Psychosocial Well-being among Diabetic Individuals

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) assessment is considered an important outcome measure in chronic disease management. With an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in India, it becomes imperative to assess QoL in diabetic patients for their better care and control. The present study aimed to assess the QoL among diabetic patients attending the diabetic outpatient clinic and probe its association with glycemic status and management. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 4 months among 185 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Information on sociodemographic profile, diabetic history, and current medications was obtained. QoL was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). The results were statistically analyzed. Results: Using GHQ-28, the psychosocial components of the patients in the fields related to somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression were assessed. Significantly higher GHQ scores (P < 0.05) were noted in T2DM patients with higher glycated hemoglobin and increased plasma glucose levels, suggesting stronger associations of poorer QoL with compromised glycemic status. Insulin users exhibited higher GHQ scores (higher scores for depression subdomains) compared to noninsulin users. QoL was also found significantly dependent on the duration of diabetes and other comorbidities. Conclusion: The psychosocial well-being of the patients is significantly impacted in cases of chronic ailments like diabetes which adds to the total disease burden eventually. The present study warrants periodic assessment of QoL in diabetic individuals as a part of routine care along with advise of psychiatric counseling for those in need.