Key result
Adults with cardiometabolic disease report a moderate-to-high quality of life score of ~78.
Why the study?
In people with chronic noncommunicable diseases, health-related quality of life is an important indicator of treatment effectiveness, and understanding domain-specific vulnerabilities can support person-centred care.
Cross-Sectional (n=257)
Yes
Patients living with chronic NCDs in South Africa report strong physical and socioeconomic health-related quality of life, but specific psychological vulnerabilities such as low vitality and self-efficacy highlight the need for holistic and integrated care.
Moderate-to-high HRQoL in South African NCD patients supports resilience; leaves open targeted prospective research on vitality and self-efficacy.
Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reflects physical, mental and socioeconomic well-being. In people living with chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), HRQoL is an important indicator of treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes. Understanding domain-specific strengths and vulnerabilities can support person-centred care. Aim: To determine the demographic profile and HRQoL of adults living with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Setting: Public and private healthcare facilities in the Johannesburg metropolitan district, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted. Using purposive stratified random sampling, 257 adults with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or CVD completed the 37-item Smith Toolkit for Integrated Health-Related Quality of Life. The instrument assesses physical, mental and socioeconomic domains and demonstrated strong reliability. Data were collected in person and online and analysed descriptively using SPSS version 28. Results: Overall HRQoL was moderate to high (77.70 ± 12.91). Physical health scores were strong (80.31 ± 15.78), with favourable ratings for symptoms, work functioning and physical limitations, although vitality was lower (52.40 ± 34.01). Mental health scores were moderate (72.02 ± 17.19), with lower self-efficacy and evidence of psychological challenges. Socioeconomic health was strong (81.49 ± 17.66), supported by high perceived social support, financial stability and relationship quality. Conclusion: Participants generally reported good HRQoL despite living with chronic NCDs. However, lower vitality and self-efficacy indicate important gaps in psychological and behavioural functioning. Interventions targeting fatigue, resilience and self-management may further improve well-being and health outcomes. Contribution: This study provides context-specific evidence on HRQoL among South Africans living with NCDs and highlights the value of holistic, interdisciplinary and person-centred care.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Smith et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and/or cardiovascular disease (n=257). Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and/or cardiovascular disease was evaluated on Overall health-related quality of life (STI-HRQoL total score). Adults living with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and/or cardiovascular disease reported a moderate-to-high overall health-related quality of life score of 77.70.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: