Health Related Quality of Life among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Southern Province of Saudi Arabia Using WHOQOL-BREF: Cross Section Study

Abstract

Background: Quality of life has become a more important health outcome with advancements in medical therapies and disease management, leading to better lives of people in general and in particular those living with chronic diseases. Diabetes has a direct impact on physical, psychological and social aspects of personal health. The aim of this study is to determine the health related quality of life and its predictors in patients with type 2 diabetesMethod: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 420 patients with type II diabetes presented to primary health care centers in Samtah town, Saudi Arabia from March 2017 to February 2018. The HRQoL of the study participants was determined with reference to the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Multi-level linear regression was employed to ascertain associated factors with HRQOL among patients with type II diabetes.Results: Female had significantly higher HbA1c, anxiety, depression and stress scores, and a lower HRQL in subscales physical, psychological and environmental health as compared with the male (P<0.001). All subscales of HRQL were significantly lower in age group > 50 years. When compared to those with low level of education (Illiterate, Primary or Elementary school), patients with secondary and bachelors education had significantly higher HRQOL in all subscales of HRQL (P<0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in glycemic control and HRQL with longer duration of diabetes, presence of one or more diabetes complications and presence of comorbid hypertension (P<0.001). However, no significant differences in DASS index were observed with longer duration of diabetes and the presence of comorbid hypertension. Diabetes patients on combined therapy and healthy diet and exercising showed significantly higher HRQOL on physical functioning (P<0.001).Conclusion: Presence of type 2 diabetes greatly impaired health related quality of life and mental health among the study participants. Female had the worsen quality of life and mental health compared with the male. The age, duration of diabetes, comorbid hypertension, diabetes complications and the levels of education were significant predictors of HRQOL and mental health. Healthy diet and exercising when combined with hypoglycemic and insulin therapy greatly improve HRQOL and mental health among diabetes patients. Scales that are based on a broad definition of health such as the WHOQOL-BREF are appropriate for use in primary care setting and can enhance patient management and care.