SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT TENWEK HOSPITAL

Purpose: To determine socio-demographic characteristics associated with health-related quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Tenwek hospital. Methodology: This was an analytic cross -sectional study that was done among patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 attending outpatient clinics at Tenwek Hospital. Quantitative approach was used in data collection. Systematic sampling was used to determine 227 participants who participated in the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean) and Inferential statistics were done using One-Way ANOVA and Factorial ANOVA. Using One-Way ANOVA, p value was used to show whether the difference between the mean is statistically significant. Factorial ANOVA was used to give a summary of the results by bring all the variables and testing their association with the overall health related quality of life (HRQoL) Findings: Age group, education level and religion were associated with overall health related quality of life with (F = 19.9, p < 0.0001; F = 3.94, p = 0.05; F = 9.46, p = 0.002, respectively). Gender, marital status and occupation were not associated with overall health related quality of life. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study has identified socio-demographic characteristics associated with health-related quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings will provide insight to the hospital administration to come up with interventions for creating awareness in the community and identifying cases of type 2 diabetes early so as to save victims at an early stage of disease progression and to prevent development of complications and comorbidities. Also, multi-disciplinary team assessment of HRQoL among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus early in disease course or as soon as they are diagnosed will help to identify modifiable factors that may help the patient lead an active and healthy life. The study will also establish baseline information for future studies on health- related quality of life and associated factors among patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 at the study site. This study recommends reassessment and expansion of Wilson–Cleary model of health-related quality of life.