Predictors of Physical and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in Tunisian Workers With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify demographic, medical, and occupational determinants of health-related physical and mental quality of life (QoL) of workers with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Tunisia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among a sample of workers with T2D. QoL and functioning at work were assessed through the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the work-role functioning questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: Predictors of impaired physical health were high body mass index ( P = 0.001; β = -4; 95% CI = [-12; -2.3]), high number of weekly worked hours ( P = 0.001; β = -3.2; 95% CI = [-4.5; 0.8]), and macroangiopathic complications ( P = 0.001; β = -4.4; 95% CI = [-13; -2.1]). Psychological domain decreased with high body mass index ( P = 0.001; β = -3.6; 95% CI = [-4.1; -0.03]) and low socioeconomic status ( P = 0.001; β = -3.9; 95% CI = [-7.6; -0.27]). High functioning at work increased both physical ( P = 0.001; β = 5.3; 95% CI = [3.1; 5.8]) and mental well-being ( P = 0.001; β = 4.7; 95% CI = [1.2; 4.9]). CONCLUSIONS: Improving the QoL of workers with T2D through intervention programs that involve reducing overweight/obesity, chronic diabetic complications, and hazardous work environments is warranted.