Assessing the relationship between dietary practices and nutrition attitudes on nutrition status of diabetes mellitus patients aged between 25-65 years at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is responsible for 596 deaths per year which places it among the top ten Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that cause death in Uganda. Dietary practices such as consumption of high fat, high energy, and low fiber foods and a sedentary life style are attributed to the incidence of diabetes mellitus which is due to lack of proper nutrition education for diabetes patients receiving medical attention. In Uganda, as of 2013 it was estimated that there were 1.5 million people with diabetes, type 2 making up 90% of these cases. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional status, nutritional attitudes, and dietary practices of diabetic patients at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, therefore determine the relationship of dietary practices and nutritional attitudes on the nutritional status of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged (25 to 65) years. A cross-sectional study was conducted and (n=57) patients who were randomly sampled, met eligibility and inclusion criteria participated in the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed both anthropometrically (height and weight) and biochemically (random blood sugar). Data analysis was done using SPSS and nutritional status classified according to WHO standards. The highest mean RBS was 10.8mmol/dl and the lowest was 7.5mmol/dl which were among the 56 to 65 years and 36 to 45 years age groups respectively. The 56 to 65 years age group had the most obese patients. Most of the respondents consumed more than four food groups at the time of the study.