Psychosocial barriers to well-being and quality of life among type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Managing type 2 diabetes can cause psychosocial distress, which can negatively impact patients’ well-being and quality of life. This study investigated how psychosocial barriers and clinical variables may be associated with general well-being and quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes. Method: One hundred sixty-two patients from four interdisciplinary hospital-based diabetes clinics in Accra, the capital of Ghana, were studied by assessing psychosocial barriers (e.g. diabetes-related distress, family support), clinical variables (e.g. duration of diabetes, diabetes control), general well-being and quality of life using standardised measures. Result: Results showed that increased levels of psychological distress (diabetes distress, depressive symptoms) were associated with poorer general well-being and reduced quality of life in the different domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, environment), whereas social distress (as measured by non-supportive family behaviours) was positively correlated with only general well-being and physical health but not the other dimensions of quality of life. Analysis of clinical variables showed that higher glycaemic levels were associated with poorer physical, psychological and environmental quality of life, but longer duration of diabetes diagnosis was associated with better psychological quality of life. In addition, increased adherence to dietary regimen was associated with better general well-being and environmental quality of life, whereas increased adherence to exercise regimen was associated with better physical, psychological and environmental quality of life. Conclusion: Psychosocial support and education/adherence counselling are needed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes to reduce or eliminate psychosocial distress and to improve self-care management, thereby improving diabetes control and ultimately, quality of life of patients.