The Effects of Medical and Social Factors on the Quality of Life of Diabetic Patients

Purpose: To determine life quality levels of self reported diabetic patients and to investigate the impacts of some medical and social factors on life quality scores. Material and Methods: In this investigation performed in a primary health center in Kayseri, 294 self reported diabetic patients and 294 nondiabetic controls were taken. A sociodemographic questionnaire and SF 36 scale were administered. Additionally height, weight and HbA1c measures were taken. Chi square, unpaired t test, Mann Whitney U test, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed for statistical analyses. Results: Quality of life scores in diabetic patients were lower than controls. Physical and mental component summary scores were found 43.5±8.8 and 40.9±7.9 in diabetic patients and 44.5±8.3 and 43.5±7.9 in control group respectively. Life quality scores of female patients were lower than males. There were negative correlations between age, duration of diabetes, body mass index and quality of life scores. There was positive correlation between duration of education and life quality scores. Conclusion: Diabetic patients have lower life quality scores than controls. There are a number of social and medical factors which may affect life quality in diabetic patients. In oder to elevate life quality levels of diabetic patients, regulations including social and medical measures are necessary.