<![CDATA[Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that requires patients to adapt to lifestyle changes, adhere to treatment, and manage the risk of complications, all of which may trigger anxiety. Uncontrolled anxiety can interfere with blood glucose management, reduce treatment adherence, and negatively affect patients' quality of life. To cope with anxiety, patients may adopt adaptive coping mechanisms, such as seeking social support and strengthening spiritual practices, or maladaptive strategies, including withdrawal and avoiding treatment. This study aimed to determine the relationship between anxiety levels and coping mechanisms among diabetes mellitus patients at Guguak Panjang Community Health Center, Bukittinggi City, in 2025. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. The sample consisted of 107 respondents selected from a population of 145 patients using proportional random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring anxiety levels and coping mechanisms and analyzed using Spearman’s Rank correlation test. The findings showed that most respondents experienced moderate anxiety (81%), while 55.1% applied adaptive coping mechanisms. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between anxiety levels and coping mechanisms (p < 0.001) with a correlation coefficient of r = -0.338, indicating a weak negative relationship. Higher anxiety levels were associated with a greater tendency to use maladaptive coping strategies. The study concludes that anxiety levels are significantly related to coping mechanisms among diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals should routinely assess anxiety and provide psychosocial support to encourage adaptive coping strategies and improve patients’ quality of life.]]>
