Moderating effect of coping on the relationship between depression and chronic DM complications among patients with diabetes mellitus

Background The connection between depression and medical complication of DM is well established; however, the role of coping and how effective patients are able to manage DM complications are still not adequately tested. The purpose of this study was to assess the moderation effect of coping patterns on the relationship between depression and chronic DM complications of DM. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 384 patients diagnosed with DM type II have been recruited conveniently from a specialized national center. Data were collected in relation to depression, ways of coping, and medical complication using self-administered questionnaire and medical records. Results The analysis showed no significant moderation effect of coping, or domain of coping, on the relationship between depression and chronic DM complications ( p > .05). Depression was a significant predictor of chronic DM complications, while coping was not. Gender differences were found in depression with higher mean score of females compared to males, while no significant difference was found between male and females in relation to coping. Conclusion Patients with DM type II need psychological counseling and enhancement of ways of coping to enable them manage their psychological disturbances including depression to prevent and/or minimize long-term effect of DM on their physiological functions.