Quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus: Social domain of health

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects the quality of peoples' lives through a number of psychological, emotional, social and psychosexual problems. Objective: Assess social domain of quality of life among a sample of diabetic patients and determine its association with the socio-demographic variables. Methods: In a survey conducted at the Clinical Center Banja Luka from October 2011 until June 2012 year, were included 150 patients with diabetes mellitus and 150 patients with hyperthyroidism. To assess quality of life, were used the questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: In patients with diabetes mellitus compared to the control group, with statistical significant difference (t = -3.304; p < 0.001) social domain was reduced. Patients with diabetes mellitus, with statistically significant difference (U = 4603.5, p < 0.001) were more dissatisfied with sex life. With personal relationships and with the support they received from their friends were 'satisfied' 68.0% and 62.0% and 'very satisfied' 14.0% and 11.3% of those with diabetes mellitus, without statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to control group. In higher percent with the support they received from friends were satisfied respondents who were married (67%) than those who were single (40.0%), (p = 0.055). Conclusion: Most of the patients with diabetes mellitus were satisfied with their personal relationships and with social support that they got from their friends without difference by gender, age and level of education. Patients with diabetes were less satisfied with their sex life.