Quality of Life of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Receiving Palliative Care

Abstract

Introduction: In Indonesia, diabetes remains an important health concern that requires attention. According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among individuals aged ≥15 years was 2.2% based on physician diagnosis. In contrast, the prevalence increased to 11.7% when determined through blood glucose testing. This difference suggests that a substantial proportion of individuals may have blood glucose levels consistent with diabetes but have not yet been medically diagnosed. Among patients receiving palliative care, quality of life is an essential component of patient-centered healthcare, with care directed toward addressing patients’ individual needs and overall well-being. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus receiving palliative care and examine the relationships between family support, comorbidity, palliative-care stage, and quality of life. Methods: This study used a quantitative observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study included 40 patients with diabetes mellitus receiving palliative care. Data collected included demographic characteristics, duration of diabetes, comorbidity, family support, palliative-care stage, and quality-of-life scores. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the chi-square test at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean age of respondents was 60.38±6.33 years, mean duration of diabetes was 9.25±5.14 years, and mean quality-of-life score was 68.00±12.33. Twenty respondents (50.0%) were male and 20 (50.0%) were female. Most respondents had senior high school education (37.5%), had ≥2 comorbidities (40.0%), received moderate family support (50.0%), and were in the early palliative-care stage (65.0%). Low quality of life was found in 4 respondents (10.0%), moderate quality of life in 23 respondents (57.5%), and high quality of life in 13 respondents (32.5%). The chi-square test showed that family support was significantly associated with quality of life (χ²=12.097; p=0.017). The presence of comorbid conditions showed a statistically significant relationship with patients’ quality of life (χ² = 10.947; p = 0.027). In contrast, no statistically significant association was observed between the stage of palliative care and quality of life (χ² = 3.685; p = 0.158).Conclusion: Most patients with diabetes mellitus receiving palliative care had a moderate level of quality of life. Family support and comorbidity were associated with patients’ quality of life, whereas palliative-care stage was not significantly associated with quality of life. Therefore, family support and comorbidity management should be considered in the provision of patient-centered palliative care