Key Factors on the Spotlight as Predictors of Dietary Adherence Among Patients Living with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

There is a rise in prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Kenya, and an increase in related complications, which lead to disability and death. Diet modification oriented for this group of patients includes recommendations to control blood sugar, lipid levels and pressure which are vital in lowering risk and complications development in the management of Type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that adherence to diet therapy is weak in the midst of diet recommendations and patients’ education. There seems to be limited literature in developing countries as to the most critical factors in the prediction mix of adherence. This article attempts to display the competitiveness between socio-demographic and patient education related factors in the context of adherence. Across sectional analysis of a sample of 240 eligible diabetics was used and their dietary behaviour evaluated using a pre-tested dietary habit assessment survey tool with socio-demographic and patient-focus education factors. Linear regression preceded by principle axis factoring to categories adherences was executed. The results indicated that diet characterized by control of lipid levels was influenced by diet accessible within distance from home (β=0.211, t=2.053, ρ=0.041), while diet to control blood sugar and pressure was influenced by diet accessible from the workplace (β=0.193, t=2.027, ρ=0.044), occupation status (β=0.162, t=2.051, ρ=0.042), age (β=0.178, t=2.238, ρ=0.026), marital status (β=0.208, t=2.731, ρ=0.007) and diet found in the locality or surrounding environment (β=0.277, t=3.034, ρ=0.003). In conclusion, adherence enhancement seems to draw reference to education sessions focused on challenges faced by the unmarried, age specifics, occupation, setting specifics.