ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO DIET-THERAPY AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 1 IN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition requiring strict adherence to diet therapy for effective management and prevention of complications. This study aimed to assess the level of compliance to diet therapy among patients with T1DM attending a tertiary health institution. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using a convenience sampling technique, 195 patients attending the Chest Out-Patient Department (COPD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) between February and March 2025 were selected. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and 187 properly completed questionnaires were retrieved, yielding a response rate of 95.9%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and findings were presented in frequencies, percentages, and means. The majority of respondents (55.1%) were aged between 32 and 37 years, with a slight female predominance (54.5%). Most participants were of Edo ethnicity (52.4%), had attained tertiary education (42.2%), and were predominantly traders (38.5%). The assessment of knowledge regarding diet therapy revealed a generally good level of awareness, with a grand mean score of 3.1 (cut-off = 2.5). Respondents demonstrated strong knowledge in areas such as the importance of meal timing, portion control, reducing sugar intake, and awareness of healthy food choices for blood sugar management. The findings indicate that patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in this tertiary health institution possess a good level of knowledge regarding diet therapy. However, gaps remain in areas such as practical application and consistent adherence to dietary recommendations. It is recommended that continuous diabetes education programs emphasizing practical dietary management strategies be strengthened. Healthcare providers should offer personalized dietary counseling and regular follow-up to enhance patient compliance and ultimately improve health outcomes among individuals living with type 1 diabetes mellitus