Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of the Elderly with Diabetes Mellitus in Chen Chom District, Maha-sarakham Province

Abstract

          A study of the factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly with Diabetes Mellitus in Chen Chom district, Maha-Sarakham province investigated with the 26 Thai versions of quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). The 123 diabetic elderly was selected for a sample size. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation, and Multiple Regression Analysis.            

          The results indicated that the elderly with diabetes are mostly female. The average of income was less than 7,000 baht per month, a waistline more than 80 cm, carrying high blood pressure as a complication, retained blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or greater. Elderly had a quality of life at a moderate level and it was associated with complications (p = 0.009) and age (p = 0.025). Factors that could predict the quality of life were the local hospital in Chen Chom hospital and the complications of Diabetes Mellitus with 12.9%.             The conclusion of this research should be enhancing healthcare providers to engage the elderly with the knowledge of self-care management to reduce the complications and enforcement the policymakers to constitute the activities for older people to participate in exchanging their experiences to promote the quality of life, mental support, social and environmental aspects, to empowerment the elderly a good standard of living.