The influence of stress and coping on diabetes self-care activities among college students

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between perceived stress, coping, and diabetes self-care activities among college students with type 1 diabetes. Participants: College students, self-reported as diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Students responded to an online self-report questionnaire (Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities). Results: ANOVA analysis showed significant differences between levels of perceived stress for healthy diet and foot care. Simple linear regression analysis showed significant relationships between healthy diet and active coping, positive reframing, and planning; between exercise and humor; between blood glucose testing and active coping, planning, and acceptance; and between foot care and active coping and positive reframing. Conclusions: Our results indicate that effective stress management and coping skills will positively impact diabetes self-care. Educational programs for college students with type 1 diabetes should address self-care activities as well as psychosocial factors that affect health.