Association between Self-Esteem and Quality of Life among Patients with Complicated Diabetes Mellitus: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in North Labuhanbatu Regency

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) with complications is not only a physical burden but also affects psychological aspects such as self-esteem, as it is crucial in determining the patients' quality of life. North Labuhanbatu Regency, in North Sumatra Province, has a significant burden of diabetes mellitus cases; thus, assessing psychosocial factors is relevant to support comprehensive disease management. This study aims to analyze the association between self-esteem and quality of life among patients with complicated diabetes mellitus using a cross-sectional design involving 234 participants selected through accidental sampling. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using simple linear regression. The results showed that self-esteem had a positive and significant association with quality of life (B=0.615, 95% CI=0.514–0.716, p<0.001), indicating that an increase in self-esteem scores was followed by an improvement in quality of life scores. These findings imply that self-esteem is an important factor that needs to be considered in the comprehensive management of diabetes mellitus with complications. The Health Department is recommended to integrate the self-esteem enhancement of diabetes mellitus patients through psychosocial counseling, empowerment-based education, and family support into primary health care services.