Dietary habits and prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetes patients seen at Scott Hospital, Morija, Lesotho

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus still remains an important non- communicable disease globally. The burden of the disease continues to rise even in the sub-Saharan Africa. Aim: The study aimed to assess and describe the dietary practices and the prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic patients seen at Scott Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetic patients at Scott Hospital, Morija, Lesotho. A simple random sample of 50 participants was selected and each completed an interviewer administered questionnaire. The administration of the questionnaire was done by the researcher and a research assistant. Socio- demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained, anthropometric measurements were height and weight of each participant with subsequent determination of the BMI. Dietary intake was assessed using questions from a modified food frequency questionnaire of 16 food groups that reflect the commonest food items available. Results: The results showed that 86% (43/50) of the participants were females and 14% (7/50) were males with a female: male ratio of 6:1. The majority (72%) were above age 50 years and with regards to educational status, 62% had primary school education as the highest level attained. Four percent (4%) had no formal education. Fifty percent (50%) of the participants were unemployed. The mean weight of the participants was 84.22 ± 13.51 kg and the mean height was 157.76 ± 6.10 cm. The mean BMI was 33.97 ± 4.99 kg/m². Seventy-eight percent (38/50) of the participants were obese, and 14% (7/50) of the participants who were females, were morbidly obese with BMIs ≥ 40kg/m². The prevalence of obesity when stratified by gender showed that 57% (4/7) of male participants and 81% (35/43) of female participants were obese. According to the dietary assessments, food groups with the highest reported consumption per unit per month were; maize meals, breakfast-cereals and bread respectively. Conclusion: The study showed a predominantly female and elderly population of type 2 diabetics at Scott Hospital, Morija, Lesotho. The prevalence of obesity was high (78%) among the participants and this further supports the view that obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Reported dietary intake showed a higher consumption of carbohydrates and a very low intake of dietary fibre as represented by legumes. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, dietary habits and obesity.