Health status and quality of life in patients with diabetes in Switzerland

Abstract

AimsWe aimed to assess the health status and quality of life (QoL) of patients with diabetes and explore the associated factors in a French-speaking region of Switzerland. MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported data from 585 patients with diabetes. We ran univariate and multivariate regressions analyses on health status (Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (PCS, MCS) of the SF-12) and diabetes-specific QoL (ADDQoL score). ResultsMean PCS was 43.1±10.4 and mean MCS was 46.7±11.1. The overall ADDQoL score was −1.6±1.6; the life domains of the ADDQoL with the lowest scores were freedom to eat, sex life and freedom to drink. Being older was independently and significantly associated with higher mental health and QoL, while lower income was associated with lower physical health, mental health, and QoL. Having diabetes for over 10 years was associated with lower QoL, while insulin treatment and complications were correlated with lower physical health and QoL. ConclusionsThis study provides key information on the health status and QoL of patients with diabetes in Switzerland and their associated factors, which can help healthcare providers to identify patients at higher risk of lower health and QoL.