TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A RISK FACTOR OF AGGRESSION IN ADULTS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the problem of aggression (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in comparison to normal adults. METHOD: The present study was carried out from February to April 2019 in Faisalabad city that employed comparative research method with independent group research design. One hundred (n=100) patients suffering from T2DM, and one hundred (n=100) non-diabetic participants (normal adults) were recruited. Aggression Questionnaire was used to examine the aggression (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility) among all participants. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality test and independent samples t-test via SPSS, Version 22.0. RESULTS: Normality test indicated the normal distribution of data (p=0.447) related to aggression questionnaire. Results of independent samples t-test revealed that adults with T2DM reported more aggression (t=3.90, df=198, p=0.000), verbal aggression (t =2.85, df=198, p =0.005), anger (t=2.92, df=198, p =0.004) and hostility (t =4.29, df=198, p =0.000) than normal adults. Both groups did not report physical aggression with significant difference (t=1.34, df=198, p =0.180). CONCLUSION: T2DM is a potent risk factor of aggression in adults. T2DM patients mostly become verbally aggressive towards others. They also respond to external environment with intense anger and hostility. Thus, management of aggressive thoughts and acts is equally essential besides coping with the disease.