The Influence of Protective Factors on Mental Health Among Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

     This predictive correlational study aimed to examine the influence of protective factors on the mental health status of older patients with diabetes receiving treatment at Phra Phrom Hospital. The study population consisted of elderly individuals aged 60 and above who were receiving diabetes treatment at Phra Phrom Hospital, totaling 952 individuals. The sample size was calculated to be 153 individuals. Data were collected from June to July 2023. The research instrument used was a questionnaire from the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.841. Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis.

     The results revealed that participants had an overall mental health score of 53.88 (SD= 4.13), indicating better mental health than the general population. Protective factors that could predict mental health status included age, income, overall quality of life, physical health-related quality of life, mental health-related quality of life, social relationship-related quality of life, and environmental quality of life. These factors could jointly predict 98.50% of the variance in mental health status of older patients with diabetes (R²= 0.985, p < 0.001).

     Recommendations: Healthcare professionals can use the findings of this study as data for screening mental health status and promoting the development of comprehensive care models to enhance various aspects of life quality for older patients with diabetes receiving treatment. Furthermore, these findings can be applied to mental health care for elderly individuals in communities and society at large in the future.