Association of certain sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients with quality of life

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a common and demanding health problem that has a great effect on everyday life of patients. This study was done to determine sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that affect the quality of life [QOL] of diabetic patients. A total of 300 patients with diabetes mellitus in Erbil city were included in this study. The World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-100] questionnaire was applied for assessment of 6 domains of QOL using multiple regression analysis. Type of work and body weight were the most significant factors shown to affect diabetic patients QOL domains. Type of work was significantly affecting physical [P=0.006], psychological [0.004], level of independence [P<0.001] environmental [P=0.007] and spiritual [P=0.009] QOL domains. Duration of diabetes was significantly affecting physical [P=0.002], psychological [P=0.037] and level of independence [P<0.001] domains. Body weight was significantly affecting physical [P=0.039], psychological [P=0.012], level of independence [P=0.036], social relationships [P=0.022] and spiritual [P=0.030] QOL domains. QOL had a variable significant association with certain sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of diabetics. There should be an emphasis on improving QOL of diabetics and consequently achieving better metabolic control