Illness Perception among Diabetes in Tamil Nadu: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the illness perception of diabetic patients in Coimbatore city, TamilNadu, India. This cross-sectional study focused on 60diabetic patients undergoing treatment at a public hospital and private hospital.  Demographic data sheet and illness perception questionnaires (revised) were used as measuring instruments. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation, 't' test and frequency analysis. The findings of the study revealed that perceived symptoms (Identity) had positively related to risk factors. Patients' perception of timeline belief about their illness had positively related with consequences at the same time inversely related to their personal control. The perception of patients' consequences due to diabetes had positively related to psychological attributions and risk factors. The patients' belief in their personal control and treatment control had positively related with illness coherence.