Aim

To identify if there is a profile of psychological variables associated with adherence to treatment and complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Material and Methods:

The psychometric instruments Multidimensional Scale of Locus of Control in Health, Locus of Control of Rotter and Inventory of Temporary Orientation of Zimbardo & Boyd were applied to 192 patients aged 64 ± 10 years (78% women) with type 2 diabetes attending public primary health clinics. Adherence to treatment was assessed using glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Results:

There was an inverse association between glycosylated hemoglobin and adherence to treatment (p < 0.01). Adherence in patients with renal damage and diabetic foot was associated with the psychological variables Negative Time Perspective Profile (p < 0.05) and External Locus of Control Powerful Other (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

A psychological profile associated with adherence was observed in the presence of kidney damage and diabetic foot. A fatalistic present and a negative past are the outstanding features of a negative temporal profile.

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