Life satisfaction, disease management attitudes and nutritional status of diabetes mellitus patients in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan: a hospital based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The life satisfaction of diabetes mellitus patients in association with the disease management attitudes and nutritional status have never been investigated yet in Pakistani administered Azad Jammu Kashmir. AIM: The purpose of this study is to analyze the patient satisfaction about life with diabetes mellitus in association with disease management and nutritional status. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 496 patients in DHQ hospital, Mirpur Azad Jammu Kashmir. The questionnaire comprised of two sections: 1) Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS-3); 2) Patient profile, DM history, nutritional status and dietary habits. The findings are generated by binary logistic regression and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 64% of the patients interviewed reported dissatisfaction with their life with DM. Majority of the patients were females (66%), BMI value above 25.0 (56%). Gender male (AOR=1.82; 95%CI=1.15-2.88) and low income (AOR=3.16; 95%CI= 1.13-8.80) and middle income (AOR=4.70; 95%CI=1.52-15.5) were significantly associated with life dissatisfaction. There was higher likelihood of life dissatisfaction among patients with low food intake (AOR=1.82; 95%CI= 1.20-2.76); patients belief on: no need of taking insulin to treat their diabetes have a mild disease (AOR=1.56; 95%CI= 1.01-2.41); not much use in trying to have good blood sugar control because complications of diabetes happen anyway (AOR= 1.63; 95%CI= 1.18-2.23); emotional effects of diabetes are small (AOR=1.47; 95%CI= 1.02-2.14); decisions regarding daily diabetes care should be made by the patient (AOR= 2.15; 95%CI= 1.19-3.88). CONCLUSION: Findings implied the need of organizing counselling sessions for DM patients that promote regular physical activity to improve health and disease management. The consultation and regular visits of a nutritionist may help the patients in achieving better health outcomes.