Factors Related to Non-Adherence to Dietary Modification Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Study at Holy Family Hospital, Nkawkaw

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is one of the most rapidly increasing non communicable diseases which has emerged as a public health concern across the world. Adherence to recommended dietary practices for patients with diabetes is very critical to achieve optimal metabolic control, as non-adherence is associated with adverse effects, which eventually lead to major complications. The study assessed factors related to non-adherence to dietary modification among patients with diabetes attending clinic at Holy Family Hospital, Nkawkaw. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, and had a sample size of 100 respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The study results revealed that the participants possessed a reasonably good level of knowledge regarding dietary management. Participants showed a sound understanding on the various major nutrients in foods, and were aware that skipping dietary management prescribed by health experts may not help their condition, were aware of the effect of foods on blood glucose. Also, most of them knew that brown sugar is a healthy alternative to white sugar, were knowledgeable on the levels of sugar in foods, and had good knowledge on foods which helps in proper management of blood glucose. The study results revealed that the participants demonstrated good dietary practices in dietary management. Some of the dietary practices included taking their main meals thrice in a day, most of them eating their first meal between 7am to 8 O’clock, eating more of vegetables and fruits and consuming less starchy, sugary, fatty and salty foods. The findings of this study also revealed that, factors such as individual preferences, lack of adequate information on healthy diet, difficulty to change existing meals, occupation and busy schedule, limited food choices, frequent social gathering, inability to afford recommended diet, inadequate and accuracy of dietary advice and poor awareness to dietary management hindered adherence to dietary modifications among patients with diabetes.