Title : Nutritional status and its associated factors among diabetic patients visiting selected tertiary hospitals of jhapa district, Nepal
Abstract:
Problem Statement: Diabetes Mellitus is a growing global public health concern, with significant mortality and morbidity, including a substantial burden from non-communicable diseases linked to suboptimal body mass index (BMI). In Nepal, diabetes prevalence is increasing, and a considerable portion of affected individuals remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, diabetic patients often face challenges in dietary management, leading to a dual problem of undernutrition as well as overweight, both detrimental to health outcomes. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding the nutritional status and its determinants among diabetic patients in specific tertiary care settings in Nepal.
Methodology: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study utilized a quantitative approach to assess the nutritional status and associated factors among diabetic patients in selected tertiary hospitals in Jhapa district, Nepal. A total of 124 diabetic patients were recruited using stratified sampling from outpatient department (OPD) services. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews to gather socio- demographic information and anthropometric measurements (e.g., BMI) to determine nutritional status. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was performed to identify associations between nutritional status and various socio-demographic and predisposing factors.
Discussion: The findings reveal a significant prevalence of overweight (46.8%) among diabetic patients, alongside a notable proportion with normal weight (44.4%) and underweight (8.9%). This highlights the complex nutritional challenges within this population, where both ends of the malnutrition spectrum are present. Crucially, the study identified statistically significant associations between nutritional status and age (p=0.004), ethnicity (p=0.019), and emotional well-being related to diabetes and dietary management (p=0.05). These associations underscore the multifaceted nature of nutritional health in diabetic individuals, extending beyond mere dietary intake to include socio-cultural and psychological dimensions. The observed prevalence of overweight aligns with global trends linking higher BMI to increased diabetes risk and complications, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Conclusion: This research concludes that a substantial proportion of diabetic patients in the study area exhibit suboptimal nutritional status, with overweight being particularly prevalent. The significant associations found with age, ethnicity, and emotional well-being suggest that effective interventions must be holistic and culturally sensitive. The study strongly recommends the development and implementation of tailored dietary interventions and comprehensive patient education programs that consider the biological, clinical, social, cultural, and emotional contexts of diabetic patients to improve their nutritional outcomes and overall health.
