Awareness and Dietary Adherence of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the City of Mosul: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The current study is a cross-sectional observational review utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods to examine compliance with suggested dietary habits among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated compliance-influencing factors. The sample population consisted of adult’s males and females who were diagnosed with T2DM at specified clinics in Mosul province. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were used. Simple random sampling was used to pick four primary healthcare centers (PHC) out of the 28 PHCs in Mosul province. Systematic random sampling methodology was used to identify individual patients who participated in the research, choosing each 4th patient to engage in the analysis. Researcher-issued questionnaires were distributed to patients with T2DM. A total of 210 patients out of the target 300 were reached. Using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program version 25, the quantitative data obtained using the researcher-administered questionnaire was organized, coded, and analyzed. Patients demonstrated relatively high awareness (76.16%) of nutritional guidelines for T2DM management. Older people were found to have little information regarding prescribed eating habits and awareness of the need to use sugar as first aid when one is down in hypoglycemia. Extensive education on T2DM management at health facilities is required, including specific topics that are sometimes ignored, such as the need to maintain regular meal times, the need to bring sweets at all times, and snacks between main meals for improved blood glucose regulation.