HUBUNGAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN DENGAN KADAR GULA DARAH SEWAKTU PADA LANSIA DI KOTA MALANG

Background: The aging process in the elderly is accompanied by various physiological and psychological changes, including increased risk of anxiety and glucose metabolism disorders. Anxiety can activate the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, triggering the release of cortisol and adrenaline hormones, thereby increasing hepatic glucose production and potentially causing hyperglycemia. This study aims to determine the relationship between anxiety levels and random blood glucose levels in the elderly in Malang City.
Research Methods: This study used a quantitative observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample consisted of 68 elderly individuals living in nursing homes in Malang City, selected using purposive sampling technique. Anxiety levels were measured using the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) questionnaire, while random blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. Data analysis used Spearman's Rho correlation test with a significance level of α < 0.05.
Results: The majority of respondents were aged 70-79 years (41%), with males being more dominant (53%). Based on anxiety levels, 46% of respondents experienced moderate anxiety, 35% severe anxiety, and 19% mild anxiety. Blood glucose examination results showed 68% of respondents were in the prediabetes category and 32% in the normal category. Spearman's Rho correlation test showed a correlation coefficient (r) = 0.560 with a significance value (p) = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant positive relationship with moderate strength between anxiety levels and random blood glucose levels in the elderly.
Conclusion: There is a significant positive relationship between anxiety levels and random blood glucose levels in the elderly in Malang City. The higher the anxiety level experienced by the elderly, the higher the random blood glucose level tends to be. The results of this study emphasize the importance of a holistic approach in elderly health services that not only pays attention to physical aspects but also psychological aspects to prevent metabolic complications.