THE IMPACT OF FEAR OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA ON DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Fear of Hypoglycaemia on Diabetes Self-Management among Diabetic Patients. A quantitative research design was conducted using a   a sample of N=100 adults among diabetic patients selected from a hospital in Multan. Standardized measures including the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey-II (Worry) (Gonder-Frederick,2011) and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (Schmitt, 2013) scale were administered for use with the local population, and Urdu versions of the scales were used to establish cultural and linguistic suitability. The findings shows that a significant positive relationship in fear of hypoglycaemia and diabetes self-management, shows a significant positive correlation (r=.28*, p=<.05), indicating that managed fear acts as a motivational predictor for better treatment compliance. The findings shows that a statistically significant gender difference in fear of hypoglycaemia and diabetes self-management. Moreover, regression analysis shows that FOH was a significant predictor (negative) of diabetes self-management behaviors. These findings shows that the importance of psychological factors, notably fear-related responses, it can function as a proactive mechanism that improves disease management awareness. The study suggests that the gender-specific interventions and psychological screenings to help redirect hypoglycemic anxiety into proactive self-care behaviors.