Knowledge towards adherence to lifestyle modification among type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Adherence, Lifestyle modification, Insulin resistanceAbstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus presents an escalating global public health challenge, placing a severe structural burden on healthcare systems and community resources worldwide. In Uganda, the disease manifests as a critical chronic health crisis. This study aimed to determine the knowledge towards adherence to lifestyle modification among type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative research methods was conducted among 52 T2D patients using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS). Findings were then presented in tables and figures.
Results: Overall, the majority of respondents (40.4%) were aged 58 years and above, and 57.7% were male. A majority (84.6%) had received diabetes education, and 55.8% rated their knowledge of diabetes management as very good. Over half (53.8%) were familiar with the recommended dietary guidelines, and 84.6% recognised the importance of a high-fibre diet. Most (69.2%) reported checking their blood glucose daily, and 51.9% identified aerobic exercises as the most beneficial.
Conclusion: While most T2D patients demonstrated good knowledge towards lifestyle modification, adherence was hindered by financial challenges and the complexity of required lifestyle adjustments.
Recommendation: Healthcare providers should prioritise health education programs, establish patient support groups and implement affordable nutrition and physical activity programs for patients with type 2 diabetes to promote adherence to lifestyle modifications.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Victor Tumusiime, Donatus Kimera, Jane Frances Namuddu (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
