Investigating the Relationship Between Illness Perception and Coping with the Illness In Type 2 Diabetic Patients

An extensively used psychological approach in diabetic patients is the approach based on the type of the patient’s coping behavior. This approach states that when facing an illness or a life-threatening factor, individuals form generalized images and particular beliefs about the disease and its treatment, called the illness perception. The participants of this cross-sectional study were selected with a random sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. The research tools included demographic information in written form, a brief illness perception questionnaire (Brief-IPQ), and a brief questionnaire on Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE). The data were analyzed using statistical tests of SPSS software (Version 20) on a significance level of p<0.05. The results of the current study indicated no relationship between the illness perception and coping of type 2 diabetic patients, except for the religion subscale. Also, considering the moderate level of illness perception, improving the level of illness perception through consultation and training is necessary.