Who supports self-care? Social support inequalities and dietary adherence among adults with type 2 diabetes in Ghana
1
Department of Nursing, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
2
Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
3
Directorate of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2848
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Persons living with diabetes are expected to adhere to dietary recommendations as part of their self-care practices. The study hypothesises that gaining support from family and healthcare professionals would improve adherence. Hence, the study sought to examine the association between social support and overall dietary adherence, as well as specific dietary adherence.
METHODS:
We analysed the observations of 398 adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (PLWD) who participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Ashanti region of Ghana between April to June 2023. Dietary self-care adherence was computed based on five indicators: preparing a healthful eating plan, following an eating plan, consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, eating high-fat foods, and spacing carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. A multivariate linear regression model was fitted. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS:
The diet index scores ranged from 0 to 29, with a mean of 17.19 (SD = 6.14), indicating moderate adherence to a healthy diet. The study revealed that receipt of full support from healthcare professionals was higher (95%) compared to full support received from family members (82.4%). Overall, full support from healthcare professionals was associated with higher likelihood of adhering to dietary self-care recommendations [β=3.17, 95%CI: 0.17, 6.18]. PLWD who had full support from healthcare professionals were more likely to have a healthy eating plan [β=2.34; 95%CI: 0.90, 3.79]. On the other hand, receiving full support from healthcare professionals increased the likelihood of following an eating plan [β=2.34, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.67].
CONCLUSIONS:
Support from healthcare professionals significantly improves dietary adherence; however, same cannot be said for family support. The study underscores the importance of structured, professional guidance in diabetes management. To optimise outcomes, healthcare systems should prioritise training programmes that equip clinicians with the skills to provide tailored dietary counselling and ongoing support.
Persons living with diabetes are expected to adhere to dietary recommendations as part of their self-care practices. The study hypothesises that gaining support from family and healthcare professionals would improve adherence. Hence, the study sought to examine the association between social support and overall dietary adherence, as well as specific dietary adherence.
METHODS:
We analysed the observations of 398 adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (PLWD) who participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Ashanti region of Ghana between April to June 2023. Dietary self-care adherence was computed based on five indicators: preparing a healthful eating plan, following an eating plan, consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, eating high-fat foods, and spacing carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. A multivariate linear regression model was fitted. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS:
The diet index scores ranged from 0 to 29, with a mean of 17.19 (SD = 6.14), indicating moderate adherence to a healthy diet. The study revealed that receipt of full support from healthcare professionals was higher (95%) compared to full support received from family members (82.4%). Overall, full support from healthcare professionals was associated with higher likelihood of adhering to dietary self-care recommendations [β=3.17, 95%CI: 0.17, 6.18]. PLWD who had full support from healthcare professionals were more likely to have a healthy eating plan [β=2.34; 95%CI: 0.90, 3.79]. On the other hand, receiving full support from healthcare professionals increased the likelihood of following an eating plan [β=2.34, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.67].
CONCLUSIONS:
Support from healthcare professionals significantly improves dietary adherence; however, same cannot be said for family support. The study underscores the importance of structured, professional guidance in diabetes management. To optimise outcomes, healthcare systems should prioritise training programmes that equip clinicians with the skills to provide tailored dietary counselling and ongoing support.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
