The influence of fear of hypoglycemia and frailty on self-efficacy in diabetes management among older adults with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
16641078
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105033709016
Journal Title
Frontiers in Psychology
Volume
17
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Frontiers in Psychology Vol.17 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Amin S.M., Abdallah H.M.M., Zoromba M.A., Ghayth E.I., Alkubati S.A., Alqarawi N., Atta M.H.R., Alasqah I., AbouZeid N.A.M.A.S., Farghaly Abdelaliem S.M., Ruksakulpiwat S. The influence of fear of hypoglycemia and frailty on self-efficacy in diabetes management among older adults with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Psychology Vol.17 (2026). doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1714323 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116006
Title
The influence of fear of hypoglycemia and frailty on self-efficacy in diabetes management among older adults with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Introduction: Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults is challenging, particularly when complicated by fear of hypoglycemia and frailty, both of which can undermine self-efficacy, a key determinant of effective disease control. Aim: To examine the influence of fear of hypoglycemia and frailty on self-efficacy in diabetes management among older adults with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at diabetic clinics, with 300 adults aged ≥ 60 years using convenience sampling. Validated tools included the Fear of Hypoglycemia Screener, Chinese Frailty Screening Scale, and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Mean scores for fear of hypoglycemia, frailty, and self-efficacy were 36.13 ± 7.70, 12.93 ± 2.28, and 19.95 ± 3.33, respectively. Fear of hypoglycemia correlated positively with frailty (r = 0.277, p < 0.01) and negatively with self-efficacy (r = −0.270, p < 0.01). Frailty also showed a moderate negative correlation with self-efficacy (r = −0.454, p < 0.01). Regression analysis identified higher fear of hypoglycemia and frailty scores predicted lower self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Interventions addressing fear of hypoglycemia and frailty are essential to enhance self-efficacy and improve diabetes self-management in older adults.