Dietary knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetic patients at Nsambya Hospital Kampala, Uganda
Date
2015-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is on the increase globally and deemed to be at epidemic levels in Sub Saharan Africa. Lifestyle modification particularly following an appropriate dietary pattern is a cornerstone of management. One’s knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) as well as culture and values influence one’s ability to make the required lifestyle changes. This study was carried out to establish the dietary KAP of diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic of Nsambya hospital a tertiary private not for profit hospital in Kampala Uganda.
Methods
A convenient sample of 236 patients was used. Their dietary KAP was assessed using a locally modified version of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Self Management Assessment Research Tool (D-SMART) with some other questions from the University of Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Centre attitude, knowledge and practice questions. The modified version was validated by two local endocrinologists. The 24 hour diet recall method was also used to assess the participants’ regularity and/or frequency of meals and also to find out the commonest components of their diet.
Results
67.4% of the respondents were older than 46 years of age and 63.1% were females. The females had a mean knowledge score of 57.4 (out of 60) and the males 54.1. Marital status and level of education were found to positively influence one’s knowledge. 82.7% of the respondents had the correct attitude towards DM and its management with marital status found to be the most positively contributing factor. All the respondents had poor scores on the practices section.
Conclusion
There is a gap between the knowledge/attitudes and the practices of the patients at Nsambya. More effective methods of delivery of the Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) need to be used and longer term intervention programs established. Further studies especially those exploring factors affecting the DM dietary practices need to be done.
Description
Thesis (MFamMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
Keywords
Diabetes -- Nutritional aspects -- Uganda -- Kampala, Diabetes -- Diet therapy -- Uganda -- Kampala