HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND DEGREE OF ITS COMPLIANCE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with long-term complications that significantly impair health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One of the most prevalent complications is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), characterized by sensory loss, numbness, and pain, commonly presenting in a glove and stocking pattern. This condition negatively affects physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, leading to decreased independence and increased disability in patients. Assessing HRQOL in diabetic individuals is essential for guiding comprehensive disease management. Objective: To evaluate health-related quality of life and the extent of its impairment in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability convenience sampling. A total of 100 patients previously diagnosed with DPN were recruited from Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. The SF-36 questionnaire was used as the assessment tool to evaluate HRQOL across eight domains: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role, and mental health. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and mean ± standard deviation was calculated for each domain. Results: Participants had a mean age of 55.39 ± 8.08 years. Gender distribution included 57% males and 43% females. The SF-36 results showed mean scores below 50 in most subdomains, reflecting impaired quality of life. Physical functioning had a mean score of 37.3 ± 2.06, role physical 30.75 ± 2.45, bodily pain 40.78 ± 1.63, general health 35.5 ± 1.28, vitality 38.3 ± 15.57, social functioning 49.25 ± 20.85, emotional role 30.66 ± 2.86, and mental health 49.72 ± 12.57. Conclusion: The study concludes that diabetic peripheral neuropathy significantly reduces HRQOL in affected patients. Early detection, preventive strategies, and integrated management approaches are critical in minimizing complications and improving overall quality of life.