The Effectiveness of Biofeedback-Relaxation on Anxiety and Average Blood Glucose in type II Diabetic Patients

Anxiety has been shown to be associated with high blood glucose and poor outcomes in people with diabetes. One of psychological interventions that have been used for different patients is Biofeedback-Relaxation. Diabetic patients also can use this technique for decreasing their anxiety and subsequently blood glucose. This study was an experimental study with pretest-posttest design and control group. A total of 28 patients among diabetic patients who referred to Kalar Health Center in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from 2015 to 2016, were selected by random sampling method. They were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups, each with 14 participants. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess patients’ anxiety, and their HbA1c test results recorded. After the pre-test, the experimental group were treated with Biofeedback-Relaxation for 8 weeks and while the control group received no intervention. After treatment period both groups were tested for anxiety and HbA1c once again. Data were analyzed by means of SPSS-22, using descriptive statistics, Levene’s test and Analysis of Covariance. Results of the study indicated significant decline for state anxiety (F= 9.49, p=0.00 <0.05), trait anxiety (F= 8.03, p= 0.00<0.05) and HbA1c (F= 11.45, p=0.00<0.05) in experimental group. According to the results of the present study biofeedback is effective to reduce anxiety and blood glucose of type II diabetic patients.

Keywords:

Biofeedback , Relaxation , Diabetes , Anxiety , Blood Glucose