Perceived quality of life amongst Maltese individuals with type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which occurs when the body can no longer effectively use insulin. This results in high concentrations of glucose in the blood also known as hyperglycaemia (World Health Organisation, 2011). Complications of diabetes lead to disability, reductions in quality of life and death (International Diabetes Federation, 2011 ). To date, no local studies have examined the perceived quality of life among Maltese individuals with diabetes. This project set out to measure the perceived quality of life amongst Maltese individuals with Type 2 diabetes. In order to address the aim of the study, a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional research design was utilised and data was gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire which was adapted from the questionnaire developed by Alan M. Jacobson and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group. Quantitative descriptive analysis was carried out using a scoring system for the Likert scale responses included in the questionnaire. Quality of life and satisfaction were found to be generally good amongst participants but were found to be lowest among those who were receiving insulin, while impact of diabetes was found to be highest in individuals of this group. Participants of this study were found to be satisfied with diabetes management and care involved. However they felt restricted by their diet and they felt generally unsatisfied with the time they spent exercising. The time spent getting check-ups was also causing dissatisfaction in the lives of the participants of this study. Many participants held the belief that diabetes was having an impact on their sex life. Participants felt that hiding their diabetes from others was also having a negative impact on their life. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations on how healthcare professionals and public health measures can help in increasing patients' quality of life were drawn.