Assessment of quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract

Background: In India, as the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is high, it is essential to determine the quality of life (QoL) and it is predictors among them to improve the effectiveness of treatment and also to minimize the burden of DM on our society. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the impact of diabetes on QoL and to identify the association of sociodemographic factors that affect QoL. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 DM patients. Quality of life was assessed by the World Health Organization BREF questionnaire. To compare the means of two groups, the Unpaired “T” test and for three or more groups, one-way analysis of variance was applied. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 120, 61 were males (50.8%) and 59 females (49.2%) and their mean age was 53.72 ± 13.71 years. Almost half of them were illiterates (48.3%). Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (52.5%). Most of the participants had diabetes for 6–10 years (35.8%). Maximum mean score was observed for negative feelings (4.183 ± 0.721) minimum mean score for positive feelings (2.525 ± 0.517). Overall, 43% of the study population rated their QoL as neither poor nor good and 52% felt that their health was neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. QoL score was maximum in the environmental health domain (26.40) and minimum in the social relationship domain (10.75). Among different variables, there was no significant difference observed for overall QoL and health satisfaction. Conclusion: The present study showed overall QoL was neither poor nor good, and they perceived their health as neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. As almost half of the participants were illiterates, it is essential to create awareness regarding diabetes treatment and management of comorbidities and complications by conducting health campaigns using simple, local language, performing street plays, and interactive workshops.