Perceived Stress and Preventive Behaviors in Patients with Diabetes during Outbreak of COVID -19

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has adverse effects, including stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and lack of glucose level control on diabetic patients. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the preventive behaviors and perceived stress levels in patients with diabetes during the outbreak of COVID-19. Method: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 427 diabetic patients (types 1 and 2) using a convenience sampling method in Iran from September to December 2020. Perceived stress and preventive behaviors questionnaire was used to collect data by sharing among diabetes-related channels and groups on social networks. The statistical analyses included the independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results: The majority of participants were female (66%) with type 2 diabetes (69.3%). The mean scores of the perceived stress and preventive behaviors were 31.69±5.88 and 67.00±8.09, respectively. The perceived stress in patients with type 2 diabetes (32.05±5.7) was higher than that in those with type 1 diabetes (30.87±6.06). Moreover, females (67.69±7.82) obtained a higher mean value in preventive behaviors, compared to males (65.64±8.47). The effective predictors for perceived stress and preventive behaviors were gender, occupational status, and access to medicine. The mean scores of the perceived stress and preventive behaviors were approximately high and moderate. The high perceived stress score referred to the increased stress level and the moderate preventive behaviors indicated adherence to the health protocols. Implications for Practice: Necessary measures should be taken to reduce psychological stress and enhance healthy lifestyles for the better management of diabetes during the COVID-19 outbreak.