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

OBJECTIVES: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.