Illness Perception and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

Aim To investigate illness perception in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with the degree of control over relevant cardiovascular risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed from June 2007 to March 2008. A stratified random sample of 46 Croatian general practitioners was asked to select, using systematic sampling, the first 6 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged >= 18 years who visited them for consultation during the study period. Data on 250 patients included patient illness perception assessment (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, IPQ), cardiovascular risk factors, and socio-demographic data. Results The patients' mean age was 63.0 +/- 10.9 years and mean duration of diabetes was 9.3 +/- 7.8 years. The patients' illness perception assessment on an I I-point (0 to 10) scale showed the highest median scores(interquartile range): 10 (8 to 10) for timeline and 8 (7 to 9) for treatment control, followed by 7 (5 to 8) for personal control, 7 (5 to 9) for understanding, 5 Q to 7) for consequences, 6 (4 to 7) for concern: and 5 (2 to 7) for emotional response The lowest score was 3 (1 to 5) for identity. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the Brief IPQ item concern (P<0.001) was a significant predictor of body mass index; personal control (P<0.001) and concern (P=0.048) were significant predictors of fasting blood glucose; treatment control (P=0.009) was a significant predictor of total cholesterol; and understanding (P=0.010) was a significant predictor of blood pressure. Conclusion As patients 'beliefs seem to be associated with the degree of control over cardiovascular risk factors, they should be included in routine clinical assessments.