Determinants of the quality of life among diabetic subjects in Kerala, India

SummaryStatement of the problemTo estimate the level of quality of life (QOL) and its determinants among subjects having diabetes in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Research designs and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on 200 subjects who attended the Diabetes Clinic, Medical College and Institute for Diabetes, Thiruvananthapuram. Univariate and Multivariate analysis of data collected by interview method using a questionnaire were done using odds ratio and Chi square test for significance. Those who achieved score above 60% were presumed to have good QOL. Multiple Logistic Regression analysis was done following a forward step wise method of elimination.Results62% subjects had good QOL. Following factors were found to be significantly associated with QOL by Univariate analysis—satisfaction in social relationships and friendships, time for management of diabetes, feeling of physical illness, worry of diabetic complications, satisfaction with treatment, male gender, occupation involving moderate physical work, better education, mixed diet, diet and exercise as treatment modality, physical activity, family history of diabetes, regular consultation, having diabetic friends, better sex life, no urgency of micturition due to diabetes, less frequently complaining about diabetic condition.ConclusionMultivariate analysis established that Satisfaction in social relationships and friendships, time set apart for management of diabetes, feeling of physical illness, worry of diabetic complications, contribute to major variation in QOL and accounted for 46.5% variation of QOL in men, these factors coupled with treatment satisfaction accounted for 65.4% variation in QOL in women.