Continuity of Care and the Quality of Life among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Understanding factors associated with the quality of life (QoL) of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is an important health issue. This study aimed to explore the correlation between continuity of care and quality of life in patients with T2DM and to probe for important explanatory factors affecting quality of life. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional correlation research design. Convenience sampling was adopted to recruit 157 patients, aged 20–80 years and diagnosed with T2DM in the medical ward of a regional hospital in central Taiwan. Results: The overall mean (standard deviation, SD) QOL score was 53.42 (9.48). Hierarchical regression linear analysis showed that age, depression, two variables of potential disability (movement and depression), and the inability to see a specific physician or maintain relational continuity with medical providers were important predictors that could effectively explain 62.0% of the variance of the overall QoL. Conclusions: The relationship between patients and physicians and maintaining relational continuity with the medical providers directly affect patients’ QoL during hospitalization and should be prioritized clinically. Timely interventions should be provided for older adult patients with T2DM, depression, or an inability to exercise to maintain their QoL.