Year: 2025 | Month: July | Volume: 15 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 278-281
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250734
Exploring the Influence of Socioeconomic Disparities on Quality of Life Among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Dr. Kaushikkumar K. Patel (Ph.D.)1, Sweta J. Upadhyay2
1Physiotherapy Department 2Physiotherapy Department,
NAMO College of Allied health sciences, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Kaushikkumar K. Patel (Ph.D.)
ABSTRACT
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where socioeconomic disparities exacerbate the disease burden. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to explore the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on the quality of life (QoL) among 110 Gujarati-speaking individuals diagnosed with T2DM. Participants were assessed using the Gujarati version of the WHOQOL-BREF, covering four domains: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental conditions. SES was measured using the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between SES and all QoL domains, with p-values of 0.04, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.02 for physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, respectively. Participants from higher SES backgrounds consistently reported better QoL outcomes. The findings highlight that T2DM substantially impairs QoL, particularly in the physical health domain, and that lower SES further exacerbates these outcomes due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, lower health literacy, and increased psychological stress. This study underscores the need for public health strategies that address socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes care to improve overall patient well-being.
Key words: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Quality of Life, Socioeconomic Status