Health-related quality of life and associated factors in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nepal: Baseline findings from a cluster-randomized controlled trial

This study aims to assess the status of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associated factors in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal. HRQOL of 481 participants with T2DM in Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot was measured using European Quality of life Visual Analogue Scale (EQVAS) and European Quality of life 5 dimensions (EQ5D) index from the EQ5D-3L tool. Associated correlates of T2DM were examined using linear regression analyses. The study participants generally reported higher HRQOL. Being 60 years or older was associated with a significantly lower EQVAS whereas, urban residence, higher education, testing glycated haemoglobin regularly were significantly associated with a higher EQVAS. Not having depressive symptoms was significantly associated with higher EQVAS and EQ5D-3L index. Encouraging screening of depressive symptoms, improving awareness on the importance of regular blood glucose monitoring and T2DM self-management education should be incorporated within primary diabetes care to improve HRQOL in Nepal.