Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Related Factors in Patients with Diabetes

Purpose:   The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of life and its related factors in individuals with DM.

Methods:   A cross-sectional correlational study design was used. Using a purposive sampling approach, adult individuals with DM were invited to participate at this study. Participants were interviewed using the Taiwan-version Diabetes-39 questionnaire to assess their health-related quality of life. Demographic data were also collected. In addition, chart reviews were conducted to collect other disease-related information. Measures of central tendency were used to describe the profiles of participants; t-testAone-way ANOVA and regression analyses were used to test hypotheses of this study.

Results:   Study found that the quality of life of participants were related to (a) age, (b) duration of DM, (c) level of education, (d)marital status, (e) living situation, (f) job status, (g) income status, (h) HBA1C, (i) treatment modalities and (j) complications. These factors explained 60.7% variance of DM related quality of life. 

Conclusion: The results of this study can provide health professionals to learn more about individuals with DM, their health-related quality of life and its related factors. Healthcare professionals may base on these understanding to provide holistic care to individuals with DM.