Effect of relaxation therapy on depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life among diabetic patients

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of relaxation therapy on depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, and blood glucose levels among patients diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Sample: Convenience sample of 70 patients was recruited and assigned to one of two groups, an intervention group (Group A) and a control group (Group B). A table of random numbers was generated and used to make group assignments. Setting: The study was conducted at Medical Outpatient Clinics in Menoufia University Hospital, Menoufia governorate, Egypt. Instruments: Data collection included a structured interview questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BRIEF).
Results: The findings indicate that anxiety level, stress, depression, and quality of life were improved in the intervention group with a statistically significant degree compared to the control group.
Conclusions: Relaxation therapy improved depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, and blood glucose levels among patients diagnosed with T2DM.
Recommendation: Relaxation therapy, patient education programs and treatment protocols should be integrated into the medical outpatient clinic to assist patients diagnosed with T2DM to cope with their stress, anxiety, depression, and enhance blood glucose control.