Quality of Life of Greek Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and the Role of Rehabilitation

Main Article Content

Theodorakopoulos Adamantios
Bakalis Nikolaos
Michalopoulos Eleni
Tzenalis Anastasios
Makri Roza
Kotsela Georgia
Filiotis Nikolaos

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder that is increasing rapidly worldwide. Appropriate
management of this chronic disease can improve patient’s quality of life, increase life expectancy and relieve
society of the huge financial burden.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes and to
investigate the role of rehabilitation.
Methodology: Data were collected with the use of a questionnaire that consisted of three (3) sections:
The Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, (17) questions adapted from the Diabetes Satisfaction
Questionnaire (DTSQs) and the Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID) scale and questions regarding medical
data and demographic information. The sample included a total of n = 122 individuals suffering from type
2 diabetes. The research was carried out in outpatient clinics of two general hospitals and private practices
within the region of Western Greece. The results of the study were analyzed using the statistical program
SPSS v.25.0.
Results: Age and the existence of another health problem besides diabetes have a negative impact on the
quality of life of these patients on their physical and emotional health. As patients age, their quality of life
decreases affecting all eight scales of the SF-36 Questionnaire. In contrast, patients who had several hours
of professional work managed to have a positive outcome on all eight scales. Regarding these patient’s
rehabilitation, the results showed that the more satisfied the patients were regarding their treatment plan,
doctor and nursing staff, their family’s support, and their diabetic diet, the grater their functionality on all
scales.
Conclusions: The results showed that it is important for patients with type 2 diabetes to have an active
professional life and follow an appropriate rehabilitation program, in order to improve their quality of life.

Article Details

How to Cite
Quality of Life of Greek Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and the Role of Rehabilitation. (2021). International Journal of Nursing Education, 13(3), 136-145. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijone.v13i3.16325
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Articles
Author Biographies

Theodorakopoulos Adamantios

Staff Nurse, Specialist in Emergency and Intensive Care Nursing, General Hospital of Ilia, Greece, PhD(c),

Bakalis Nikolaos

Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Universityof Patras, Koukouli, Greece

Michalopoulos Eleni

Laboratory Teaching Staff Member, Department of Nursing, University of Patras, Koukouli, Greece,

Tzenalis Anastasios

Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of Patras, Koukouli, Greece,

Makri Roza

Specialist Registrar, MD, University Hospital of Patras, Patra, Greece

Kotsela Georgia

Specialist Registrar, MD, Korinthos General Hospital, Korinthos, Greece

Filiotis Nikolaos

Professor of Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgical Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy

How to Cite

Quality of Life of Greek Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and the Role of Rehabilitation. (2021). International Journal of Nursing Education, 13(3), 136-145. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijone.v13i3.16325