Quality of life viz-a-viz hypertension, obesity and diabetes: An exploratory study from rural Punjab, India

Background Adverse health conditions are believed to reduce one’s quality of life (QoL). However, the impact of the most common lifestyle-related adversities like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes on the QoL of rural communities in India is largely unexplored. Objective The present study aims to understand the QoL with respect to hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in rural areas of Punjab, India. Methodology The present study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes, aged 20-75 years residing in the Mansa district of Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Somatometric measurements and blood pressure (BP) were measured by using standard protocols. QoL was assessed by using the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Results Already-diagnosed hypertensives were found at higher risk for poor QoL in the overall analysis as well as in psychological and social-relationship health domains; whereas, underweight individuals were found to be at higher risk for poor QoL in physical health domains. Further, already-diagnosed diabetics were at a higher risk for poor QoL in the physiological health domain. Other health conditions such as high BMI, high WC, and high WHR were not found to be affecting QoL. Conclusion Findings suggest that proper counselling and awareness regarding hypertension and diabetes should follow the diagnosis to dispel misinformation and minimize the negative consequences of diagnosis labelling.