Beliefs of diabetic patients about nutritional therapy and its influence on their compliance with treatment

The system of health beliefs influences the process of compliance with diabetes treatment. Compliance with nutritional therapy is one of the greatest challenges found. The purpose of this qualitative approach study was to analyze the beliefs of type 2 diabetic patients regarding nutritional therapy and its influence on the compliance with it. The participants of the study were nine patients being treated in a reference unit for diabetic patients' treatment. The procedures involved were blood exam to check the glycated hemoglobin, a questionnaire, semi-structured recorded interview and patient report checking. The analysis of the speeches was made using the thematic categories of Bardin (2000), and the models of Rokeach (1981) and Rosenstock (1974). All participants showed glycated hemoglobin levels higher than 7%, what shows that is difficult for them to control their glicemic levels and possible non compliance. After the analysis of the speeches, two thematic categories were identified: "Recommendations received about feeding" and "Nutritional therapy compliance". Both categories showed authority beliefs and consensus zero, and barriers to nutritional therapy, which the participants see as a restrictive imposition. Those beliefs have negative influence on the compliance, and so, they have to be considered when providing health assistance to the population.

Diabetes; Patient acceptance of health care; Nutritional therapy