Nutrition-related knowledge and its determinants in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Aims: To analyse nutrition-related knowledge and its determinants in middle-aged and older patients with T2D. Methods: In a cross sectional study, a total of 116 participants with T2D, aged 50–80 years, were recruited in primary health care. Data was collected by a self-reported questionnaire — the modified version of General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (0–56 points). Sociodemographic data was also collected: gender, age, personal monthly income, living situation, education level, and marital status. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess differences in nutrition-related knowledge score among the different levels of sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Questions on general dietary recommendations, dietary behaviors to reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer are the items with higher proportion of correct answers. On the other hand, health problems related with lower intake of fruit, vegetables and fiber and knowledge about antioxidants vitamins presented the lower proportion of correct answers. Higher scores were found among those with lower age, higher personal monthly income, and higher education. Conclusions: Middle-aged and older patients with T2D showed alarming deficits on nutrition-related knowledge. Age, personal monthly income, and education level were observed as major determinants of nutrition-related knowledge.