Effect of Dignity Therapy on Dignity and Fasting Blood Sugar in Diabetic Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to significant health complications, including blood sugar management, emotional distress, and challenges to personal dignity. Dignity therapy is a promising intervention to enhance psychological well-being and self-worth.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of dignity therapy on dignity and fasting blood sugar in patients with diabetes.Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on ۶۰ diabetic patients in Fars Province, Iran in ۲۰۲۳-۲۰۲۴. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received dignity therapy in three sessions over ۱۰ days. Dignity and Fasting blood sugar levels were assessed before, immediately after, and one month following the intervention by Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) check list.  Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version ۱۵) and descriptive statistics, independent tests and one single repeated measures ANOVA. p<۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant.Results: Dignity-related distress was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group, immediately after and one month after the intervention (p=۰.۰۰۱). While no significant difference was observed in fasting blood sugar immediately after the intervention, however, a significant reduction was found in the intervention group one month later (p=۰.۰۰۱).Implications for Practice: Healthcare providers should incorporate dignity therapy into diabetes management, particularly for patients experiencing psychological distress. Dignity therapy by addressing emotional well-being can lead to better long-term outcomes, such as lower fasting blood sugar levels one month after the intervention. This holistic approach prioritizes both physical and emotional needs, fostering a supportive healthcare environment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Diabetes ، Dignity related-distress ، Dignity therapy ، fasting blood sugar ، Human dignity