Knowledge about Diabetes and Its Effect on Quality of Life among Diabetic Patients in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is an essential part in Diabetic patients since low QOL can decrease self-care which can lead to increased mortality and complications. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of diabetes on QOL in Saudi Arabia, and to assess the knowledge about diabetes among these patients in order to know if there is a relation between diabetes knowledge and patient's QOL.

Methods: Cross sectional study done in king Abdul-Aziz university hospital in Jeddah. The sample was on type 2 diabetic patients (N=300), they were recruited from hospital wards and outpatient clinics during 2016. The questionnaire consisted of 3 sections: demographic and medical characteristic, knowledge of diabetes and QOL assessed by 4 dimensions.

Results: The mean age of the study population was 55.6±10.1 years and 189 (63%) were female. The median duration of having diabetes was 10 years. The mean score of diabetes knowledge was 8.57±1.8 out of 12 indicating good level of knowledge. The worst score was for alcohol’s effect on blood glucose, only 21.7% answered correctly. The mean score QOL was 34.1±7.7 out of 50 which indicates average level of lifestyle. Regrading effect of the knowledge on QOL, there was positive correlation with no significant association.

Conclusion: Diabetes impairs QOL of patients, and the knowledge about diabetes affects QOL. We recommend the engagement of health professionals in educational settings in order to enhance health-related knowledge. Seminars, counseling sessions and workshop should be arranged periodically for diabetic patients to increase their awareness.