The association between diabetes management self-efficacy and quality of life among Palestinian patients with type 2 diabetes

Self-efficacy emerges as a crucial element that impacts engagement in self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes. There is a lack of studies examining management self-efficacy and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes in Palestine. Thus, this study examined these variables among this cohort. A cross-sectional study and a convenience sample of 397 patients with type 2 diabetes who attended diabetic clinics in the North West Bank, Palestine, were recruited. Data were collected using a paper self-reported questionnaire composed of the RVDQOL-13 scale to assess the quality of life and the diabetes management self-efficacy scale. The participants received the questionnaire in person during their scheduled clinic visits and completed it independently. The researchers were responsible for distributing the questionnaires to participants and collecting them on the same day during the period from June to September 2023. The participants reported a high diabetes management self-efficacy, with a mean score of 73.6 (± 14.5), while their quality of life was generally poor, with a mean score of 47.6 (± 13.1). Quality of life showed significant positive associations with employment (p.b.r = 0.143, p < 0.01), monthly income (p.b.r = 0.137, p < 0.01), educational level (p.b.r = 0.137, p < 0.01), male gender (p.b.r = 0.120, p < 0.05), diabetes management self-efficacy (r = 0.545, p < 0.01), and duration of diabetes (r = 0.157, p < 0.01). In contrast, quality of life was negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) (p.b.r = -0.100, p < 0.05) and HbA1c levels (r = -0.265, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis identified diabetes management self-efficacy (b = 0.474, p < 0.001) and longer duration of diabetes (b = 0.204, p < 0.015) as significant positive predictors of quality of life. Conversely, higher HbA1c levels were found to be a significant negative predictor of quality of life (b= -1.278, p < 0.001). This study emphasizes the need for multi-dimensional, person-centered care for patients with type 2 diabetes. Effective diabetes interventions should address the social, psychological, and educational needs that shape quality of life.