Revista de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Educação em Saúde

A Study Protocol to Assess the Determinants of Glycaemic Control, Complications and Health Related Quality of Life for People with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Mohammed J Alramadan, Afsana Afroz, Mohammed Ali Batais, Turky H Almigbal, Hassan Ahmad Alhamrani, Ahmed Albaloshi, Fatimah A Alramadan, Dianna J Magliano and Baki Billah

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is high in Saudi Arabia, and a large proportion of those affected by the disease are not controlling their blood sugar, which exposes them to diabetes complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with poor glycaemic control, complications and poor quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: Using a cross-sectional study design, 1082 participants with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes centres in Riyadh, Jeddah and Hofuf will be recruited in the study. They will be interviewed to complete a pre-tested electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire collects information related to socio-demographics, medical history, lifestyle, family support, utilisation of healthcare services, anxiety, depression, quality of life, cognitive function, independence in daily living activity, neuropathy, anthropometric measures, up-to-date documented lab test results and current medication. Data will be summarised and presented as mean ± standard deviation (or median and percentiles) for numerical data and frequency and percentage for categorical data. T-test, ANOVA and chi-square tests will be used to explore associations between risk factors and outcomes. Any association will be evaluated further using regression analysis.

Discussion: Knowledge of the risk factors pertaining to poor glycaemic control, diabetes complications and poor quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes is crucial. This knowledge will assist healthcare providers to identify and provide more intensive care plans to those who need it, as well as guide the development of new strategies to improve management of the disease. This will improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes and lower their risk of complications, and reduce the burden of this highly prevalent disease on families and the community.