Aims: At Fairfield Diabetes Centre, >50% of patients referred to our service are classified as obese. This study will utilise validated psychological tools in a digital platform model to assess underlying diabetes distress and depression among patients attending our service.
Methods: Participants aged 18-75 were recruited and approached to participate in four surveys (PAID, DDS, SF 36, PHQ-9). Participants were contacted either via telephone or sent an email via the REDCap platform.
Results: Of the 102 consenting participants, 50% (n=51) responded to at least 1 survey and 67% (n=34) responded to all 4 surveys. 6% (n=3) required an interpreter to complete the surveys. 35% (n=18) had a BMI >30, with 11% (n=2) class I, 33% (n=6) class II, and 56% (n=10) class III obesity. In respondents with class III obesity, 30% (n=3) scored high distress in DDS, 50% (n=5) scored severe distress in PAID, and 30% (n=3) scored severe depression in PHQ9.
Of those who responded, 92% (n=47) completed the DDS scale, and 28% (n=13) scored in the category of high distress.
98% (n=50) completed the PAID scale and 36% (n=18) scored in the category of severe distress. Participant who were on insulin scored high both on DDS /PAID scale.
86% (n=44) completed the PHQ9 scale and 23% (n=10) scored high representing severe depression.
Only 67% (n=34) completed the SF36 scale, and 47% (n=16) scored under 50/100, with 69% (n=11) being on insulin and 94% (n=15) being unemployed.
Discussion and conclusion: This study showed that patients who are obese and manage their diabetes with insulin and being unemployed suffered from severe depression.
The challenge encountered in this study was engaging patients to complete the surveys. The surveys were time consuming, while elderly patients and non-English speaking participants struggled to utilise digital platforms and required assistance like carers and interpreter services.