Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects a patient’s quality of life. This cross-sectional
study aimed to determine the socio-demographic and disease profile factors associated
with poor quality of life among patients with diabetes. The study was conducted at a
primary health care clinic in Kuching between August to November 2010. Short Form
- 36 (SF - 36) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of diabetic patients
aged ≥ 18. A total of 142 respondents participated in the survey. After adjusting
for age, those with no education scored lower at vitality (p=0.043) and emotional
health (p=0.033) compared with those who have tertiary education. Those working
in the private sector scored better for physical functioning (p=0.042) compared with
pensioners and the unemployed. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes scored lower in
the role-emotional domain (p=0.003). Participants who were on <3 (p=0.014) and
≥3 (p=0.024) oral medications had better score for role-physical than those on insulin.
Those on insulin had worse score for bodily pain than those on oral medication only
(vs <3 oral drugs, p=0.026; vs ≥3 oral drugs, p=0.001). Various socio-demographic
factors, uncontrolled diabetes and insulin usage were found to have negative impact
on a diabetic patient’s quality of life. Programmes addressing the physical and
emotional needs of diabetic patients at the primary health care setting are essential to
help improve their quality of life