Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes is a significant disease that affects individuals of all ages and may lead to the development of systemic and ocular complications, ultimately resulting in a poor quality of life (QoL). The use of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures is important for identifying disparities and those at risk, thereby promoting early intervention. This study aimed to examine the HRQoL and associated factors in Ghanaian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving children and adolescents with T1DM aged 5-19 years was conducted. Demographic and clinical data of participants were recorded. Participants completed the PedsQL Generic Scales questionnaires. SPSS Version 25.0 was used in analyzing the data. Logistic regression was used in analyzing risk factors associated with poor QoL. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Data from 46 children and adolescents with T1DM were analyzed. A female preponderance of 35/46 (76.1%) was observed. The overall mean HRQoL score for participants was 73.9 ± 18.7. Sex was the only risk factor associated with poor self-reported HRQoL in children and adolescents with T1DM. Female children and adolescents with T1DM were 13 times more likely to have poor self-reported HRQoL compared with their male counterparts (OR = 13.2; 95% CI = 1.9-91.0; p = 0.009). There were no significant associations with age, duration of diabetes, glycemic control, number of hypoglycemic and diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, hypertension, or nephropathy. CONCLUSION: Self-reported QoL of children and adolescents with T1DM was poor. Female children and adolescents with T1DM are more likely to have poor self-reported QoL.