# Exploring the Link Between Personality Traits and Self-Care Dimensions in Individuals Affected by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how personality traits affect self-care behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes, finding that traits like openness and conscientiousness are linked to better care.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into how specific personality traits correlate with self-care dimensions in type 2 diabetes patients.

## Key findings

- Openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness are associated with better foot care compliance in T2DM patients.
- Neuroticism is linked to lower medication adherence and worse overall self-care behaviors in T2DM individuals.
- Conscientiousness reduces the likelihood of smoking among T2DM patients.

## Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent, chronic metabolic disorder that exerts diverse effects on individuals’ physical and psychological well-being.

Our aim was to investigate the potential correlation between personality traits and self-care aspects among individuals living with T2DM.

We conducted a thorough search in PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed/Medline for peer-reviewed articles from inception to January 9, 2023. Following PRISMA guidelines, two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed bias. We used random-effects meta-analysis for pooling estimates

We identified 23 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were linked to better foot care compliance (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.49-4.28; OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.10-3.08; and OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.23-3.48, respectively). Openness was also associated with improved overall self-care behaviors (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.17-3.41), while conscientiousness reduced smoking likelihood (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99), and agreeableness enhanced medication adherence (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.34-2.31). However, extraversion and neuroticism were linked to lower medication adherence (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.96 and OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.40-0.65, respectively). Neuroticism also negatively affected overall self-care behaviors (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55-0.81).

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Personality traits should be considered when addressing self-care in T2DM patients.

None Declared