LIVING WITH DIABETES MELLITUS II: IMPACTS ON NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING DEPRESSION AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between neuropsychological functioning, depression and quality of life among adults with diabetes mellitus-II.  The study used a quantitative approach with an experimental, cross sectional matched group research design. The sample was divided into two groups; an experimental group of adults with diabetes mellitus and a control group of matched healthy individuals, with 30 participants in each group.  The sample was recruited from Delhi using convenience and snowball sampling. A self designed questionnaire was administered for understanding about diabetes and its management in the experimental group. NIMHANS neuropsychological battery and WAIS- IV (Two subtests only), Beck Depression Inventory and WHOQOL questionnaire was used for examining neuropsychological functioning, depression and quality of life among adults with diabetes mellitus and matched healthy individuals.  Participants among adults with diabetes mellitus group were provided a self –designed brochure on the self-management of diabetes. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage etc and inferential statistics like MNOVA and correlations were used for analysis of the data. Results indicated a significant relationship on total neuropsychological functioning between the two groups. Significant differences were found in some components of neuropsychological functioning, viz. executive functions, attention and working memory. Non-significant relationships were found on depression and quality of life. The experimental group was aware about diabetes and its management. Awareness and motivation for self- management provides better health outcomes. Comprehensive psychosocial and behavioural interventions by psychologists can delay complications of neuropsychological functioning of individuals with diabetes mellitus.