Dietary knowledge Among Female Diabetic Patients in Amman, Jordan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess dietary knowledge among females with diabetes in Amman, Jordan. We performed a cross-sectional study of diabetic patients attending outpatient diabetes clinics, at several hospitals in Amman . A questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall were completed by the participants. The study used a face to face interview during which a questionnaire was filled by the investigator about knowledge and attitudes of diabetic patients. The study sample was composed of 180 females. Most of the patients have diabetes for more than two years (78.3%) and had a positive family history of diabetes as a first degree relative. About 50% suffered from diabetes related health disease and about half of the patients were overweight and 32.2% were obese. More than half of patients (56.1%) gave wrong answers for meals recommended for diabetes/day and that should be used with hypoglycemia (44.5%), food rich in protein (47.6%), number of snacks (50.6%) and their role (43.1%), drinks permitted with unlimited amounts (61.4%) and suitable time to drink juice (78.1%). Most of the patients gave correct answers for food rich in fats (48.4%), cholesterol (47.8%), and controlling blood sugar (51.7%), right and number of snacks recommended (68.7%) and food which raises blood sugar (49.1%). According to the results, the dietary knowledge of diabetic patients is inadequate and need improvement. The study recommends that there is a need to set up a health education programme on diabetes mellitus which would also include a self-monitoring programme.