Perceived barriers to Dietary Practice Adherence Among Persons with Diabetes

Song, O Keum; Nam, Hong Woo; Moon, Do Ho; Lim, Kyung Ho; Moon, Hyun Kyung; Kim, Eul Sang

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diet therapy is viewed as a cornerstone of diabetes care and emphasized to all the type of diabetes. The diet has been identified by many patients as one of the most difficult part of managing their diabetes. They may have several factors to influence adherence to a dict. The purpose of this study was to identify dietary practice adherence and perceived barriers(intrinsic and extrinsic factors) among the persons with diabetes at Diabetes Clinic in Nationwide.. METHODS: The survey questionnaire was mailed to 852 persons with diabetes member via diabetes educators of 156 hospitals, clinics and 24 health centers. Questionnaire divided into 3 part;(1)background information (2)meal regularity and food intake as a dietary practice adherence (3)40 items with motive/ attitude as a intrinsic factor and knowledge, resources/authority as a extrinsic factor was rated by the thoughts and feelings associated with barriers to dietary practice adherence. 432 questionnaires were returned. The response rate was 51%. RESULTS: Meal regularty was more satisfactory than food intake. Deficit of meal regularity was reasonable spacing between meal and snack' due to "grazing", "weak will", "hunger feeling". Deficit of food Intake was protein food in 3 meal a day' 43% less recommendation due to I wouldnt disturb anyone so I used to eat something available", fear of hyperglycemia, bother to prepare food. Conclusions: The respondents to this questionnaire were members of Diabetes Clinics. They perceived that motive/attitude(intrinsic factors) was as the major barriers while authority/resources(extrinsic factors) was as a minor barriers to the dietary practice adherence. Tliese results suggest that dietary strategies may need to be developed cognitive-behavioral aspect and problem-solving skills for alteration in 'Real-life' diabetic situation to dietary practice adherence.