Comparing quality of life difference between diabetics and non-diabetics during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and post-pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study India
Authors:   Department of Optometry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Rout Suchismita , Radhakrishnan Aiswaryah ,   Department of Optometry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: December 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has irreversibly altered the global landscape, with far-reaching consequences for individuals’ quality of life (QOL). In India, the series of lockdowns imposed to combat the pandemic presented unique challenges, exacerbating mental health concerns and amplifying anxiety and discontent among the population. Notably, the pandemic’s impact on QOL has been unevenly distributed, with diabetic individuals potentially facing distinct challenges compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Existing research in India has primarily focused on the health-related concerns of diabetic individuals, leaving a significant knowledge gap regarding the QOL of non-diabetic individuals during and following the pandemic. A comprehensive understanding of QOL differences between diabetic and non-diabetic populations is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving overall well-being.

Objective: This study aims to address this gap by exploring and comparing the QOL of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in India during and after COVID-19, providing valuable insights into the pandemic’s impact on this critical aspect of health.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, comparative online-based survey study was conducted among 212 participants (diabetic and non-diabetic) aged 18 years and below 60 years visiting SRM General Hospital, between July and August 2021 during the COVID-19, and their self-reported scores were compared two years post-pandemic. A snowball sampling method was employed due to the pandemic's dynamic nature and online data collection feasibility. The RAND SF-36, a widely used 36-item quality-of-life questionnaire, was administered online via Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms and email invitations. Paired t-tests compared quality of life (QOL) during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Multivariate regression analysis identified independent predictors influencing RAND SF-36 subscale scores.

Results: The study involved the collection of responses from a total of 212 participants, with a mean age of 46.61±17.4 years. The RAND SF-36 questionnaire assessed the quality of life (QOL) during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The results revealed significant differences in the general (45.8±13.0 vs 64.9±19.7; p=0.001) and mental health (53.5±12.3vs. 62.7±12.8, p<0.001) between the two time periods.Furthermore, the study revealed age (β=-0.369, p=0.004, 95%CI [-0.608, -0.101]) and employment status(β=-2.11, p=0.041, 95%CI [ -0.083, -4.139]) showed significant negative association with physical health-related component. In addition, the duration of comorbidities (β=-5.326, p=0.047,95%CI [-11.408, -0.756] gravely affected the mental health component, respectively.>

Conclusion: Significant differences were noted in quality of life (QOL) between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic period and after, with lower general health and mental health scores shown in diabetics as compared to non-diabetic individuals. Older age and unemployment were associated with worse physical health QoL, while the longer duration of comorbidities negatively impacted mental health QOL regardless of diabetes status. These findings suggest the pandemic substantially affected various aspects of QoL, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.