Perception of Quality of Life among People with Diabetes

• Published in: Malaysian family physician Vol. 7; no. 2-3; pp. 21 - 30
• Main Authors: Cheah, WL, Lee, PY, Lim, PY, Fatin Nabila, AA, Luk, KJ, Nur Iwana, AT
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academy of Family Physician of Malaysia 2012; Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus; medications; Original; primary health care; quality of life; sF-36
• ISSN: 1985-207X; 1985-2274

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects a patient’s quality of life. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the socio-demographic and disease profile factors associated with poor quality of life among patients with diabetes. The study was conducted at a primary health care clinic in Kuching between August to November 2010. Short Form - 36 (SF - 36) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of diabetic patients aged ≥ 18. A total of 142 respondents participated in the survey. After adjusting for age, those with no education scored lower at vitality (p=0.043) and emotional health (p=0.033) compared with those who have tertiary education. Those working in the private sector scored better for physical functioning (p=0.042) compared with pensioners and the unemployed. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes scored lower in the role-emotional domain (p=0.003). Participants who were on <3 (p=0.014) and ≥3 (p=0.024) oral medications had better score for role-physical than those on insulin. Those on insulin had worse score for bodily pain than those on oral medication only (vs <3 oral drugs, p=0.026; vs ≥3 oral drugs, p=0.001). Various socio-demographic factors, uncontrolled diabetes and insulin usage were found to have negative impact on a diabetic patient’s quality of life. Programmes addressing the physical and emotional needs of diabetic patients at the primary health care setting are essential to help improve their quality of life.