A study evaluating the differences in health status between people living with type-2 diabetes mellitus and normal healthy subjects in Malta.

Abstract

Aim:

Type- 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a common disease in the Maltese population, with nearly 10% of the population already diagnosed with this condition (A Strategy for the prevention of Non Communicable Diseases in Malta, 2009). The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference, if any, in the health status between individuals living with Type- 2 Diabetes Mellitus and normal Healthy Individuals in Malta.

Research Design and Method:

This quantitative study consisted of a non- experimental, study design compromising 50 Maltese subjects, of which 25 had been living with Type- 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and 25 healthy individuals. Subjects were recruited from Health Centres in Malta. The SF36 v2 was used to collect the relevant data.

Results:

Results obtained from this study, indicate no significant difference in the health status amongst Maltese subjects living with Type- 2 Diabetes Mellitus and normal Healthy Maltese individuals. However, a difference was observed in most parameters; physical functioning, vitality, role physical, social functioning, of the questionnaire when the mean values where compared. Thus indicating that although no significance in the p-values was observed, except in the physical functioning dimension, this study is similar, when certain parameters are evaluated with other studies conducted abroad.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate, that an action plan would be of benefit if put into practice, where health status of people living with Type- 2 Diabetes Mellitus is assessed, and if this is found to be affected, counselling sessions and support should be provided to these individuals (Di Loreto et al., 2002), in order to help them improve their health status and thus their quality of life.