Introduction
As one of the most common metabolic diseases in the whole world, diabetes affects the physical and psychological well-being of individuals regardless of their gender, age, or social status. The primary symptoms of this health issue include weight loss, increased hunger, and frequent urination, although they can differ depending on the specific type of diabetes. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes is considered the most typical form of this disease, which is characterized by high blood sugar and insulin resistance. At the same time, this health issue is frequently associated with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. In order to determine the connection between these diseases, it is essential to analyze several research articles that use evidence-based information. This analysis is expected to contribute to the resolution of such an important nursing practice issue as meeting the patients’ expectations.
Background of Study
Both research studies contribute to the improvement of understanding regarding the connection between diabetes and mental health issues. On the one hand, the first research study aims to determine the effect of race and ethnicity on the prevalence of diabetes in combination with depression (Hawkins, Watkins, Bonner, & Thompson, 2016). To achieve the goal, researchers consider the predictors of mental health service use. On the other hand, the second research study is intended to provide information about the interdependence between depression remission and self-care behaviors among patients diagnosed with diabetes (Oh & Ell, 2016). In the context of research problems, studies have numerous similarities. In fact, both articles define the problem statement as the increased number of health risks for individuals from different minority groups. Therefore, the intention to identify the causes of this problem makes the articles extremely significant in nursing practice. Once the association between diabetes and mental health issues is detected between various ethnic groups, the potential regulating interventions can be implemented. The objective of the study conducted by Hawkins et al. is to examine specific features of mental health among different ethnic groups diagnosed with diabetes. In turn, the objective of the article conducted by Oh and Ell is to understand how depression remissions can be related to high-quality patient self-care.
Lastly, the research question of the first article is: “What is the impact of ethnicity on mental health service use?”
The research question of the second article is: “Can depression remission and PST affect the quality of patient self-care?”
The Way Articles Support the Nurse Practice Issue
It is important to note that both research studies can be considered essential in terms of answering the PICOT question. In fact, the article conducted by Hawkins et al. plays a prominent role in ruining the myth regarding the fact that Hispanics belong to the population group with the highest rates of age-adjusted diabetes. Considering that they frequently face different types of discrimination, a vast number of individuals believe that the prevalence of diabetes increases with the age of this ethnic group. The researchers take appropriate measures to confront this idea with evidence-based information.
Simultaneously, the article conducted by Oh and Ell provides an argument in support of the idea that diabetes disease is strongly associated with the development of various mental health issues, including depression. It can be explained by the high number of tasks that should be served by patients with diabetes. For instance, it is widely known information that individuals with diabetes are required to track their blood sugar levels, dose insulin, and plan meals on the regular basis. The article analyzed this problem from the perspective of nursing practice issues. Therefore, the key findings are expected to address the problem of the inability of nurse practitioners to meet the expectation of patients with diabetes and depression.
As for the interventions and comparison groups in the articles, they are analyzed accurately. Researchers consider representatives of different racial groups, thereby, improving the reliability and validity of the studies. Moreover, the suggested interventions correspond to the standards maintained in the healthcare facilities of the United States.
Method of Study
Methods of the studies play a crucial role in the process of identifying the articles as credible sources of information. For example, Hawkins et al. use the qualitative research method, as the information is taken from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Today, survey analysis is regarded as one of the best methods of study in research. In fact, its main advantages are the availability of validated models and the opportunity to analyze specific problems among a large population. In terms of limitations of surveys, it is important to note that respondents can provide inaccurate information due to the fear to be placed in an unfavorable position.
A similar approach is considered by Oh and Ell who use surveys to conduct research as well. At the same time, they analyze information gathered from a randomized clinical trial that tested collaborative depression care. The researchers could face the same benefits and limitations as the authors of the first article.
Results of Study
The comprehensive approach of all researchers to the conduction of articles has resulted in the identification of important key findings. The first article highlights that several factors motivate individuals with diabetes to seek medical help from psychologists. For instance, 55 years old patients and unemployed individuals are more likely to face depression and make an appointment with a doctor than other representatives of people with diabetes (Oh & Ell, 2016). Simultaneously, the lack of higher education is the cause of a low level of mental health service use, which can be explained by the lack of health insurance. The research study conducted by Oh and Ell demonstrates that depression remission does not predict more frequent self-care behavior. The main implication of this article to the nurse practice is based on the idea that frequent self-care behaviors among patients with diabetes are motivated by other factors than depression remission. In contrast, as for the implication of the first article, health providers should find more comprehensive approaches to the identification of mental health issues among individuals with diabetes disease.
Ethical Considerations
In terms of ethical issues, all researchers should consider several important ethical factors, such as informed consent, as well as respect for confidentiality and privacy. In turn, researchers of both analyzed articles highlight that respondents were informed about participation in the experiment. Furthermore, the confidentiality and privacy of participants are maintained in the discussed readings. Therefore, the articles can be considered free from the issues of violation of human rights. However, researchers should highlight this information in the specific sections of each article in order to make the data more accessible for the target audience.
References
Hawkins, J., Watkins, D. C., Bonner, T., & Thompson, T. L. (2016). Racial/ethnic differences in predictors of mental health treatment in persons with comorbid diabetes and depression. Social Work in Public Health, 31(6), 511–519.
Oh, H., & Ell, K. (2016). Depression remission, receipt of problem-solving therapy, and self-care behavior frequency among low-income, predominantly Hispanic diabetes patients. General Hospital Psychiatry, 41(2), 38–44.