COPING WITH EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST DIABETICS - TRENDS IN SOCIAL MEDICINE AND SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGY

In many European countries, social-medical aspects in the management o f diabetes mellitus are not satisfactorily respected, Our contribution reports a study addressing the impact of diabetes on the patient's ca reer and daily work, in order to determine the extent to which diabeti cs are being discriminated against at work. Type I diabetics were ques tioned about their experience, and not on the objective burden. A ques tionnaire was developed to evaluate patients' social and employment pr oblems. Few elements of an education program for Type I diabetes optim izing social skills (social competence) are demonstrated. In a group o f 6-8 patients, assertive behavior in the work place is modelled (e.g. , for hypoglycaemia, social phobia) by applying psychological methods (behavior modification role-playing). These methods can help diabetic patients to master their discrimination. They learn assertive behavior in social situations with superiors and colleagues and develop self-c onfidence (self-efficacy). This special education program supports Typ e I diabetics in coping with employment discrimination.