Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 233-237
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20261021
Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Older Adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study
Seena Joseph R1, Anila Harilal T2
1Lecturer, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Lourdes College of Nursing, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, India
2Consulting Psychologist, P.G. Project Guide, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.
Corresponding Author: Seena Joseph R
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Depression, anxiety, and stress are common psychological concerns among older adults and may be influenced by chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These psychological problems can adversely affect treatment adherence, quality of life, and overall health.
Objectives: To compare depression, anxiety, and stress among older adults with and without T2DM, and to determine the gender differences in depression, anxiety, and stress among older adults with T2DM.
Materials and Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. A total of 100 older adults, comprising 50 with T2DM and 50 without T2DM, were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Result: The findings revealed a statistically significant difference in the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress between older adults with T2DM and those without T2DM. However, no statistically significant gender differences were observed in depression, anxiety, and stress among older adults with T2DM.
Conclusion: The study findings indicate that older adults with T2DM experience significantly different levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared with those without T2DM. Healthcare professionals should routinely assess the psychological well-being of older adults with T2DM and implement appropriate preventive, promotive, and supportive interventions to improve their overall health and quality of life.
Keywords: Depression, Stress, Anxiety, older adults, Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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