Examining Coping Behaviors Associated with Depression among People with Type 2 Diabetes from May-July 2020

Abstract

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and depression require self-management and resilience. Isolation during the early COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted self-management behaviors in those with T2D and depression. We sought to determine differences in coping behaviors associated with depression in those with T2D during the early pandemic. Methods: Using the All of Us Research Program, we analyzed a cohort of adults with T2D who completed the COVID-19 Participant Experience (COPE) survey in May-July 2020. We examined the association between having a depressive disorder and responses to the question: "In the past month, to cope with social distancing and isolation, are you doing any of the following?" using regression modeling. Results: For the cohort with T2D (N=6,661), 41.6% had a depressive disorder. Those with depression reported less "healthy" coping (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.60, 0.74]) and more "unhealthy" coping, including: eating high fat or sugary foods (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.40, 1.85]), eating more food than usual (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.30, 1.69]), and smoking more cigarettes or vaping more (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI [1.37, 2.57]). Conclusions: Among adults with T2D, those with depression reported coping behaviors more likely to affect self-management plans negatively during the early pandemic.