Impact of a Structured Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using the MDQoL-17

Background

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a long-term health condition that can greatly impact Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), especially in women, who often encounter specific difficulties in managing the disease.

Objectives

The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of the Modified Diabetes Quality of Life-17 (MDQoL-17) questionnaire on women diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka. A total of 218 women diagnosed with T2DM were randomized into intervention and control groups (109 each). Participants were assessed using the MDQoL-17 questionnaire, which evaluates seven domains of HRQoL. Statistical analysis included independent-sample t-test and one-way ANOVA, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant.

Results

At the baseline of the study, both groups showed similar HRQoL scores across all domains. After 9 months, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in mean scores in several areas, such as physical functioning (p=0.011), emotional well-being (p=0.023), role limitations (p=0.018), energy/fatigue (p=0.005), and general health perception (p=0.031), compared to the control group. Enhanced HRQoL was positively linked with better glycemic control, improved medication adherence, and the absence of diabetes-related complications.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that targeted interventions can significantly enhance HRQoL in women with T2DM. By addressing key domains such as physical functioning, emotional well-being, and general health perception, healthcare providers can support a more holistic approach to diabetes management. Utilizing tools like the MDQoL-17 enables the identification of specific areas where patients experience the most impact, facilitating tailored strategies to improve overall well-being and day-to-day functioning.