Health-related Quality of Life among Patients with Selected Chronic Diseases in Northern State, Sudan, 2024: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

Background: Chronic illnesses have a substantial influence on individuals’ healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL), influencing both physical and mental well-being. This study aimed to assess HRQoL and identify key sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing it among adult patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and cancer.
Methods: A hospital-based, multicenter, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between April and October 2024 in Northern State. The study included 429 patients with DM, ESRD, or cancer, aged 18 years or older, who had been diagnosed for at least 6 months. Data were obtained via in-person interviews conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire that comprised sociodemographic information, clinical history, and the validated 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression were carried out to explore determinants of poor HRQoL.
Results: The mean ± SD Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 40.96 ± 11.51, with 72.7% reporting poor physical HRQoL. Significant factors linked to poorer physical HRQoL included the following: lack of formal education (adjusted B = –5.06, 95% CI: –8.83 to –1.29, P = 0.009), low income (adjusted B = –6.11, 95% CI: –11.04 to –1.17, P = 0.015), and cancer diagnosis (adjusted B = –6.91, 95% CI: –10.44 to –3.38, P < 0.001). The mean ± SD Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 42.86 ± 7.09, with 81.4% reporting poor mental HRQoL. ESRD diagnosis (adjusted B = –4.45, 95% CI: –6.56 to –2.34, P < 0.001) was the only factor associated with lower MCS.
Conclusion: HRQoL is suboptimal among adults with DM, ESRD, and cancer in Northern State, Sudan. Poor physical HRQoL was associated with low income, lack of formal education, and cancer diagnosis, while poor mental HRQoL was associated only with ESRD. These findings highlight important gaps in patient well-being that warrant further investigation and targeted supportive interventions.