QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH COEXISTING DIABETES AND OSTEOPOROSIS AT THE GERIATRICS DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the quality of life (QoL) in elderly patients with both diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis, as well as the factors associated with QoL in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, from March to May 2023. The participants were elderly patients diagnosed with both diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis who visited the hospital for medical examinations. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and QoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) index. Statistical analyses included Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The average QoL score was 63.5 ± 22.1, indicating a moderate level of quality of life. Lower QoL scores were significantly associated with older age, lower educational attainment (particularly those with only lower secondary education), longer duration of osteoporosis, and an inability to work. Conclusion: Elderly patients with diabetes and osteoporosis experience a moderate QoL, with specific sociodemographic and clinical factors negatively influencing their well-being. Interventions targeting education, disease management, and support for maintaining functional independence may help improve QoL in this vulnerable population.