Beliefs about insulin as a predictor of fear of hypoglycaemia

Abstract

The present study extends previous research by exploring the predictive value of beliefs about insulin therapy in fear of hypoglycaemia (FoH). Data were collected on 81 Spanish adults (aged 18–58 years) with type 1 diabetes. Participants completed a survey questionnaire containing the following measures: state-trait anxiety inventory, beliefs about medicines questionnaire (specific scale), a modified version of the FoH Survey (worry scale) and different questions about demographic and clinical information (duration of diabetes, daily shots of insulin, severe hypoglycaemic episodes, metabolic control). Regression analyses showed that history of severe hypoglycaemic episodes and concerns about insulin therapy had the most predictive influence on FoH. Treatment perceptions, particularly concerns about insulin, were related to reported FoH. However, FoH is a complex phenomenon and more research is needed in order to gain a better understanding of its predictors and correlates.