The quality of life of Mexican-American adults with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived quality of life of a group of Mexican-American adults with diabetes mellitus. Quality of life was assessed by the diabetes quality of life (DQOL) instrument and was described in relation to satisfaction with self, impact generated by diabetes, and worry about anticipated effects of diabetes. A convenience sample of 40 subjects was recruited from the community. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson product-moment correlation. Results indicated that this group of Mexican-American adults with diabetes were moderately satisfied with themselves, seldom impacted by diabetes, and seldom worried about anticipated effects of diabetes. Subjects treated with insulin reported significantly more frequent impact of diabetes and worry about anticipated effects of diabetes than subjects not treated with insulin. Nursing implications included cultural adaptation of assessment and promotion of quality of life for the Mexican-American client.