The Role of Self-Efficacy and Social Support in Predicting Depression Symptoms in Diabetic Patients

Objectives: Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus have negative effects on physical and mental health. Depression is the most common psychological problems in this group of patients. The purpose of this study was to predict depression symptoms based on self-efficacy and social support. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 patients with diabetes recruited from several clinics in Shiraz. The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey (MOSSS) and the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale (DSES). Results: Results indicated that 22% of the patients with diabetes experienced the symptoms of depression. The findings also showed a significant association between low level of self-efficacy and social support and depression. The study also showed that self-efficacy and social support significantly predicted the lower rate of depression. Conclusion: The study findings indicated that patients with a lower level of self-efficacy and social support were more likely to experience the symptoms of depression. This study highlights the importance of self-efficacy and social support on patientsʹ mental health.