International Journal Corner of Educational Research (IJCER)
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): March 2026

Self-Care Behavior, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life Among Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam

Dang Thi Nguyen Chi (Phan Chau Trinh University, Da Nang city, Vietnam)
Tran Mai Trinh (Phan Chau Trinh University, Da Nang city, Vietnam)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study identified self-care, diabetes-related psychological distress, QoL, and to examine associations between three contents among patients with diabetes at Tam Tri General Hospital, Dong Thap province. A cross-sectional study was conducted from Sept 2024 to May 2025 among 200 patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-care, psychological distress, and QoL were assessed using validated Vietnamese versions of SDSCA, DDS-17, and WHOQOL-BREF. Chi-square tests examined associations between self-care level, psychological distress, and QoL. Most participants were ≥45 years (88%), female (64.5%), urban residents (95.5%), and married (78.5%). Good self-care was reported by 97.5% of patients; adherence was 100% for treatment and foot care, 74% for diet, 54% for physical activity, and 7% for glucose monitoring. Psychological distress levels were low (43%), moderate (41%), and high (16%), with regimen-related (69%) and emotional (65%) distress most common. QoL was low in 20%, moderate in 55%, and high in 25% of participants. Good self-care was significantly associated with lower distress (p = 0.007) and higher QoL (p = 0.001). Medication and foot-care adherence were high, but gaps remain in diet, activity, and glucose monitoring. Strengthening comprehensive self-management and integrating psychosocial support could improve outcomes and QoL for patients with diabetes.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijcer

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

The goal of the International Journal Corner of Educational Research (IJCER) is to keep readers up-to-date in worldwide developments in education reform by providing scholarly information and practical analysis from recognized international authorities. IJCER is the only peer-reviewed scholarly ...