Impact of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity on quality of life in rural Punjab, India

Adverse health conditions are believed to reduce one’s quality of life (QoL). However, the impact of common lifestyle-related conditions like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes on the QoL in rural communities in India remains largely unexplored. This study aims to understand the impact of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity on the QoL in rural Punjab, India.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes, aged 20–75 years, in the Mansa district of Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Somatometric measurements, blood pressure (BP), and fasting glucose were measured using standard protocols. QoL was evaluated using WHOQOL-BREF.

Individuals with already-diagnosed hypertension were at a significantly higher risk of poor QoL, both overall and specifically in the psychological and social relationships domains than those with normal BP. Underweight individuals exhibited a greater risk of poor QoL in the physical health domain compared to those with normal weight. Additionally, individuals with diagnosed diabetes were at an elevated risk of poor QoL in the psychological health domain compared to non-diabetics. However, neither general nor central obesity, nor newly screened cases of hypertension and diabetes (individuals who were previously unaware of their conditions), showed a significant impact on QoL.

The study suggests that the diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes, rather than the mere presence of these conditions, may be associated with poor QoL. Counseling and awareness post-diagnosis may help reduce the effects of diagnostic labeling and counter misinformation.