A Survey of Awareness and Nutritional Behaviors of Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Zabol

Diabetes is one of the most common, chronic and deadly diseases caused by metabolic disorders and one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Awareness and nutritional behaviors play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge and nutritional behaviors of patients type 2 diabetic patients in Zabol, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 144 patients type 2 diabetes referred to the Diabetes Center and health centers in Zabol. Simple random sampling method was used. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Research data were analyzed using SPSS20 software and appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

The mean of participants’ illness time was about 7.81 ± 5.74 years. The mean nutritional awareness was 36.02 32 4.32 out of 60 points and was moderate. The highest level of knowledge was related to contacting a doctor question (1.59 ± 0.49) and the lowest level of knowledge was related to the nausea and vomiting and amputation question (1.01 ± 0.11). The average rate of optimal nutritional behavior in these individuals was 30.52 out of a total score of 70 and was moderate. Among the demographic variables, only the source of information had a significant relationship with the level of awareness (p value = 0.005).

According to the results of this study, the level of knowledge and nutritional behaviors of patients type 2 diabetes was moderate. Therefore, health policy makers and managers must take actions to reduce its incidence and complications.