Exploring variables associated with poor health-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan

Objective: The study aim was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore factors associated with poor HRQoL in patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan. Methods: The EQ-5D questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL in outpatients (n = 196) with type 2 diabetic during their clinic appointment at three major Hospitals in Jordan. Sociodemographic and medical data were collected from patient interviews and medical files. Multiple linear regression was performed to build a model with variables associated with poor HRQoL. Key findings: The mean score of the total EQ-5D index of the 196 participants was 0.724. Most of the patients reported ‘some problems’ through the five dimensions, with the highest percentage (46.1%) related to mobility domain. Regression analysis identified women gender (β = −0.252; P < 0.01), duration of diabetes (β = −0.344; P < 0.01) number of medications (β = −0.423; P < 0.01), and insulin therapy (β = −0.205; P < 0.05) as being significantly associated with poor HRQoL. Conclusions: The quality of life for patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan has considerable scope for improvement. Future diabetes management programs should focus on improving HRQoL, with specific attention to be given for women patients, those who have long duration of diabetes, and patients receiving multiple medications or insulin therapy.