Profile and Predictors of Health-related Quality of Life Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Kisumu County Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background: Type-2 diabetes is among the main global causes of morbidity and mortality. Determining the Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Type 2 Diabetes is essential. Purpose: This research study sought to evaluate the profile and predictors of health-related quality of life among diabetes mellitus type 2 patients in Kisumu County Referral Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design where we collected data using a structured questionnaire, the validated World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL) tool after 20-100 scale to determine the patient's quality of life. A sample of 92 participants on oral hypoglycaemic agents were selected through consecutive sampling. Stata 12 was used to analyse the data. In order to calculate proportions, descriptive analysis was used, and regression analysis was used to determine how independent variables affected the outcome variables. Results: A sample of 92 participants consented to taking part in the research. Most participants displayed robust knowledge of diabetes management and adopted healthy dietary practices such as avoiding sweetened beverages, sweets, and processed foods a significant proportion experienced challenges in the psychological domain (Mean=40.00 ± 6.77), social domain (Mean=45.26 ± 14.19), and environmental domain (Mean=40.97 ± 9.22), scoring below 50 in these domains. In contrast, the physical domain score (Mean=54.53 ± 12.48) remained moderately satisfactory. Gender differences were evident, with males displaying higher scores in the physical (Coeff=7.674, p=0.019) and social domains (Coeff=12.760, p=0.001) compared to females. Age category was associated with the physical domain and the social domain. The mean score for physical domain for those aged 41-50 was 16.055 higher than the mean score of those aged 60 and above (p<0.001). Similarly, the mean score for those aged between 51 and 60 was 6.855 was higher than those aged 60 and above (p=0.043). Generally, the participants lower than 60 years of age had better physical health than their counterparts aged 60 years and above. with an increase in age above 40 years. Marital status, education level, occupation, and lifestyle habits significantly impacted various HRQoL domains. xii Notably, participants who engaged in physical exercise exhibited better social well-being (Coeff=-14.664, p=0.004), while non-compliance with medication was linked to lower physical domain scores (Coeff=-14.627, p=0.013). Conclusion: This study sheds light on the relationship between socio-demographic variables, lifestyle choices, and their profound implications on distinct domains of HRQoL. Age emerged as a significant factor, with older patients having lower scores in physical and environmental domains, while younger patients faced heightened social challenges. Additionally, the association between gender and the social domain highlights the need for tailored support and interventions, particularly for females who may encounter greater psychological impacts. The results will be used in policy making to support intervention in improving HRQoL among diabetes patients