Impact of nutrition education on diabetes knowledge and attitudes of adults with type 2 diabetes living in a resource-limited setting in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial

摘要

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of a nutrition education (NE) programme on diabetes knowledge and attitudes of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Eighty-two adults (40–70?years) with poorly controlled T2DM (HbA_1c ≥ 8%) and attending two community health centres in Moretele, North West Province (South Africa) participated in a one-year randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomised to the intervention group (n = 41; 8 weekly group education (2–2.5 hours); follow-up meetings and education materials) or control group (education materials only). Diabetes Knowledge Form B assessed knowledge about diabetes. Diabetes Attitudes Scale-III assessed the attitudes towards diabetes and treatment. Assessments were done at 6 and 12?months. Analysis of co-variance compared the groups (baseline, age, gender and clinic adjustments). An intention-to-treat analysis was employed. Results: The intervention group had higher mean diabetes knowledge scores?+?0.95 (p = 0.033) and?+?2.05 (p?p = 0.028) at 12?months. Conclusion: NE significantly improved diabetes knowledge in the intervention group, though not satisfactorily, but had limited effects on the attitudes towards diabetes.