Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the association between demographic characteristics and patient-reported experiences (PREs) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals living with diabetes, using the Swedish National Diabetes Register questionnaire. The study sought to understand how baseline attributes such as age, gender, and education affect patients’ experiences and management of diabetes.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional survey approach with 544 patients diagnosed as having type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus at the University of Pécs. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the key dimensions of diabetes-related experiences, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis to validate these dimensions. Regression analysis was used to examine the impact of demographic variables on the derived factors.

Results

The factor analysis revealed 5 key dimensions: diabetes-related obstacles, diabetes coping mechanisms, flexibility of healthcare providers, general well-being, and social support. Regression analysis indicated that older patients perceived fewer obstacles and demonstrated better coping mechanisms. Higher educational levels were significantly associated with greater satisfaction with healthcare provider flexibility. Females reported poorer overall well-being but better coping mechanisms than males.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that demographic characteristics significantly influence patient experiences and outcomes in diabetes care. Tailored interventions that address specific demographic needs can enhance patient-centered care and improve management strategies. These insights underscore the importance of considering patient diversity in developing healthcare interventions and underscore the utility of the Swedish National Diabetes Register questionnaire in assessing diverse patient experiences in diabetes management.