Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life of adults with diabetes in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional survey

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with unprecedented healthcare, economic and social disruptions that impacted persons with diabetes mellitus (PWDM). We aimed to establish how the quality of life (QoL) of persons with diabetes in rural Uganda was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, using the pre-pandemic, pandemic and post-pandemic self-reported QoL scores. Methods We surveyed 410 PWDM ≥30 y of age from three rural districts in south-western Uganda. Median QoL scores were computed and variations across the three time periods were analysed using the Friedman analysis of variance and McNemar tests as appropriate. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with QoL. A p-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results The overall median QoL scores were 67.2 (pre-pandemic), 62.4 (pandemic) and 68.8 (post-pandemic) (p<0.001). There was a 75% increase in the proportion of participants with unsatisfactory QoL during the pandemic (p<0.001). Having diabetes complications (p<0.001), chronic comorbidity (p=0.012), no formal education (p<0.003) and travelling for healthcare using non-motorised transport (<0.001) were all independently associated with post-pandemic unsatisfactory QoL. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant deterioration in QoL among rural PWDM, raising the need for policies to prioritise the consideration of their evolving needs while designing measures for future similar widespread emergencies.