Effectiveness of an educational dietary intervention among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary hospital, South-West Nigeria: A quasi-experimental study.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and dietary modification is a major cornerstone in its management. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational dietary intervention in patients with T2DM in a tertiary hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria.

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between November 2023 and February 2024. Patients were split into intervention and control groups. A brochure on healthy dietary habits and a modifiable dietary timetable was developed and deployed to patients in collaboration with a nutritionist. Patients’ knowledge of T2DM and dietary behaviors was evaluated using structured pre- and post-questionnaires adapted from a validated questionnaire.

Eighty-four T2DM patients were enrolled, comprising 50 (59.5%) females and 34 (40.5%) males. Most patients were >60 years and had a family history of T2DM (56%). However, these differences were insignificant between the two groups. Responses to study questions were significant in the pre-and post-groups. After intervention, patient’s dietary knowledge significantly increased compared to the control group (8.74±0.49 vs 6.02±1.55, respectively; F=28.92; p<0.001). Using principal component analysis, the primary factors influencing patients’ dietary habits were monthly income (0.768), availability (0.649), and taste of food (0.587). Additionally, 83% of patients in the intervention group stated that the dietary timetable was practical, feasible, and worth exploring.

Patient knowledge of dietary modification in T2DM significantly improved after the intervention, and study findings demonstrate the usefulness of educational resources in improving understanding of T2DM management.