The study revealed that the profile of diabetic patients reporting many symptoms, with the perception of their disease having heavy impact on their lives, low perceived controllability, and a chronic course present significantly worse physical, psychological and social functioning, as well as a poor mental health, lower vitality and worse overall (physical) health, than those who represent their disease differently.

Conversely, patients face their disease more actively, (they seek social support, apply behavioral coping and express their emotions), when they perceive that their disease has significant impact on their lives, but some control is observed. Such results confirm the reliability of the scores obtained on the scale developed in this study. Thus, its effectiveness is demonstrated.

Although other similar assessment tools already existed in other countries, they had been deficiently translated (not adapted, and presenting some deficiencies) into Spanish by national researchers. Consequently, the tool developed by the University of Granada is the most complete and reliable of all existing assessment tools.

Source: University of Granada