Factors Associated With Adherence To Lifestyle Modifications Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Kiwoko Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The reduction in the incidence of diabetes is directly associated with change in lifestyle. Adherence to lifestyle modifications is a problem common with type 2 diabetic patients. According to International Diabetic Federation, of which Uganda is a member country, there are 400,600 people in Uganda registered with Diabetes Mellitus. The focus of the government in advancing free medical care and other support systems in Uganda has attained less success. The rising challenge of the condition remains a threat to the livelihood of the people Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with adherence to lifestyle modifications among type 2 diabetic patients attending Kiwoko hospital. The specific objectives were; to assess the individual factors, socio-economic factors and DM related complications associated with adherence to lifestyle modifications among type 2 diabetic patients attending Kiwoko hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 96 diabetes type 2 patients attending Kiwoko hospital in the period of June 2017. Data was collected using a researcher administered questionnaire from randomly selected patients and analyzed using SPSS were chi-square tests were conducted to determine the associations. Results: The proportion of patients that adhered to type 11 diabetes mellitus lifestyle modifications was 39.6%. Majority of the respondents had knowledge about lifestyle modifications and positive attitude towards adherence. The most practiced modifications were; dietary modifications (89.6%), attendance of DM clinics (89.6%) and abstinence from abuse of substances (84.4%). Two thirds of the respondents (45.8%) had emergency visits to the hospital due to uncontrolled sugar levels. Age (P=0.000), average monthly income (P=0.000), uncontrolled sugar levels (P=0.006) and damage to the eyes and nerves due to DM (P=0.000) had significant association with adherence to lifestyle modifications. Conclusion and recommendation: Low adherence to life style modifications among people with type 11 diabetes in Nakaseke District is significantly associated with, age, religion and income status. Dietary modifications, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, self-care behavior and abstinence from substance abuse are significantly associated complications such as diabetic foot uncontrolled sugar levels and damage to eyes and nerves. A multi- disciplinary approach should be used to increase adherence to life style modifications for type 11 diabetes.