Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding lifestyle modifications among type 2 diabetic patients attending Mamelodi Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction

The burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to rise and constitutes a real threat

especially in the developing world. As for most non-communicable diseases, change of

behavior and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits help to prevent and slow down the

increase of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aim of the Study

To establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding lifestyle modifications

among type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mamelodi hospital.

Methods:

This cross sectional study describes the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding

lifestyle modifications (KAP) among 217 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending

Mamelodi Hospital, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. A face-to-face interview using a

structured questionnaire was carried out for data collection. Socio-demographic

characteristics of the participants and anthropometric measurements were obtained and

the body mass index (8MI) of participants were determined. The Knowledge, attitude and

practice of participants were assessed. 2

Results: Majority of participants were female 176(81.1 %), while male were 41 (18.9%).

This amounted to a female to male ratio of 4:1. Most participants were in the age group

51-60 years 93(42.9%). Majority of them had low level of education 108(49.5%) and low

income 206(94.9%). Majority of participants were obese 153(71 %) with more female

diabetic patients being obese 120 (78.4%) than male 33 (21.6%). 15 participants (14 females and 1 male) were morbidly obese (BMI~40kg/m2). 108 participants (49.5%) did

not have a formal education.

No respondent had good knowledge and 92.6% of respondents had poor knowledge of

the benefits of exercise, weight loss and healthy diet. Majority of respondents

(97.7%) had bad practices in relation to lifestyle modifications. Nevertheless, majority of

them (84.3%) had positive attitudes toward lifestyle modifications.

Significant positive correlation (r= 0.170, p=0.012) was found between the global

knowledge level and attitude level alone, whereas there was no significant correlation

found between the global knowledge level and practice level as well as the attitude level

and practice level.

Conclusion: In conclusion, despite positive attitudes of participants toward healthy

lifestyle habits, the knowledge and practices regarding lifestyle modifications among type

2 diabetes mellitus patients attending Mamelodi Hospital were generally low. Nevertheless

the positive attitudes of participants should be encouraged and the implementation of a

lifestyle intervention program will help improve the knowledge and practices of type 2

diabetes mellitus patients attending Mamelodi Hospital for the better management and

control of this current pandemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus.