Journal of Clinical Research

Adherence to Recommended Diet Among Diabetic Type 2 Patient at Matero Level One Lusaka Zambia

Abstract

Patricia Mampa

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome of chronic hyperglycaemia due to relative insulin deficiency, resistance or both. It is a challenging disease to manage successfully, its treatment aims on achieving adequate control of glucose levels in the blood and to properly manage it, there is need for patients to adhere to the recommended diet. Failure in the management of the disease results in many complications which are the cause of mortality worldwide. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of adhering to recommended diet among diabetic patients at Matero level one hospital Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: Analytical cross sectional study was conducted at Matero level one Hospital, Lusaka Province which included all type two diabetic patients who visited the hospital and those who were admitted to the ward who met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients who were enrolled in the study was 59. Data was collected with the use of a questionnaire and was analyzed using SPSS 23. Results: The prevalence of adherence to recommended diet among diabetic patients at Matero level one hospital was found to be 49.2%. findings of this study shows that among the factors associated with non-adherence to recommended diet among DM 2 patients, financial constraints was the most common factor affecting 52 (88.1%) patients with the lowest being inappropriate dietary habits which had 4(6.8%). Other factors include granting self-permission 34 (57.6%) patients, lack of partner, family and friends support 32(54.2%), visiting other people’s homes and trips with 31 (52.5%) patients, eating out affected 21 (35.6%) patients and poor self-control 9 (15.3%). Conclusion: The prevalence of adherence to recommended diet was found to be low (49.2%) and so this calls for appropriate measures to be put in place such as detailed written instructions on proper diet and involvement of partners, family members and friends of the diabetic patient in the management of type 2 diabetes.