Dietary practice and associated factors among diabetes patients who are on treatment follow up at Felege-Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose that leads to the development of life-threatening complications. A healthy meal plan can delay and prevent complications from diabetes. However, feeding habit of the patients is not well known in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the dietary practice and associated factors among diabetic patients who are on treatment follow up in Felege Hiwot referral hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Methods; An institution-based cross sectional study was conducted from March to April 2017 at Felege Hiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 385 diabetes patients who are on treatment follow up at the hospital were included in the study. Quantitative data was collected by using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. To supplement their experiences, views and perceptions, participants were selected purposely for in-depth interviews. A bivariate and multivariable analysis were used to see the strength of association. The qualitative data was analyzed line by line with quantitative findings. Results: A total of 385 diabetes patients were included. majority of them were type 2 diabetes (74.5%) and the mean (SD) age was 42.5 (+=15.13). The overall proportion of poor dietary practice among diabetes patients were 46.8% (95% CI:41.1-52.0). Living in rural (AOR=3.75; 95% CI:2.12-6.63) had duration of diabetes less than 5 years (AOR=2.81; 95% CI:1.22-6.50) did not get nutrition education (AOR=5.88; 95% CI:3.30-10.48) had poor social support (AOR=3.84; 95% CI:1.74-8.46) were not satisfied on their treatment (AOR=2.08; 95% CI: 1.22-3.52) and did not make choices on food when they ate out (AOR=3.49; 95% CI: 2.09-5.81) were significantly associated with poor dietary practice. Conclusion and recommendations: The overall dietary practices among diabetes patients were poor and improving their dietary practice strengthen nutrition education is highly recommended.