Relationship Between Material Needs Security and Quality of Life in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Lebanon

Despite their documented significance in type 2 diabetes management, social determinants of health (SDOH), including material needs security and quality of life (QoL), are understudied in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Material needs security refers to the consistent availability of essential material resources required to sustain health and manage diseases. This study aimed to assess the relation between material needs security and QoL in Lebanese adults with type 2 diabetes.

Using convenience sampling, 300 participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Demographic and material need variables were self-reported, and QoL was assessed using the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). WHOQOL-BREF score was the outcome variable used. Regression models were used to examine associations between material needs security and WHOQOL-BREF score, controlling for relevant confounding variables.

Most of the participants were men and married and had lower education levels. Multivariate analyses revealed that having material needs security was associated with physical health (β = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.51), psychological health (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.50), social relationships (β = 0.29, 95% CI 0.08-0.50), environment (β = 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.67), and overall perception of QoL (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.14) after controlling for all relevant confounding variables. Other significant correlates of good QoL included lower age, higher education, higher income, and being employed.

This study highlights the important influence of material needs security on QoL in adults with type 2 diabetes in the MENA region. Further research is needed to understand potential pathways and mechanisms, as well as options for effective interventions.