PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF RESEARCH ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Abstract

In recent years, assessing the quality of life of patients with diabetes, as an indicator of the patient’s overall well-being, which affects not only the course of the primary condition but also the prognosis of the development of complications and associated conditions, has become particularly important. According to WHO experts, the quality of life is an integral characteristic of a person's physical, psychological, emotional, and social functioning, based on their subjective perception. The aim: to conduct analysis and synthesis of scientific publications on the selection of instruments for researching the quality of life of patients with diabetes. Materials and methods: The analysis and synthesis of scientific publications regarding the utilization of standardized questionnaires to assess the quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were conducted. The appropriateness and practicality of their utilization in the clinical practice of healthcare professionals were analyzed. The following methods were employed: a systematic approach, bibliosemantic analysis, as well as analytical and comparative methods. Results: Given that virtually any chronic illness can influence the structure of a patient's psyche and personality, it can be inferred that diabetes leads to similar consequences, which undoubtedly impact their quality of life. Quality of life is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the influence of disease severity and physical condition on the patient’s physical, social, economic, and emotional well-being. This is why assessing the patient’s quality of life is increasingly crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of diabetes therapy. Moreover, it is essential to assess several parameters, taking into consideration not only the patient’s physical state. We have conducted an analysis spanning almost 40 years to identify effective questionnaires for assessing the quality of life of diabetes patients. Conclusions: It is evident that assessing the quality of life of patients and identifying factors that impact it are crucial elements in the formulation of intervention strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for these individuals.

Keywords

• diabetes
• patients’ quality of life
• diabetes complications
• endocrinological pathology
• diabetic retinopathy
• diabetic foot