Evaluating quality of life and satisfaction with pharmaceutical care services among patients with type II diabetes mellitus receiving care in a resource-limited setting

Abstract

Objectives: Quality of life assessment is considered an important measure of outcome in long-term illness and management. Patient satisfaction surveys are essential in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs and their opinion of the service received. The purpose of this study was to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and satisfaction with pharmaceutical care services among patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) receiving care in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among 120 patients with type II DM receiving treatment at General Hospital Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Patients who met the eligibility criteria and attended clinic appointments at the medical outpatient clinic as well as those admitted into the medical wards of the hospital during the period of the study were recruited. Data on the extent of patients’ satisfaction with pharmaceutical care as well as their quality of life in diabetes were obtained using the patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical care questionnaire, and the patient quality of life based on diabetes related complaints questionnaire. The duration of the study was 7 months. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Program and Service Solutions version 25.0 computer package with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The quality of life of the patients based on diabetes-related complaints was poor. Fatigue was the most frequently reported complaint (n = 116; 96.6%), followed by polyuria (n = 106; 88.33%). The overall mean scores of patient satisfaction with pharmacists’ friendly explanation and management of therapy were 4.03 (±0.52) and 3.53 (±0.44), respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between patients’ satisfaction with pharmacists’ friendly explanations and patient complaints of weight changes (r = 0.219; P < 0.05), decreased energy levels (r = 0.205; P < 0.05), and numbness (r = 0.270; P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship between patients’ satisfaction with pharmacists’ therapy management and patients’ complaint of fatigue (r = 0.187; P < 0.05), numbness (r = 0.189; P = 0.05), and blurred vision (r = 0.204; P < 0.05). Conclusion: The HRQOL of the patients was poor as the majority of the patients had diabetes-related complaints. Patients’ satisfaction with the pharmaceutical care services offered was good. Periodic evaluation of the quality of life and satisfaction with health-care services among patients with DM is recommended.