Dietary self-management practices among persons with T2DM: An exploratory qualitative study from western-coast of India

Prabhath Matpady; Arun G Maiya; Pallavi Prakash Saraswat; Shreemathi S Mayya; Mamatha S Pai; Anupama D S; Shashikiran Umakanth

doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2020.10.033

Dietary self-management practices among persons with T2DM: An exploratory qualitative study from western-coast of India

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020 Nov-Dec;14(6):2161-2167. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.10.033. Epub 2020 Nov 4.

Authors

Prabhath Matpady¹, Arun G Maiya¹, Pallavi Prakash Saraswat², Shreemathi S Mayya³, Mamatha S Pai⁴, Anupama D S⁴, Shashikiran Umakanth⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
² Department of Medicine, Dr TMA Pai Hospital (Udupi), Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
³ Department of Statistics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
⁴ Department of Paediatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
⁵ Department of Medicine, Dr TMA Pai Hospital (Udupi), Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India. Electronic address: shashikiran.u@manipal.edu.

PMID: 33395776
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.10.033

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a significant public health challenge for India. Self-management, including dietary management, physical activity, stress management, and adherence to medication, is critical in glycaemic control. Though data concerning self-management, in general, are available among persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), exclusive research on dietary self-management was limited.

Aims: A qualitative study to explore the knowledge, current dietary practices, and the barriers and enablers for dietary self-care management in persons with T2DM.

Methods: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted among 35 participants with T2DM who scored minimally and optimally in the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). Interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. In-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed to verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results: The study included 20 males and 15 females. The three major themes derived in the study. Firstly, "Knowledge, Interpretation and Information" the majority of the participants have understood the influence of diet on control of blood glucose level includes food choices and quantum of food. Secondly, "Current Dietary Practices-Preferences, Availability of food and Convenience influence dietary practices': All participants had their own belief on the side effects and benefits of certain food items. Most of the participants followed a three-meal pattern: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Finally, Barriers and Enablers in dietary self-management practice. Knowledge, physical and emotional factors, behaviour, planning were the intrinsic factors. Elements of the research, social support, season and climate, food environment were the extrinsic factors and communication, and financial management was the intermediate influences observed.

Conclusion: The themes generated by this research provide insight into self-management and patient expectations in dietary matters. It would be desirable for physicians and health care providers to be aware of these practices when advising people with T2DM on dietary self - management.

Keywords: Barriers; Dietary self; Enablers; Glycaemic control; Management; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diet therapy*
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / psychology
Exercise*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Health Behavior*
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prognosis
Qualitative Research
Self-Management*
Social Support