Health related quality of life of diabetic children and factors affecting it in Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: DM is the most common endocrine disease in children with increase in global incidence by 3% annually. Diabetes mellitus as chronic illness and its management negatively affect the quality of life of the diseased children. Health-related quality of life aspects are increasingly becoming an important concerns and outcome of diabetic patients management. Health-care professionals are becoming increasingly aware of the need to asses and monitor the QOL as an important outcome of diabetes care. Aim of work: to assess the health related (QOL) and factors affecting it among children with type I diabetes. Patients & methods: a hospital based cross sectional study that enrolled all diabetic children (80) in the Pediatric department from1st of May 2013 till the end 30 th 0f April 2014. Pediatric Quality Of Life Inventory Scale (PedsQL) was used. Results: A total of 80 diabetetic children were enrolled in this study 60% of them were males. The mean age was 10.08 ± 2.1. 50% of the patients were diabetic for 1-3 years range and had follow up visits every 1-2 months and 45% of them had HbA1C level more than 10. A mean (Qol) total percent score of 70.2% ± 9.8 was found indicating a low life quality. Significant association was found between (Qol) and intensive insulin therapy, compliance to treatment and low level of HB1C (below7.5) while no significant association was found for duration of illness, No of follow up visits, No of blood sugar monitoring per day, No of hospital admission. Significant negative correlation was found between level of HB1C and high quality of life. No correlation was found between quality of life and other variables. Conclusion: Measures for improving quality of life of diabetic children are needed with special emphasis on improving glycemic control.