BMC Endocrine Disorders (Nov 2024)

Mediating effect of fasting blood glucose and peripheral arterial disease on the relationship between sexual functioning and health-related quality of life among Nigerians with type 2 diabetes

  • Olufemi O. Oyewole,
  • Ayotunde O. Ale,
  • Ayanbola I. Adepoju,
  • Grace M. Emmanuel,
  • Michael O. Ogunlana,
  • Olufunmilayo O. Oyewole,
  • Olatunde Odusan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-024-01784-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background Poor glycemic control and sexual dysfunction have been shown to impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with diabetes. However, mediators underlying this relationship have not been evaluated. This study aimed/sought to assess the effect of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) on the relationship between sexual functioning (SeF) and HRQoL among Nigerians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This cross-sectional study consecutively recruited 210 participants diagnosed with T2DM. The recent FBG and lipid profiles were gleaned from the medical records of the participants. We assessed the ankle-brachial index by 8 MHz handheld vascular Doppler. Participants completed the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire to assess SeF and HRQoL, respectively. Results Significant differences exist in HRQoL of participants with good and poor glycemic control (mean rank = 111.02 vs. 93.64, p = 0.035) but none between participants with and without PAD (mean rank = 101.39 vs. 107.60, p = 0.483). There was a significant correlation between SeF and HRQoL (r = 0.181, CI = 0.043–0.313, p = 0.008), and a significant negative correlation between HRQoL and FBG (r = -0.149, CI = -0.284 - -0.008, p = 0.033). There is a significant indirect effect of impact of SeF on HRQoL through FBG (b = -0.027, t = -0.899) and PAD (b = 0.034, t = 1.246). Furthermore, the direct effect of SeF on HRQoL in the presence of the mediators was also significant (b = 0.483, p = 0.001). This shows that PAD and FBG mediates the relationship between SeF and HRQoL. Conclusion Good glycemic control and the absence of PAD mediate the relationship between SeF and HRQoL in Nigerians with T2DM. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

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