Predictors of quality of life among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Using a path model, this study examined the relationships among psychosocial factors (social support and acceptance of diabetes), knowledge of the disease, perceived difficulty of self-care behaviors (SCBs), and disease outcome [quality of life (QoL)] among 180 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In general, respondents exhibited high levels of acceptance. The hypothesis that higher levels of social support and acceptance lead to lower perceived difficulty with SCBs was supported. High levels of social support increased acceptance and reduced SCBs. Knowledge reduced SCBs but was not associated with QoL. In the path model, SCBs influenced QoL and mediated the relationship between social support, acceptance, and QoL.