O-67 Diabetes Distress and the Effect of COVID 19 in a Caribbean Population
Author(s):
L Lovell, A Atherley
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: To determine the level of and risk factors for
diabetes distress in a sample of persons living with diabetes
in Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore
how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced diabetes distress
in persons living with diabetes in a population in Barbados.
Methods: A parallel (convergent) mixed-methods approach was used to achieve the aim, using the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and semi-structured interviews among patients referred for diabetes management at a specialty clinic in Barbados between 1 April 2021 and 31 October 2021. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis.
Results: Diabetes Distress was present in 47 (50.5%) of the participants; specifically, regimen distress and emotional distress were equally present in 52 (55.91%) of the participants. We found no associated demographic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted participants’ distress in three interconnected ways —optimizing health, maintaining connection and battling fear and psychological distress.
Conclusion: COVID 19 affected the mental health of those living with diabetes in this population not only through direct effects but through indirect effects in routine care. Diabetes distress was found in almost half of the study population with emotional distress being the most common subtype of diabetes distress.