![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to compare differences in health related quality of life in women living with and without Diabetes Type 2.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify the relationship between modifiable risk factors, socio demographics and health related quality of life in this group.
The primary aim of the study was to compare differences in health related quality of life in Australian women living with and without Diabetes Type 2. The secondary aim was to identify the relationship between modifiable risk factors, socio-demographics and health related quality of life in this cohort.
Methods:
A cross sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 176 Australian women selected from the electoral roll and community based Diabetes clinics. The questionnaires sought data on socio-demographics, body mass index (BMI), chronic health conditions, physical activity and health related quality of life.
Results:
The resulted revealed that Australian women living with Diabetes had a compromised health related quality of life, presenting higher numbers of unhealthy modifiable lifestyle factors and lower quality of life scores than women living without Diabetes. Modeling showed BMI and the number of chronic conditions to be important when comparing women living with Diabetes (βz = .35) to women living without Diabetes. For women living with Diabetes, the results revealed significantly lower scores for all of the eight measures of health related quality of life, than for women without diabetes. The physical health related quality of life for women living with diabetes was lower than that of women without Diabetes (r = -.255, p = .026), however interestingly there was no differences seen in their mental health.
Conclusion: Results of the current study revealed that women living with Diabetes have higher numbers of unhealthy modifiable lifestyle factors, and lower health related quality of life when compared to women without Type 2 diabetes. The study has application for programs promoting healthy living for women with Diabetes, and implies that those from low socio-economic status, with a high BMI and associated chronic conditions may need considerable support to improve their health related quality of life.