Comparison of Physician Perspective with Quality of Life and Mental Health Aspects in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is linked to numerous complications impacting Quality of Life (QoL), mental health, long-term management and healthcare costs. There are limited studies on how to assess, manage and improve the outcomes of these patients in Saudi Arabia. Aim(s): To measure the effect of QoL and mental health components among patients with T2DM with and without complications as well as the physician's perspective. Method(s): A cross-sectional survey using the 12-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-12v2) consisting of QoL and mental health components was performed on diabetic patients >= 18 years from September to December 2022. This involved the Mental Component (MCS) and the Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores. A pre-designed and self-reported questionnaire based on perspectives and knowledge was distributed to primary healthcare physicians managing and treating patients with T2DM in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Result(s): In total, 182 patients and 54 physicians were included. Median age was 56 years ((Interquartile Range (IQR): 48-64), BMI 29.6 kg/m2 (IQR: 25.9-32), HbA1c test was 7% (IQR: 6.5-8%), T2DM duration of 9 years (IQR: 4.7-18) with 60% of patients having diabetic complications. The median of MCS score was 52.3 (IQR: 48-55.5), and 46.3 (IQR: 42.9-54.1) for PCS. Female gender (OR = 9.40; 95% CI:1.70-51.83; P = 0.010), poorly controlled HbA1c (OR = 10.32;95%CI:1.31-80.81; P = 0.026), high cholesterol (OR = 8.74; 95% CI:1.79-42.53; P = 0.007), long T2DM duration (OR = 8.82; 95% CI:1.42-54.78; P = 0.019) as well as below-average MCS (OR = 3.44; 95% CI:1.65-7.18; P = <0.001) and PCS (OR = 5; 95% CI:2.49-10.01; P < 0.001) increased the risk of complications. Physicians responded unfavourably to the physical 2.23 (SD = 0.47) and mental health component questions 1.97 (SD = 0.57). Conclusion(s): Our findings reflect the negative impact on QoL and mental health among patients with T2DM particularly those with complications. Establishing a multidisciplinary approach that improves physician awareness, includes HRQOL and mental health assessment as part of routine management is essential.Copyright � 2023 Elsevier B.V.