Perceived barriers to recommended dietary adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify barriers to recommended dietary adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. DesignObservational cross-sectional study. SampleOne hundred-forty six overweight/obese volunteers with type 2 diabetes, who had previously received dietary advice for at least one year, were recruited from two diabetes clinics in Tabriz, north-west of Iran. MeasurementsA 24-item questionnaire was designed to assess dietary barriers. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed by Content Validity Index, Content Validity Ratio and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis with principal component analysis extraction and varimax rotation was utilized in order to extract the underlying factors of dietary nonadherence. ResultsFactor analysis yielded seven barrier factors including: situational barriers/difficulty resisting temptation [percent variance=11.64%], stress-related eating disorder/cost [percent variance=9.11%], difficulty with meal and snack plans [percent variance=8.76%], confusion [percent variance=8.45%], work-related issues [percent variance=7.72%], small portion size [percent variance=6.87%] and lack of palatability/family support [percent variance=6.78%]. These factors explained about 59.4% of the total variance. ConclusionsOverall, patients with type 2 diabetes perceived some barriers to recommended dietary adherence. In dietary counseling, considering and addressing these barriers will likely be effective in increasing the dietary adherence for patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran.