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Abstract:
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease that calls for long term management. People who have T2DM are reported to experience depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who do not have. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people diagnosed with T2DM in selected Sub-County Hospitals in Murang’a County. This study was based on Rational Emotive Behavioural Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used quasi-experimental research design utilizing quantitative methods of data collection. The participants of the study were type 2 diabetic patients aged between 30-70 years. To sample the T2DM participants, purposive sampling method was applied. The study screened 161 patients with T2DM. The data collection instruments included socio-demographic questionnaire, Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to screen for depression symptoms and Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Out of a sample of 161 patients with T2DM, 121 exhibited mild and moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study established a high prevalence of depression and anxiety at 85.1% and 95.7% respectively. Moreover, the study found that the mean scores for depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from baseline to endline in the experimental group indicating that REBT intervention was effective in reducing the symptoms. Regular screening for depression and anxiety among patients with T2DM needs to be done and an integration of medication and REBT be provided accordingly in the Kenyan context. |