Quality of life among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi: A mixed-methods study

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly impacts quality of life (QoL) yet data among these patients in Malawi are lacking. This study was conducted to assess QoL among patients with T2DM. A mixed-method cross-section study was conducted at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), Lilongwe, Malawi. Data collection was done using a modified diabetes quality of life (MDQoL)-17 questionnaire for quantitative data while in-depth interviews and diary methods were used for qualitative data. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using t-tests and ANOVA. Thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data. A sample of 339 participants (mean age 50.3±15.5) was recruited. Overall, the mean QoL score was moderate (mean QoL 63.91±19.54). Those on health insurance had better QoL (QoL 76.71, C.I. 69.22-84.19, p-value 0.005) compared to those without health insurance. Furthermore, the absence of comorbidities was associated with having better QoL (QoL 71.18, C.I. 66.69-75.67, p-value < 0.0001). Qualitatively, T2DM was associated with patients' health status, increased stress levels, and loss of independence. There were QoL-promoting factors among T2DM patients such as diabetes health talks, having a supportive family, and following hospital advice. Inhibiting factors include drug shortages, societal perceptions, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and despising hospital advice. Overall QoL in patients with T2DM receiving treatment at KCH is moderate. QoL of patients with T2DM is influenced by interrelated factors which require multidisciplinary team care to optimize the QoL among these patients. Health workers need to adopt a holistic approach when treating patients with T2DM, such as managing comorbidities and including assessment of QoL, behavioral change measures like physical exercises, and a healthy diet.