DIET QUALITY AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH CO-EXISTENCE OF DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION ATTENDING THE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN OGUN STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Non-communicable diseases risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, have significantly increased worldwide, contributing to higher mortality rates. Identifying optimal dietary patterns for the prevention and management of diabetes in patients with co-existing hypertension has become a public health priority. This study was designed to assess the diet quality and nutritional status of patients with co-existence diabetes mellitus and hypertension attending selected hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A cross-sectional design was employed for the study. A total of 390 respondents were randomly selected from the Federal Medical Centre, Sacred Heart Hospital, and General Hospital Ijaiye in Abeokuta. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the respondents’ socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, Anthropometric measurement was taken using standard procedures. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-Hip ratio (WHR) were calculated following World Health Organisation protocol. Blood pressure (BP), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined using standard clinical laboratory. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recall and analysed to determine nutrients intake and diet diversity. Adequacy of the nutrient was calculated by comparing the nutrient intakes with recommended dietary allowance. Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) questionnaire was used to assess diet quality and categorized as low (< 35), average (35-70) and high (≥ 70). Data were analysed using frequency, mean, median, interquartile range, standard deviation, percentages, Chi-square, analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation were used to examine relationship between variables at p < 0.05. Results showed that 69.92% of respondents were female, majority (79.59%) of respondents lived in urban areas, 31.06% were within the average age range of 55-64 years. About 53.82% had tertiary education, and 19.64% earned within ₦50,001 - ₦100,000 monthly. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27.74% and 3.25%, respectively, the mean WHR was 0.94±0.26 and the mean BP was 127/80. The mean FBG and HbA1C were 131.61±56.78 and 10.02±3.34 respectively. The mean WHR and BP were higher in males (0.95 ± 0.29; 132/81 mmHg) compared to females (0.93 ± 0.24; 126/79 mmHg). The mean FBG level was higher in females (71%) compared to males (29%). About 79.39% of respondents had a high dietary diversity. The best DQI score was adequacy (17.92±7.02), and weakest was overall balance (5.48±1.38). Generally, respondents had inadequate macronutrients intake. However, almost two-third of the males and females had excess carbohydrate intake. Most of the respondents had inadequate intakes of micronutrients. However, vitamins A, B3 and B12, and Iron intake were excess in males.A significant (p ≤ 0.03) association was found between BP and DQI, FBG was significantly (p=0.02, r= -0.13) correlated with IDDS. The DQI was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with BMI and WHR. Unhealthy dietary intakes were observed and low diet quality was prevalent among the respondents. Dietary intervention to promote adequate nutrient intakes and diversity is essential to improve the nutritional status of patients with co-existence of diabetes and hypertension.