Quality of Life of Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) of Kuwaiti patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), aged ≥45 years of both genders, and identifying factors associated with poor QoL. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample stratified by gender, consisting of 604 Kuwaiti patients with T2DM, aged ≥45 years, diagnosed as diabetics for ≥6 months. A validated demographic and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the QoL. Results: Both genders were equally represented; 46% of patients were 56–65 years of age. Only 24% of the participants had intermediate school education, while 57% were retired, and 54% of the study population had incomes of >1,000 Kuwaiti dinars (KD) (USD 3,300)/month. Most patients (76%) were married, and 99% were living with their families. Obesity was reported in 54%, and 16% were smokers. Only oral antidiabetic drugs were used by 50% of patients, while 24% of patients had complications, and 11% of them developed retinopathy. A family history of diabetes was reported in 74% of patients, and 45% of them have a duration of diabetes >10 years. The median score of QoL was 71, and around 77% of the sample has a good QoL. Conclusion: Kuwaiti patients with T2DM aged ≥45 years reported an overall good level of QoL with higher scores in psychological and social relationships than physical and environmental domains of QoL. Health region, type of treatment, educational level, marital status, and BMI level were statistically significant predictors of poor QoL. More public health action is required to control the disease and improve the QoL.