Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Correlates of self-rated health in people with ...

Links

Text available via DOI:

View graph of relations

Correlates of self-rated health in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a longitudinal study

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
Close
Article numbere14383
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>31/05/2021
<mark>Journal</mark>Diabetic Medicine
Issue number5
Volume38
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date2/11/20
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Aim
Self-rated health, a measure of self-reported general health, is a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality in various populations, including persons with diabetes. This study examines correlates of self-rated health in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Methods
Participants recruited from the UK and USA (n = 295; mean (± sd) age: 61.5 ± 10.7 years; 69% male; 71% type 2 diabetes) rated their health at baseline and 18 months. DPN severity was assessed using the neuropathy disability score and the vibration perception threshold. Validated self-report measures assessed neuroticism, DPN-symptoms of pain, unsteadiness and reduced sensation in feet, DPN-related limitations in daily activities, DPN-specific emotional distress and symptoms of depression.

Results
In the fully adjusted baseline model, younger age, presence of cardiovascular disease and higher depression symptom scores showed likely clinically meaningful independent associations with worse health ratings. Being at the UK study site and presence of nephropathy indicated potentially meaningful independent associations with lower baseline health ratings. These predictors were largely consistent in their association with health ratings at 18 months.

Conclusion
Results identify independent correlates of health ratings among adults with DPN. Future research should investigate the clinical implications of associations and examine changes in these variables over time and potential effects on changes in health perceptions. If these associations reflect causal pathways, our results may guide interventions to target issues that are likely to have an impact on subjectively experienced health as an important patient-reported outcome in DPN care.