Factors Influencing the Dietary Behavior of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors that affect the dietary behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by examining their sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes-related characteristics, and treatment self-regulation.Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2019 at the Hypertension and Diabetes Registration Management Center in South Korea. Data were collected from 109 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Among the investigated variables(nutrition education experience, the number of nutrition education sessions, alcohol consumption, autonomous motivation, externally controlled motivation, and amotivation), the number of nutrition education sessions (β=.19, p=.041), alcohol consumption (yes) (β=-.22, p=.014), and autonomous motivation (β=.21, p=.029) influenced patients’ dietary behavior. These factors explained approximately 12% of the total variance.Conclusion: To improve the dietary behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes, it is crucial to boost their motivation, implement policies on alcohol consumption, and provide ongoing education on nutrition tailored to their needs.