Relationship between Self-management and Quality of Life among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study

Diabetes is managed by prescribed medication and dietary measures to control blood sugar, but self-management is a vital aspect of this management. Self-management is a complex bio-psycho-social phenomenon, a crucial task in monitoring the negative consequences of the condition and enhancing quality of life.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-management and health-related quality of life among Saudi patients with diabetes.

A descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study design was adopted. Self-reported questionnaires were administered to 87 Saudi patients with diabetes in 2021. Data were analysed using Pearson’s r and t-test.

The total adherence mean of diabetes self-care activities was 2.84 (SD=1.83), which is considered inadequate. The mean score for the total health-related quality of life was 57.35 (SD=15.01), which is regarded as fair. Patients with higher physical and social quality of life reported more adherence to self-management activities. Older patients generally experienced poorer quality of life. Patients with higher body mass index reported statistically significantly more body pain. Male patients reported higher total quality of life and role functioning. Females reported more body pain than males.

Diabetic patients have particular challenges in controlling the disease. Nurses and other healthcare providers need to empower patients to engage in culturally appropriate self-management and physical exercise. The results reported here could be used to design a specific health promotion policy that addresses the promotion of physical exercise and self-management of diabetes care. These policies should consider cultural nuances and be tailored to different demographic groups.