International Journal of Health Sciences

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion and Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Patient- and Significant Other-Perceived Impact Study
Maximillian E. Stachura, MD; Marlene M. Rosenkoetter, PhD, RN; James K. Dias, PhD; Elena A. Wood, MD, PhD; David C. Brown, PA-C

Abstract
Objective: To assess independently, paired patient (PT) and PT-selected significant other (SO) perceptions of the impact on glucose management and lifestyle of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily insulin injections (MDII) during intensive diabetes management (IDM). Methods: Four newly developed, parallel PT and SO survey instruments (CSIIpt and MDIIpt; CSIIso and MDIIso), based on Socio-Technical Systems Theory and the Life Patterns Model, were used to elicit demographic information and perceptions. Results: Both PTs and SOs rated CSII higher (p<.001) than MDII concerning PT perceived impact on disease management and lifestyle. SOs evaluating the impact of PT treatment method on their own lifestyles reported no difference. Of dependent variables and interactions examined, only “treatment method” and “age group” had significant effects: Increased age was positively associated with PT perceived impact on disease management and lifestyle for both CSII and MDII. Conclusions: Both CSII and MDII are effective IDM methodologies, but PTs perceive CSII more positively, suggesting CSII’s greater potential for long-term compliance. Neither PT age nor formal education level achieved contraindicates choosing CSII for IDM. No other factor examined (diabetes type, gender, race, income level, employment status) predicts treatment method-associated perceived disease management or lifestyle impact during IDM.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v3n1a1