Quality of life of diabetic patients in secondary and tertiary health facilities in Delta State, Nigeria

Purpose: To investigate the physical and mental composites and associated factors that affect the quality of life of diabetic patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with respondents sampled from Central Hospital (CH), Warri and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba. Data was collected using the standardized SF-12 questionnaire, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Student t-test and Chi-square were used to compare means and percentages, respectively. Regression model was used to evaluate factors affecting domain scores. Results: A total of 240 diabetic patients were sampled in both facilities (120 in CH, and 120 at FMC). Mean age was 61.3 ± 10.8 years in CH and 56.5 ± 12.4 years at FMC. Mean Fasting Blood sugar was 170.6 ± 68.2 mg/dL at CH and 187.1 ± 68.5 mg/dL at FMC. Mental Component Summary was higher than Physical Component Summary in both facilities. Respondents with FBS < 130 mg/dL had higher domain scores. Age, family history, duration of DM, as well as fasting blood sugar, significantly affected patients’ quality of life. Conclusion: This study shows that blood glucose level lower than 130 mg/dL improves domain scores and consequently quality of life. Awareness of various risk factors is encouraged to improve the quality of life.