Health-related Quality of Life in Chinese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and life-threatening disease. Nevertheless, there are controversies on the factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese individuals with T2DM. Methods: This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary grade-A hospitals in Chongqing, China, from January to December 2019. A total of 385 individuals with T2DM were included by the convenient sample method. Fear of Progression Questionnaire-short Form (FOP-Q-SF), Hypoglycemia Fear Survey II(HFSII), diabetes management self-efficacy scale (DESES), and EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) were used for data collection. Results: The mean age of the 385 individuals was 57.65 (SD = 15.15) years old, and three-quarters of individuals had a high school or above education level. Participants in our study had moderate HRQoL and were more likely to have trouble with the pain/discomfort dimension. The fear of progression (FOP) level was moderate, and 23.1% of individuals suffered from psychological dysfunction. Participants had higher levels of fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) and self-efficacy. Multiple steppage-regression analysis predicted higher levels of FOP and FOH, reduced self-efficacy, older age, longer duration since diagnosis, lower educational attainment, higher level of HbA1c, and living with comorbid conditions were related to lower HRQoL of individuals. Conclusion: Present research showed that the quality of life of Chinese T2DM patients may be impaired by increased FOP, FOH, and poor glycemic control, due to regional, cultural, and economic differences. In addition, with the increase in the patient's age and duration since diagnosis, the patient's quality of life could further decline. We recommend that improve the quality of life by encouraging patients to attain more health education and resilience skills to enhance self-efficacy and reduce negative emotions of patients.