Assessment of quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Oman.

OBJECTIVE

To measure quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients in Oman, and examine which patients' socio-demographic and diabetes-related clinical characteristics are associated with better quality of life.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of 200 diabetic subjects was conducted in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al-Khod, Oman between April and September 2009. A short form of the diabetes quality of life questionnaire (DQoL) was used to elicit indices of quality of life on subjects (n=200) seeking consultation at the diabetic outpatient clinic. Socio-demographic variables, body mass index (kg/m) and clinical parameters relevant for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, including glycated hemoglobin A1c level, (HbA1c), were also sought.

RESULTS

The results show that patients with less than 5 years of disease duration and HbA1c less than 8% reported significantly better overall DQoL. Patients with HbA1c less than 8% showed significantly higher glycemic control satisfaction score. The same trend was observed in patients with less than 5 years duration of diabetes. Patients with ages less than 40 years have significantly better self care adherence scores and total score of QoL.

CONCLUSION

Patients' reported moderate DQoL, which appears to be related to demographics, medical history, and management regimens. Patients with HbA1c less than 8% showed significantly higher glycemic control satisfaction score. Furthermore, patients who are less than 40 years of age have significantly better quality of life compared to other age groups.