Health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with diabetes mellitus in a selected hospital in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an excellent measure of life expectancy, particularly for those with a specific condition. Evaluation of QoL facilitates clinical decision-making, enhances communication with the patient, and aids in predicting therapy response. QoL can forecast a person's ability to control their illness and preserve their long-term health and well-being. This study aimed to determine HRQoL and its socio-demographic and clinical determinants among Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients attending endocrinology clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted from March to April 2024. QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL- BREF questionnaire. Socio-demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and treatment options of DM patients were assessed in relation to the QoL. T-test and ANOVA used to determine the differences in the QOL domain. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the linear relationship between two QOL domains. Multiple Linear Regression was applied to examine the relationship between QOL domains and socio-demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and treatment options. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients with DM (Female - 62%, age range - 18-87 years, mean age 60.9 (± 11.4) years) participated. The environment domain showed the highest mean of QOL (57.89 ± 15.02), followed by psychological health (57.44 ± 18.72), physical health (53.38 ± 20.67), and social relationship domain (52.12 ± 18.71). Age, education level, comorbidities, and complications were significantly associated with QOL in physical health, while age, education level, smoking, comorbidities, and complications were significantly associated with QOL in psychological health. Additionally, education level was significantly associated with social relationships and residential area, and education level and comorbidities were significantly associated with the environment domain. CONCLUSIONS: Findings emphasize the importance of addressing both medical and socio-environmental aspects in diabetes management to improve overall well-being. Understanding these variations can guide interventions aimed at enhancing the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of individuals living with DM. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.