Health‑Related Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Cross‑Sectional Analytical Evidence from Wazir Akbar Khan Hospi-tal, Kabul, Afghanistan

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its major influencing factors among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2025 at Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan National Hospital, Kabul. The study included 298 adults with confirmed T2DM, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and clinical profiles was gathered via structured interviews and medical file reviews. HRQoL was evaluated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, which assesses eight health domains and provides composite physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) scores. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, with results summarized descriptively.

Results: The study population had a mean age of 53.6 years (SD ±12.4), and just over half were male. HRQoL scores indicated substantial overall impairment, with physical health domains showing the greatest deficits. Limitations in physical roles and reduced physical functioning emerged as the most affected areas. Physical composite scores were consistently lower than mental composite scores, reflecting a heavier physical disease burden. Lower HRQoL was more common among women, older individuals, patients with a longer history of diabetes, and those reporting persistent pain or emotional difficulties. Increasing age and prolonged disease duration were associated with a gradual deterioration in quality of life.

Conclusion: Adults living with T2DM in Kabul experience pronounced reductions in HRQoL, driven predominantly by physical health limitations. These findings underscore the need for integrated care approaches that prioritize functional ability, pain control, and mental health support, particularly for high-risk groups such as women, elderly patients, and individuals with long-standing diabetes.