Quality of Life for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Kirkuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the quality of life of diabetics living in Kirkuk and the factors affecting it. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in primary care centers in Kirkuk, Iraq, from September 2021 to March 2022. The participants consisted of 150 participants who fulfilled the criteria for participation in the study. Clinical, and sociodemographic data and WHO Brief Quality of Life Scale format were collected from participants. Descriptive analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and Chi-square tests were used in the study's statistical analysis. Results: The majority of patients were over 59 years, psychological and social indicators scores were found as 52.7±13.8, the mean independence dimension scores were 41.7±11.8, the physical indicator scores were 38.1±12.1, the environmental indicator scores were 14.8±3.8, and finally the spiritual dimension was found as 8.7±6.2. Age, marital status, and quality of life were statistically significant (p=0.001), between income levels and quality of life were significant as p=0.03, and educational levels and quality of life were statistically significant (p=0.001). In addition, there was a statistical correlation between occupation, residence, family type, and smoking with quality of life. Conclusion: To improve the patient's quality of life, it is important to increase family awareness and provide appropriate family support in collaboration with the family in the care and treatment of the patient.