Predictors of health-related quality of life among Iranian people with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Diabetes is a common disease with several macro-vascular and microvascular complications, which can result in long-term damage of various organs. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is commonly impaired in patients suffering from prolonged diseases. Inadequate attention to HRQOL leads to decreased compliance with treatment and health-care interventions. Objectives: This study was aimed to identify possible determinants of HRQOL in Iranian people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 160 patients with T2DM registered at endocrinology clinic of the Alzahra teaching hospital of Isfahan university of medical sciences, Iran, was conducted in 2019-2020. HRQOL was measured using the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the variables associated with HRQOL. Results: A total of 160 patients took part in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 59.3 (9.9) years. Around 107 patients (66.9%) were women. The mean (SD) for sub-scales of SF-36 in all patients were physical functioning 57.1(32.5), role limitation due to physical health 62.4 (42.1), role limitation due to emotional health 82.3 (35.8), energy/fatigue 58.8 (21.4), emotional well-being 72.5 (17.5), social functioning 80.4 (28.3), pain 70.5 (26.9) and general health 46.9 (26.3). The most common factors contributing to lower SF-36 subscales were being female, having a higher body mass index (BMI), and having macro-vascular complications. Conclusion: HRQOL among Iranian people with T2DM is mostly influenced by gender, weight, and diabetes complications. By reducing complications of diabetes, especially macrovascular complications, and implementing obesity prevention policies, HRQOL could be improved. A patient-centered approach is needed to improve HRQOL for each patient.