Relationship between spiritual health and quality of life in patients with T2DM.

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that impacts health-related quality of life. Spiritual health may positively influence patients' well-being, being a relevant aspect for improving comprehensive management.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between spiritual health and health-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aiming to provide evidence to support interventions integrating medical and spiritual aspects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study conducted in 2024 with 230 patients from three hospitals. Spiritual health was measured using the ESE-UM scale, and health-related quality of life with the D-39 questionnaire. Spearman's correlation and non-parametric tests were used to analyze associations with sociodemographic (age, sex, socioeconomic status) and clinical factors (insulin use, disease progression).

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation was found between spiritual health and health-related quality of life (ρ=0.338, p<0.001). Women and patients with high socioeconomic status reported greater spiritual health, while younger adults and those not using insulin showed better health-related quality of life.

DISCUSSION: The findings confirm that spiritual health serves as a coping resource in type 2 diabetes mellitus, enhancing health-related quality of life, consistent with prior studies. Factors such as sex, socioeconomic status, and hospital setting influenced both variables.

CONCLUSION

Spiritual health significantly improves health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, influenced by sex, socioeconomic status, and hospital environment. Incorporating spiritual care into type 2 diabetes mellitus management could optimize clinical and well-being outcomes, considering these sociodemographic variables.