Mental Health Burden, Comorbidities, and Psychosocial Support Among Adults with Diabetes in Limpopo Province, South Africa
1
Public Health and Health Systems, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3046
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires sustained self-care, particularly adherence to dietary management. However, the presence of comorbid mental health conditions can significantly undermine patients’ ability to adhere to recommended dietary practices.
AIM:
To assess dietary management adherence and examine the burden of comorbid mental health conditions among adults with diabetes mellitus attending public hospitals in the Greater Tzaneen municipality, Mopani District, Limpopo Province.
METHODS:
A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 adults diagnosed with diabetes and coexisting mental health conditions. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes-related information, mental health status, psychosocial support, and adherence to dietary management. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics.
RESULTS:
Type 2 diabetes was predominant (80%), with 28.2% having lived with diabetes for more than five years. Psychosocial stress (34.7%), depression (26.5%), and anxiety (17.6%) were the most frequently reported mental health conditions. Over half of the participants (54.1%) had lived with a mental health condition for at least one year, while 52.9% reported not collecting prescribed mental health medication. Mental exhaustion was reported by 82.4% of participants, and 64.1% indicated that their mental health condition interfered with daily functioning. A high proportion (83.5%) reported perceived neglect by family or friends. Although 89.4% reported access to mental health services and 58.8% had been referred by healthcare professionals, more than half (51.8%) were uncertain whether their mental health conditions were adequately managed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings demonstrate a substantial burden of comorbid mental health conditions among adults living with diabetes, with significant implications for dietary management adherence and overall self-care. Despite reported access to mental health services, poor medication uptake, psychosocial distress, and perceived social neglect persist, highlighting deficiencies in integrated diabetes and mental health care.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires sustained self-care, particularly adherence to dietary management. However, the presence of comorbid mental health conditions can significantly undermine patients’ ability to adhere to recommended dietary practices.
AIM:
To assess dietary management adherence and examine the burden of comorbid mental health conditions among adults with diabetes mellitus attending public hospitals in the Greater Tzaneen municipality, Mopani District, Limpopo Province.
METHODS:
A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 adults diagnosed with diabetes and coexisting mental health conditions. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes-related information, mental health status, psychosocial support, and adherence to dietary management. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics.
RESULTS:
Type 2 diabetes was predominant (80%), with 28.2% having lived with diabetes for more than five years. Psychosocial stress (34.7%), depression (26.5%), and anxiety (17.6%) were the most frequently reported mental health conditions. Over half of the participants (54.1%) had lived with a mental health condition for at least one year, while 52.9% reported not collecting prescribed mental health medication. Mental exhaustion was reported by 82.4% of participants, and 64.1% indicated that their mental health condition interfered with daily functioning. A high proportion (83.5%) reported perceived neglect by family or friends. Although 89.4% reported access to mental health services and 58.8% had been referred by healthcare professionals, more than half (51.8%) were uncertain whether their mental health conditions were adequately managed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings demonstrate a substantial burden of comorbid mental health conditions among adults living with diabetes, with significant implications for dietary management adherence and overall self-care. Despite reported access to mental health services, poor medication uptake, psychosocial distress, and perceived social neglect persist, highlighting deficiencies in integrated diabetes and mental health care.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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