Factors Contributing to Non-Adherence to Dietary Recommendation Among Diabetic Patients Attending Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, Kenya.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder characterized by the pancreas producing little or no insulin, a hormone crucial for the absorption of blood sugar into the blood stream. Diabetes mellitus is an increasing global health problem due to increased illnesses and deaths. Management of diabetes today requires that one follows a prescribed diet plan. Diabetes mellitus care and management is usually costly and worst cases scenario is when there are co-morbidities. Dietary non-adherence has direct implications leading to early onset of diabetes complications. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to find out possible factors contributing to non-adherence to dietary recommendations and to come up with strategies to ease diabetes care and management in Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, Kenya. This was a cross-sectional analytical study which targeted type 2 diabetics attending outpatient clinic at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. Researchers administered a questionnaire to 138 selected patients for the study. The data was be coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPPS Scientific software. Permission was sought from SERC and NACOSTI, County Commissioner-Nandi and County Director Education. The results from the study indicates that demographic characteristics of the participants played an important role in predicting their adherence to dietary practices (B0=1.634, P<0.001). The Adherence to dietary practices was shown to be strongly influenced by age (B1=0.359). Further findings presented a positive association between the level of education and adherence to dietary practices (B3=0.620). More importantly correlation was noted between individual’s level of income and their likelihood of adhering to dietary practices (B6=0.611). There was a higher chance for patients with more incomes to consume right diet and adhere to it compared to patients with less incomes. The findings also revealed good knowledge level at 89% whereas non-adherence was at 67%. This indicate that knowledge did not translate directly to adherence to dietary recommendations. The study aim was to look into the dietary adherence and possible factors contributing to non-adherence to recommended dietary practices among diabetic patients attending Kapsabet county hospital and more in depth understanding of the dietary practices and adherence with aim of improving health system strategies for the persons living with type 2 diabetes. The results highlight a range of factors influencing dietary adherence, financial constraints, age, level of education, and social support. In conclusion, healthcare providers should take these factors into consideration when developing interventions to help diabetic patients better manage their condition through diet and achieve glycemic control.