-BREF, were employed to measure the study variables. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation to explore differences and relationships among variables. The findings indicate that diabetic patients from joint families report higher levels of health anxiety and somatic concerns than those from nuclear families. Additionally, patients with a longer duration of illness exhibit higher health anxiety and somatic concerns, significantly affecting their quality of life. A strong negative correlation was observed between health anxiety and quality of life, highlighting the psychological burden faced by diabetic patients.