Knowledge and adherence to lifestyle and dietary measures among patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study at Garoua General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Hygiene and dietary measures (HDM) represent one of the cornerstones of diabetes management. The aim of our study was to evaluate the knowledge of and adherence to HDM among patients with type 2 diabetes at the Garoua General Hospital (HGG).

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a 5-month period among a population of type 2 diabetes patients attending outpatient nutrition consultations who had provided their consent. Sociodemographic, clinical, knowledge, and adherence variables regarding HDM were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with Epi Info software version 7.2.6.0.

Results: A total of 115 patients were included, with a male predominance (54.7%) and a mean age of 49.8±13.8 years. Most patients had recent diabetes (<1 year), chronically uncontrolled (73.1%), treated with oral antidiabetic drugs (54.7%) and demonstrated good medication adherence (89.5%). Over half of the patients (53.1%) had poor knowledge of HDM but generally adhered to them. About 30% rated their meals as of average quality, while continuing to consume simple sugars and saturated fats. Regular physical activity was reported by 60% of patients. The main barriers to HDM adherence were lack of time (26.1%), lack of motivation (19.1%), and financial difficulties (9.5%). Patients suggested the establishment of support groups (45.2%), more frequent medical follow-up (37.3%), and reinforced nutritional education (16.5%).

Conclusion: Among T2D patients at HGG, knowledge of HDM remains limited despite adequate adherence, highlighting the need to strengthen education, psychosocial support, and medical follow-up.