Factors Afeccting Medical Nutritional Therapy Among type 2 Diabetes Patients Attending Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine patient related factors affecting Medical Nutrition Therapy among type 2 diabetes patients. Design: A descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi County, Kenya. Subjects: 422 two type 2 diabetes patients. Results: 236(55.9%) Females and 186(44.1%) male as well has 7 professional healthcare providers were interviewed. 47.9% of the respondents were aged between 40 - 59 years, with the lowest proportion aged less than 30 years (4.5%). Not following recommended Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) was significantly associated withTertiary level of education (AOR=6.97; 95% CI: 2.69 – 18.05; p<0.001). As well not following recommended Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) was significantly associated with getting to the diabetes. clinic by other means other than walking (AOR=3.49; 95% CI: 1.56 – 7.80; p=0.002), irregular visits based on doctor’s appointment or when sick (AOR=3.65; 95% CI: 1.73 – 7.71; p=0.001), duration of time taken during treatment determining how serious the client takes the treatment(AOR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.09 – 2.82; p=0.020), regular eating of food that is not prepared according to recommended diet (OR=3.78; 95% CI: 1.29 – 11.08; p=0.016). Conclusion: Not following recommended Medical Nutrition Therapy was as a result of irregular visits to the diabetes clinic, eating away from home, travelling to clinic by other means other than walking, waiting for more than two hour before receiving treatment at the diabetes clinic and not having enough healthcare providers. For a better following of recommended Medical Nutrition Therapy, these factors need to be addressed.