Diabetes and Health Related Quality of Life of Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Patients In A Tertiary Hospital In Nigeria

Previous researches have shown that diabetes and its major complications result in patients’ poor quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate health related quality of life in diabetic patients and to explore associated socio-demographic parameters that needed intervention. A cross sectional study carried out at the endocrinology clinic of  Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital had 150 elderly type2 diabetic patients aged 50years and above. Necessary information was collected from patients' files. RAND 36 health-Item questionnaire (version 1.0) was used for self-evaluation of health related quality of life. Scores were on a scale of 0-100. While 0 indicated poor, 100 indicated excellent health status. Statistical package for social sciences 16.0 was employed for statistical analysis with p value at ≤0.05.  Mean age of patients was 65.8±10.0. No statistical differences between males and females except in occupation where majority (59.3%) of the females were artisans/traders. Significant higher scores in role limitations due to physical health and role limitations due to emotional problems (p< 0.05) were found in males when compared to females. Significant physical functioning scores were found among the singles, primary level education and those with FBS < 126mg/dl.  The overall quality of health of this study group was very poor. This study reveals all the socio-demographic variables assessed needed intervention which might bring about optimal patient outcome. Educating them about their disease, counseling them on adherence to their medications and to life style modifications will be a good step in the right direction.