The Association of Health Insurance and Quality of Life in Type One Diabetics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i2.2539Keywords:
type 1 diabetes, health insurance, quality of lifeAbstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between health insurance and the quality of life of type 1 diabetic adults in Connecticut. Type 1 diabetics over the age of 26 living in Connecticut were invited to participate in a mixed methods case study. Quality of life data was collected from a questionnaire with questions drawn from the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey and the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale. Each participant was assigned a quality of life score after taking the questionnaire. After taking the survey, a semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant with questions assessing their health insurance plan, access to care, and self-perception of quality of life. The quality of life scores from the survey were cross-referenced with how each participant responded in the interview, then analyzed The average quality of life score was 37, revealing a below average quality of life for type 1 diabetic adults in Connecticut. Patients reported in the interviews that health insurance helps maintain quality of life, but can restrict individuals from improving. The interviews also revealed higher levels of concern for the financial burden of diabetes and the effectiveness of insurance. The study concluded that type 1 diabetics face quality of life disparities. Health insurance effectively maintains a level of quality of life, but often restricts individuals from elevating themselves.
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