title: Perception of Quality of Life among People with Diabetes.
abstract: Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects a patient's quality of life. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the socio-demographic and disease profile factors associated with poor quality of life among patients with diabetes. The study was conducted at a primary health care clinic in Kuching between August to November 2010. Short Form - 36 (SF - 36) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of diabetic patients aged ≥ 18. A total of 142 respondents participated in the survey. After adjusting for age, those with no education scored lower at vitality (p=0.043) and emotional health (p=0.033) compared with those who have tertiary education. Those working in the private sector scored better for physical functioning (p=0.042) compared with pensioners and the unemployed. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes scored lower in the role-emotional domain (p=0.003). Participants who were on <3 (p=0.014) and ≥3 (p=0.024) oral medications had better score for role-physical than those on insulin. Those on insulin had worse score for bodily pain than those on oral medication only (vs <3 oral drugs, p=0.026; vs ≥3 oral drugs, p=0.001). Various socio-demographic factors, uncontrolled diabetes and insulin usage were found to have negative impact on a diabetic patient's quality of life. Programmes addressing the physical and emotional needs of diabetic patients at the primary health care setting are essential to help improve their quality of life.
authors.forename: Wl
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cheah
authors.forename: Py
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Py
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Aa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fatin Nabila
authors.forename: Kj
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Luk
authors.forename: At
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nur Iwana
keywords: Diabetes mellitus; SF-36; medications; primary health care; quality of life