Comprehensive Analysis of Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetes: A Study From Konya Turkey Konya'daki Diyabetik Hastalar›n Sal›kla ‹liflkili Yaflam Kalitesinin Kapsaml› Analizi

Objective: The effects of diabetes on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) have been investigated with different designed studies which aimed to clarify this subject from different perspectives and some of the results of these studies from different countries were controversial. We have designed our study to investigate the HRQOL in patients with diabetes about different perspectives with more comprehensive approach. This study is the first one from Turkey which has aimed to investigate the effects of diabetic complications, metabolic control and obesity on HRQOL with SF-36 questionnaire. Material and Methods: We enrolled 193 women, 151 men, total 344 patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to our outpatient clinics in to the study. Ages, gender, diabetes duration (DD), salary, anthropometric measurements including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and Body Mass Index (BMI) have been recorded. Diabetic complications including retinopathy (RP), nephropathy (NEPH), neuropathy (NEURO), gastroparesis (GASTRO), cardiac disease (CARD) and diabetic foot complications (EXTR) have been rated on a scale. Results: Diabetic complications, HbA1c and BMI have been determined as independent variables that affect the HRQOL. The effect of these variables on HRQOL have been investigated with stepwise multiple regression analysis. In this comprehensive research, less education, lower income, older age, being female, metabolic control, non adherence to diet, medication and exercise, longer diabetes duration, obesity, and numbers and severity complications have been related with lower HRQOL. Conclusion: According to study, HRQOL has been related with many various parameters. HRQOL in patients with diabetes can be improved by certain medical interventions and by educational and counseling interventions design with multidimensional perspective. Turk Jem 2007; 11: 81-8