Effect of pandemic on Quality of life in Diabetics (QOLID) assessment: Data from a teaching hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Quality of life in Diabetics (QOLID) questionnaire is a validated tool to assess the quality of life affected by diagnosed diabetic patients and has 8 sub domains, which are essential factors that have proven effect on the management. In a state of art Diabetic clinic in Bhubaneswar city, the tool was used to add more quality to diabetic management. Methods: The ongoing assessment through the months of 2020 (study period being from December 2019 to August 2020), offered an opportunity to assess the effect of the pandemic on QOLID scores and review some nascent or strong factors which may be affecting chronic disease management. Results: Complete data could be collected from 599 subjects, 343 from pre pandemic and 256 from pandemic period. The overall scores which were on 100, did not show any significant difference for pre covid and the Covid period, interestingly nearly 1.93 points better in Covid period (69.69±11.10 vs71.62±8.49; p=0.396). Mild difference in overall scores of 4.82 points is seen in females in Covid period; and as seen in age group data maximum gain in sub domains, more for females is seen in the emotional and mental health. Though women reporting to the clinic in both periods are usually in 1:2 ratios, as against men; but QOLID scores in both men and women in Covid period was 71 to 80 points. After the univariate analysis for significant factors, it was that Covid (1.50; 1.08 - 2.07) ; compliance to medications (2.27; 1.48 - 3.50) and reporting of all diabetic complications especially that of eye and depression are coming out to be strong associative factors to affect QOLID scores. Interestingly, rising education has a protective effect on QOLID scores that was significant as higher awareness and better job or earning opportunities may be a contributor for higher QOLID scores for the well educated. Conclusion: This brings out a strong emphasis on QOL assessments to be made an inbuilt part of Diabetic management at all centers to maximize treatment outcomes

A Study on Quality of Life among the Elderly at Urban Health Center in North Delhi

“…[ 11 ] With advancing age, QOL deterioration could be due to decreasing level of independence, need of assistance for day-to-day life activity, chronic illnesses,[ 12 13 ] reduced ability of socialization, and financial insecurities. [ 14 ]…”

Survey of factors contributing to the happiness of older persons: A cross-sectional study of associated worries, anxiety, and depression

“…Furthermore, depression symptoms were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); [11] which is frequently used to screen, diagnose, and assess the severity of depression. Using PHQ-9, depression can be categorized as none (0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), moderately severe (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and severe (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27) based on the PHQ-9 scores. Alongside this, anxiety was screened for using the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale.…”

“…[23] Specific concerns expressed by the elderly in this study resembled those reported in the region. [24][25][26][27] Although major concerns were related to health, mobility, and relationships, a concern involving getting help when needed and access to health care were highlighted. There are increased comorbidities in the older age groups, which is well-known, [27] and this poses a challenge not only for the health-care systems but also for the family caregivers.…”

Quality of Life among Senior Adults across Gender Residing in Lucknow City

“…[3] In developed countries, the rapid aging of the population has brought to the forefront the well-being of older subjects and emphasized the need to identify individuals to greater risk of adverse health outcomes, such as institutionalization and death, to whom preventive social and sanitary measures should be targeted (Bilotta, Claudio et al, 2011). [4] revIew o f LIterAture Kar (2017) has conducted study on factors affecting quality of life of older person -a qualitative study from Bhubaneswar, India. [5] He aims to study the themes that are associated with the quality of life of home dwelling elderly.…”

“…[4] revIew o f LIterAture Kar (2017) has conducted study on factors affecting quality of life of older person -a qualitative study from Bhubaneswar, India. [5] He aims to study the themes that are associated with the quality of life of home dwelling elderly. The observations indicated various themes which were influencing the quality of life of older person.…”