Health-related quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
PLoS ONE
Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its treatment impact patients’ physical health as well as emotional and social wellbeing. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors among patients with T2DM at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. Methods A face-to-face cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients with T2DM at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We collected data using a validated Amharic version of the 5-level EuroQoL-5 dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to explore differences in the median scores of EQ-5D-5L utility and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). Multivariable Tobit regression models were used to identify predictors of HRQoL. Utility scores were calculated using disutility weights of the Ethiopian general population. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results A total of 360 patients with T2DM participated. Mean (SD) age was 64.43(10.61) years. Reported health problems were mostly in the pain/discomfort (67.3%) dimension followed by mobility (60.5%), whereas the usual activities domain (34.1%) was the least health problem being reported. The median (IQR) EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.95 (0.88–0.96) and 80 (75.0–85.0), respectively. In multivariable Tobit regression models older age, having poor glycemic control, longer duration of diabetes, insulin usage, obesity, and having diabetes-related complications were significant negative predictors of HRQoL. Conclusions Overall, patients with T2DM had lower HRQoL than the general population, which was attributed to being older age, longer duration of diabetes, insulin use, obesity, inadequate glycemic control, and diabetes-related complications. The utility index we generated can be used in future economic evaluations to inform decisions about alternative interventions and resource allocation.
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0264199
Publication Date
2-1-2022
Recommended Citation
Gebremariam, Girma Tekle; Biratu, Selam; Alemayehu, Metasebia; Welie, Abraham Gebregziabiher; Beyene, Kebede; Sander, Beate; and Gebretekle, Gebremedhin Beedemariam, "Health-related quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia" (2022). Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences Faculty Publications. 21.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264199
https://collections.uhsp.edu/pharm-admin-sciences_pubs/21