Knowledge concerning nutrition amongst elderly individuals with diabetes

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to explore knowledge and awareness concerning nutrition amongst elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the community in Gozo who are visited by the Malta Memorial District Nursing Association (MMDNA) nurse for administration of insulin. A total of 20 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus over the age of 60 participated in this study. A quantitative research method was used in order to assess knowledge concerning diet in diabetes, diabetes complications resulting from lack of dietary control and sources of dietary information in diabetes. A structured interview of 20 minutes was carried out at the participant's home where the researcher visited the participants with the MMDNA nurse after obtaining consent from the appropriate personnel. At the end of each interview, the participants were given a booklet which contained the necessary information regarding diet in diabetes and complications of diabetes to which they can refer if they would like to further their knowledge. The results of this study showed that severe lack of knowledge concerning diet in diabetes was present amongst the majority of the participants. Lack of knowledge was also present with regards diabetes complications. However, knowledge in this area was not as lacking as dietary knowledge. The one participant who received knowledge from the dietitian exhibited the highest level of dietary and complication awareness whilst those participants who received knowledge from doctors and nurses exhibited similar results. This study demonstrated that diabetes dietary knowledge is lacking amongst participants in Gozo and strategies and actions need to be developed in order to reinforce their knowledge. Educational opportunities, which incorporate not only educational materials, but also include factors which influence the patients' dietary habits, should be made available to elderly individuals with diabetes in the community.