Recommendations of dietitians for overcoming barriers to dietary adherence in individuals with diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this research were to (1) identify factors that contribute to the barriers to dietary adherence in individuals with diabetes identified in a 1998 study and (2) obtain recommendations from registered dietitians for strategies to overcome these barriers.

Methods: A 10-item, open-ended telephone questionnaire was used to obtain information. The sample included 75 registered dietitians who participated in a previous survey to identify barriers and agreed to a follow-up telephone interview.

Results: Of the 75 participants, 28% reported spending 5 hours or less per week counseling individuals with diabetes, 64% spent between 6 and 30 hours, and 8% spent more than 31 hours per week. Almost half of the participants (47%) were certified diabetes educators. Factors identified as the greatest contributors to the barriers being evaluated included lack of time, lack of symptoms, lack of education (including follow-up), poor self-esteem/lack of empowerment, and misinformation from family/peers/others with diabetes. The primary recommendations for overcoming each of these barriers included individualizing meal plans and planning ahead, teaching about complications, and setting obtainable goals.

Conclusions: The registered dietitians who were surveyed emphasized the importance of individualizing dietary counseling.