HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN TENTANG PENYAKIT DIABETES MELLITUS DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP LANSIA PENDERITA DIABETES MELLITUS DI DESA TAMBAKASRI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS TAJINAN KABUPATEN MALANG

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease prevalent among the elderly that can diminish their quality of life. Knowledge plays a crucial role in the management of diabetes mellitus. Objective: To analyze the relationship between knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and the quality of life of elderly patients with the disease in Tambakasri Village, within the working area of the Tajinan Community Health Center (Puskesmas), Malang Regency. Methods: This was a quantitative study using a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 87 elderly individuals with diabetes mellitus, selected via purposive sampling. Knowledge was measured using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24), while quality of life was assessed using the Whoqol-Bref. Data were analyzed using the Spearman Rank test (α = 0.05). Results: The majority of respondents possessed good knowledge (57.5%), followed by the "poor" (23.0%) and "fair" (19.5%) categories. Most respondents reported a good quality of life (89.7%), while 10.3% were classified as having a poor quality of life. The Spearman Rank test yielded p = 0.036 (p < 0.05) and r = 0.225, indicating a significant positive relationship of weak strength. Discussion: Good knowledge supports the elderly in understanding and managing diabetes mellitus through medication adherence, dietary management, physical activity, and health monitoring, thereby helping to maintain their quality of life. The health education received by most respondents also facilitated their understanding and management of the disease. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between knowledge of diabetes mellitus and the quality of life of the elderly; better knowledge is associated with a better quality of life. Recommendations: Elderly individuals are advised to regularly participate in health education and consultations. Healthcare professionals should provide scheduled education sessions that include evaluations of understanding. Future researchers are encouraged to expand the sample size, refine the methodology, or incorporate additional research variables.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, elderly, knowledge, quality of life