Publication:

Quality of life among diabetic patients in Ahmedabad, India

Background Diabetes, affecting 422 million people worldwide, with India having the second-largest diabetic population. India accounts for 1 in 7 of the global diabetic population and 63% of all deaths from NCDs. In Gujarat, diabetes prevalence is 16% in women and 17% in men. Quality of life (QOL) includes physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual satisfaction, is a key factor in disease management. Assessing QOL helps identify patient needs, evaluate treatment regimens, and improve health management.

Methods We conducted a community based cross-sectional study among diabetic patients using a Short Form 36 V2 to measure QOL of diabetics aged >18 years. In-person interviews were conducted with 310 diabetic patients from 30 UHCs of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation that were chosen by cluster sampling. Data was analysed using suitable statistical parameters.

Results The study included 160 male and 150 female diabetic patients, with a mean age of 55.46±9.85 years and mean diabetes duration of 5.69±3.44 years. The mean QOL score was 71.37±18.14, with males reporting higher QOL than females. Advanced age, longer diabetes duration, sedentary lifestyle, comorbidities, and complications were associated with lower QOL. Higher education, nuclear family type, higher socio-economic status (SES) and regular physical activity improved QOL. No significant association was found between QOL and religion, occupation, marital status, diet type, overcrowding, or addiction.

Conclusions Significantly associated variables with QOL included Age, gender, education, type of family, Socioeconomic status, lifestyle, physical activity, comorbidity, duration and complication of diabetes.