Coping Strategies and their Association with Diabetes Emotional Distress, Depression and Diabetes Self-Care among People living with Diabetes in Zambia

Abstract Background Utilising coping strategies to reduce and manage the intensity of negative and distressing emotions caused by diabetes is essential. However, little is known about the use of coping strategies among people living with diabetes in Sub-Saharan African countries like Zambia. This study investigates coping strategies used by people with diabetes in Zambia and how these are associated with diabetes-specific emotional distress, depression and diabetes self-care. Methods Cross-sectional data from 157 people with diabetes were collected. Coping styles were measured using the Brief COPE, distress using the Problem Areas in Diabetes, depression using the Major Depression Inventory and self-care using the Diabetes Self-Care scale. Results Data showed that adaptive coping strategies were the most frequently used coping strategies among Zambian individuals with diabetes. Maladaptive coping strategies were related to increased diabetes distress and depression. Emotional support was related to better diabetes self-care, while self-blame was related to poor diabetes self-care. Conclusion There is a need to help individuals with diabetes identify adaptive strategies that work best for them in order to improve their quality of life.