Effect of a dietary education intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on their knowledge of food portions

Panduro Vasquez G.N.; Dextre M.L.; Antezana Alzamora S.; Silva Robledo J.; Aguirre-Sosa J. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2024) · DOI: 10.12873/444aguirre

Resumen

Introduction: Dietary management is fundamental in controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially considering the characteristics of global cuisines. This is particularly relevant in the current Peruvian context. Objective: To determine the effect of a nutritional education intervention on the knowledge of food portions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology: A pre-experimental study was conducted. A knowledge test was used, evaluated with a pre-test and post-test, to measure patients’ knowledge of food portions. The test was applied to a convenience sample of 28 outpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a Peruvian hospital. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the means of the pre-test and post-test (p=0.000<0.05), indicating that the nutritional education intervention had a significant impact on the level of knowledge about food portions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, the percentage of patients with a low level of knowledge decreased from 67.87% to 0%, while the percentage with a high level increased from 32.13% to 64.3%. Also, in the pre-test there was a gap in the responses on food portions. However, in the post-test, responses on all items reached levels of correct knowledge between 67% and 96%. Conclusion: Dietary education interventions have a significant impact on the level of knowledge regarding food portions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Privada del Norte